HOUSTON (Interstat) — Jacob deGrom and the Texas Rangers face the Houston Astros on Saturday, Aug. 1, at Daikin Park, with Texas trying to snap a three-game losing streak.

The Rangers (55-55) are a half-game behind the Astros (56-55) in the AL West. Houston has won four straight and leads the season series 6-4. In Friday’s series opener, the Astros rolled 11-2, as Yainer Diaz went 4 for 5 with a homer and an RBI, and Jeremy Peña drove in three runs.

DeGrom (7-6) is the scheduled starter for Texas. Houston counters with right-hander Ronel Blanco (0-1). The forecast at first pitch: 93 degrees and cloudy.

For the Rangers, designated hitter Joc Pederson has been the hottest bat. Over his past 10 games, Pederson is 12 for 32 (.375) with four home runs and seven RBIs. He homered in Friday’s loss and is a key threat in the middle of the Texas order. Evan Carter also had two hits and an RBI in the opener.

Houston’s Hunter Brown is a focal point after his latest start. Brown allowed two earned runs on six hits over 5 2/3 innings Friday, striking out five to earn the win. He has won two straight starts.

Texas was installed as a 1.5-run favorite on the run line, with an over/under of 8.5. Interstat’s game simulator, however, projects Houston to win 7-5, and its ELO system gives the Astros a 53.6 percent chance to win.

The series continues Sunday at Daikin Park, then Texas heads home for a three-game set against San Francisco while Houston hosts Toronto for three games.