The Challenge. On 4-6 July, the Astros swept the Dodgers, outscoring them 29-6. Their pitching is among the best in the Majors (bullpen ranked second best and rotation ranked fourth best in Wins Above Average). Astros were the 5th best team in the Majors per power rankings by The Athletic. On the other hand, after sweeping the Dodgers they lost three consecutive series. Maybe the Astros are in a slump.
Additional challenges. In July, the Diamondbacks lost three games when they scored 5 runs, an indicator of a weakness in pitching. The fast-approaching trade deadline could possibly weaken the Diamondbacks before or during their series with the Astros.