The Cleveland Indians needed extra innings to take care of business in the opener of this three-game series Monday night. They're a red hot 9-2 over their last 11 games and 6-1 in their last seven, and I expect a more comfortable win for the surging Tribe Tuesday night.

Cleveland right-hander Shane Bieber (6-3, 3.86 ERA) held Texas to two runs on five hits with eight strikeouts in six innings last time out. He has recorded 20 Ks over his last two starts combined and should have little to fear from this weak KC lineup.

The Royals counter with right-hander Glenn Sparkman (2-3, 3.62 ERA) who held Minnesota to one run over a career-high seven innings of a 4-1 victory versus Minnesota on Thursday. That was home at the K though; note that Sparkman has struggled on the road this year posting a 7.82 ERA over five appearances (two starts).

Royals are 12-42 in their last 54 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Royals are 1-4 in Sparkman's last 5 starts. Indians are 5-1 in Bieber's last 6 home starts.

10* play on Cleveland Indians -1.5.