The AL West leading Houston Astros remained hot last night, knocking off the Kansas City Royals in Game 1 of their 3-game set, 10-3, and have now won 5 straight. The Royals, who are dead last in the AL Central, will try to snap their 5-game losing streak. With Zack Greinke on the shelf, KC had to recall lefty Kris Bubic from AAA and he is expected to get the nod for the Royals. Before being sent down, Bubic’s numbers were horrendous. He was 0-3 with a bloated ERA of 12.83 and a 2.25 WHIP. That is not good against an Astros team that has outscored their opponents, 25-10, over their last 5 games. Houston is expected to have Luis Garcia toeing the rubber. Garcia’s numbers are very respectable, at 3-3, with a 3.14 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP, and he is 1-0 in his career against the Royals with a 2.31 ERA. Houston is 4-1 in their last 5 overall against KC and 9-3 in their last 12 at Kauffman Stadium. The Stros are hot; ride them ’til their not.
TODAY’S PICK: HOUSTON ASTROS