ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The Atlanta Braves open a three-game series against the Houston Astros on Friday, with their first losing season since 2017 hanging in the balance.

The Braves sit at 65-81, well out of the NL East race and more than 10 games back from the wild card chase. The only way the team can avoid a losing season is if they win out and finish at .500. But for Houston, the Astros sit 79-68 and are clinging to the AL West lead by just 0.5 games. These last few weeks are very important to the Astros and their playoff chances.

Braves-Astros probable pitchers

Friday, 7:15 p.m. - RHP Hurston Waldrep (4-0, 1.33 ERA) vs. TBD

Saturday, 7:15 p.m. - RHP Bryce Elder (7-9, 5.35 ERA) vs. RHP Hunter Brown (11-7, 2.27 ERA)

Sunday, 1:35 p.m. - LHP Joey Wentz (5-6, 5.31 ERA) vs

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