The set-up: The A's won seven of ten in the regular-season series between these clubs, but I like the Astros to take Game 1. For the fourth straight season and fifth in the last six years, Houston is in the playoffs. Lance McCullers Jr. (3-3, 3.93) was the only Houston pitcher that didn't throw in the wildcard round, so he comes very fresh having not hit the hill since September 26th.

The pick: The A's won their first playoff series in 14 years and I think they're primed for a classic letdown here. Chris Bassitt (5-2, 2.29 in regular season) who gave up one run over six innings last Wednesday. Note though that Oakland is 1-4 in its last five off a victory and only 1-4 in its last five following a day off, while Houston is 5-0 in its last five playoff games not played in HOuston and 41-10 in its last 51 following a day off. The experience that these Astros players bring to the table is invaluable at this point. Outright win is possible, but let's lay the reasonable mid-sized price for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance in a contest which could easily see extra frames.

This is an 8* PLAY-BOOK on the ASTROS on the RUN-LINE!