The 9-1 Astros have clinched but don’t appear to have taken their foot off the gas, shutting out the Rays in two straight road games. They are the best hitting team in the league over the last 2 weeks, and don’t give up many runs. Their run differential over the last 7 games is a remarkable 5.3/1.9.

After 2 straight losses, the 6-4 Rays are desperate for a win, but that outcome is uncertain as they face yet a third excellent Astros’ starter. McCullers Jr. has only 6 starts this year, and while he has yet to give up more than 3 runs, he is really just rounding into top shape now. He struck out 11 in his last start and has given up 2 or less runs in his last 4 appearances.

Standing between the Rays and the broom is veteran Kluber. He has had some quality starts, but certainly not his last two, and there have been more than a few poor outings this year. The Rays have not hit well in recent weeks, and have a run differential of 3.6/3.1. Their bullpen is good as usual, but is overworked, and can’t compare at the moment to the Astros’ with a 1.29 ERA over the last 10 games.

If this were any other year, I would be on the Rays to bounce back, but they are not quite their usual irritating selves. Take advantage of very decent odds and wager on the Astros today.