In this matchup the Houston Astros will host the Cleveland Indians for the opener of their ALDS. I like them home team to come through with a win with veteran right-hander Justin Verlander on the mound.

Verlander (16-9, 2.52 ERA), who did not crossmatch against the Indians this season, enters the postseason red hot after going 3-0 with a 1.09 ERA over five September starts. The Indians turn to right-hander Corey Kluber (20-7, 2.89 ERA) who finished 1-0 with a 1.35 ERA over two starts against the Astros this season, but he was tagged with three runs in five innings at Kansas City his last time out. For the season, Kluber posted a 3.80 ERA in 16 road starts compared to a 2.14 ERA at home and we can note that he gave up nine runs over 6 1/3 innings in the playoffs last season.

Indians are 2-5 in Kluber's last seven starts vs. a team with a winning record. Astros are 13-6 in Verlander's last 19 starts vs. a team with a winning record.

8* play on Houston Astros.