KC (Singer, 4-10, 4.85) vs Indians (McKenzie, 5-6, 4.28)

Cleveland is riding a high, having thumped the Yankees twice in three games, and has a very good young starter vs. KC on Monday. Triston McKenzie took a while to find his form, but he has been outstanding since the end of July. His last thee starts have been in triplicate; 1 run in 6 innings x 3. Two of KC”s starter Brady Singer’s last three starts have been of quality but the last one was a real pumpkin. He has been very uneven, and is poor on the road. The Royals are a miserable 8-17 with him on the mound.

As to the relievers, the Royals’ have been solid, if overused. Cleveland’s bullpen has been worse than usual, although lightly used. This being the first game of a double header, the bullpens may not come into play quite as much.

The Indians are a reasonable home team and 45-45 vs right-handers. They are a very positive 39-23 when favored, as they are on Monday. They are also punching well above their weight in the last two weeks, as noted against the Yankees.

The Royals are also very solid lately in offense, are 36-38 on the road, but 41-59 vs. right-handers.

I’m wagering on Cleveland. McKenzie can outright pitch, and has good length in his starts. Singer is a wild card, and not in the “play-off” sense. Take the Indians to win outright.