Three things to watch in the series:
1. The Astros’ 11-7 record through 18 games is their best start since the 2006 team went 12-5. Chris Carter is on a five-game hit streak and Marwin Gonzalez is on a seven-game hit streak. The Astros are 7-0 in games started by either Collin McHugh or Dallas Keuchel.
2. Entering Sunday, the Padres had scored 93 runs in 19 games (4.89 runs per game), the best in the National League and second in the majors behind the Blue Jays. Last season through 19 games, the Padres had scored 53 runs.