KC will send Jeremy Guthrie out to the mound tonight. He should have no problem containing an Astros lineup that was shut out yesterday in Pittsburgh, losing for the 7th time in 9 games. While Guthrie is coming off his worst showing of 2013 last time out, his overall numbers remain impressive; he's 5-1 with a 2.82 ERA over eight starts. He's also never lost to Houston in three career outings, turning in a 3.68 ERA and 1.045 WHIP.  Two of those starts came last year.

The problem with taking the Royals here though is the fact their offense is struggling mightily right now and that they average only 2.9 runs per game vs. lefties.  That should give Houston southpaw Dallas Keuchel a decent shot at a quality outing.  The Royals, like the Astros, come into this series having lost 7 of 9.  In those seven losses, the Kansas City offense has scored a grand total of 17 runs. This game could easily turn into a pitcher's duel with the two inept offenses.  1* Under KC/Houston.