Tonight starting at 7:10 p.m. CT, the Astros host the Los Angeles Angels in the first of four games.

This will be the fourth and final series of the year, but the first to last four games instead of three. Houston leads the season series six games to three and will take dominance with just one more win. Historically, Houston’s 127-82 record against the Halos gives it a winning percentage of .608, Houston’s best against any other opponent.

The last time we saw the Angels, they were swept at home, culminating in a 6-4 victory on Sunday. Ronel Blanco threw six scoreless innings, allowing two walks and four hits with five strikeouts. He hit 58 of 92 balls across the plate. Hector Neris followed with a perfect seventh inning and a strikeout. Kaleb Ort allowed one run in his inning, and Caleb Ferguson allowed three runs in his third. Josh Hader (31) had to play fireman for the final two outs. Jason Heyward (8) led Houston’s offense with two singles and a home run. Jeremy Peña also had two hits.

His reputation, I can see why he follows him everywhere. He’s a true pro. — Joe Espada, on Heyward

Houston won one of three games in San Diego over the past three days, including a combined two-hitter (against) on Wednesday. Heyward and Mauricio Dubón were the only Houston players to get hits, both singles, and neither managed a walk. Framber Valdez (14-7, 2.85) lost despite lowering his ERA again, allowing one run in seven strong innings. He scored 63 of 94 runs. Ort came in and allowed two straight home runs to San Diego without getting an out in the eighth inning.

I know he threw hard, but the results were not on his side. — Espada, via Location

The Angels, meanwhile, won two of three games against the mighty Chicago White Sox, including a 4-3 walkoff victory in 13 innings on Wednesday. Jose Quijada (2-0, 1.00) earned the win on an RBI single by Jordyn Adams with one out in the bottom inning.

He had them on top form all day. After he got through the seventh inning, he only had 79 pitches, but he wasn’t concerned about the number of pitches. He was more concerned about facing the lineup for the fourth time. — Ron Washington on starting pitcher Jack Kochanowicz

Playing times and starting pitchers

Thursday, 7:10 p.m. CT: José Suarez (1-2, 6.80) vs. Yusei Kikuchi (9-9, 4.29)
Friday, 7:10 p.m. CT: Tyler Anderson (10-13, 3.60) vs. Justin Verlander (4-6, 5.20)
Saturday, 6:10 p.m. CT: Reid Detmers (4-7, 6.05) vs. Ronel Blanco (11-6, 2.88)
Sunday, 1:10 p.m. CT: Griffin Canning (6-13, 5.16) vs. Spencer Arrighetti (7-13, 4.68)

The magic number six could put the Astros in contention for the AL West Division title for the eighth time in nine seasons before this series ends. If they don’t win it before then, they’ll have plenty of chances when they host the Seattle Mariners three times starting Monday.