After posting two of their most important victories of the season to date, the visiting Houston Astros will look to earn a pivotal series sweep of the floundering Atlanta Braves on Sunday afternoon.

Their offense struck early both nights. After the outburst backed a bullpen game in the opener, Houston sent Hunter Brown to the mound Saturday. Its co-ace bulled through an effective start, working into the seventh inning of a 6-2 win over the non-contending Braves.

The Houston Astros received an injury scare in Saturday night's 6-2 win over the Atlanta Braves when nine-time All-Star Jose Altuve was pulled after complaining of right foot discomfort.

Facing Braves right hander Bryce Elder (7-9, 5.31 ERA, 112 SO) tonight would be Hunter Brown (11-7, 2.25 ERA, 190 SO). The Astros won his last outing 11-0 (vs. Rangers), but lost the previous three in a row in which he started.

Jose Altuve had singled in the top of the third inning Saturday before being removed on defense in the bottom half.

Hunter Brown gave up two runs in 6 2/3 innings and the Houston Astros jumped on Atlanta right-hander Bryce Elder early to beat the Braves 6-2.

Jose Altuve has been the face of the Houston Astros franchise since he debuted for the organization 15 seasons ago in 2011.

In a tight division race, Houston is leaning on Hunter Brown, who's being given a longer leash in his starts and making early leads hold up.

Zach Cole hit a home run in his first major league at-bat, Jose Altuve hit his 25th homer of the season and the Houston Astros routed the Atlanta Braves 11-3.