The Houston Astros, battling the Los Angeles Dodgers for the best record in Major League Baseball as the second half of the season begins, have become a contender for their first title in their 56th campaign. Only the Dodgers, with the National League's top mark at 61-29, are superior and the two appear to be the teams to beat to reach next October's playoffs and World Series. "It has been an incredible season so far," said Astros shortstop Carlos Correa of Puerto Rico.