This is an 8* on OVER

It would truly be a shocking result if the Royals were to sweep this series. They’ve kept the Astros at bay, winning 7-6, 3-1 and 3-2 in the first three games. Houston (70-50) still leads the AL West by 2.5 games as they are lucky Oakland is also on a four-game losing streak. Kansas City (52-67) remains in last in the Central, although they do now have a winning record at home. Win or lose, you’ve got to think the Astros’ offense gets it going today. They are #1 in the majors in runs/game. Their scoring average on the road, 5.5 runs/game, is higher than it is at home. They will face Mike Minor Thursday. Minor isn’t very good; he has a 5.35 ERA in 24 starts. He also has a 4.29 ERA in 16 career appearances vs. the Astros. Over his last three starts, Minor has given up six home runs. Kansas City should score too though. Houston’s Luis Garcia has a 4.93 ERA on the road. His last start of July and first start of August were both on the road. Both times he allowed at least five runs and didn’t make it through the fifth inning. Our view is that today’s game will be more like the opener (7-6) than either of the last two games. Play on OVER

AAA