(5%) HOUSTON. Up 5-2, the Royals were on the verge of their first 4-game sweep of Cleveland since 1973. The win would have given them first place in the division. It didn't happen though, as the Guardians came roaring back to win 7-5. That was a very tough loss for the Royals and I expect it to have a lingering effect into Game 1 of this series. It doesn't help that they're facing a red hot Hunter Brown. While I'm aware that Brown got clobbered at KC back in the spring, he's not curently the same pitcher now that he was on that April day. In four August starts, he's got a 1.85 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP, opposing hitters batting .179. He's 4-1 with a 2.14 ERA since the break. Singer got roughed up in his last start, allowing 11 hits and five runs in five innings. He's 1-3 with a 6.23 in August. Like the Royals, he's not as good on the road. Note that he's also 2-7 in night games compared to 2-7 in day games. Off yesterday's blowout of the Phillies, the Astros have their momentum back. They'll be too much for the Royals on Thursday. *good at 5% up to -160