The Houston Astros try to break out of a funk on offense against one of baseball's top pitchers in Detroit's Tarik Skubal.

The Houston Astros have their work cut out for themselves to take this series after falling in Monday's opener with the Detroit Tigers.

Detroit has a 74-53 record overall and a 40-24 record at home. The Tigers have the fourth-ranked team ERA in the AL at 3.81. Houston has a 31-29 record in road games and a 69-56 record overall. The Astros have a 41-7 record in games when they scored five or more runs.

The Tigers' bats began to come alive in the fourth inning in support of Flaherty. Wenceel Perez blasted his 10th home run, off losing pitcher Spencer Arrighetti, giving the Tigers a 1-0 lead.

An All-Star pitching matchup will provide more intrigue to a showdown of American League division leaders in Detroit on Tuesday.

The Astros were shut out for the second consecutive game and third time in four nights as their offensive struggles continued in Detroit.

They are two of the best starting pitchers in baseball. Two All Stars. Two Cy Young candidates sharing the mound.

AJ Hinch knows better than to take for granted the incredible support the Tigers have been getting from their fans.