The Royals had a losing record this season when not playing the worst team in MLB history. The Yankees are much better and have now gone 6-2 against the Royals this year. Starter Carlos Rodon had a 2.20 ERA in September, so even if you like Cole Ragans better here in the pitching matchup, it's not a significant edge. I like the better team here and the juice isn't too bad.

With Kansas City scoring five runs in game 1, I think they can get over those hitting woes that happened at the end of the regular season and in the first two games against Baltimore. And the reason I say that is because of Carlos Rodon pitching for the Yankees who has struggled for stretches this season. Two of his last three starts against the Royals have gone over, four runs in September, and last September he gave up eight runs. I don't want to say that the Royals are going to win but I think they have the best opportunity against Rodon. Cole Ragans has allowed no runs in his last two starts both wins, both on the road. Over is the play.

Kansas City fans who can pry themselves away from watching the Chiefs tonight could get a bonus from the Royals, who have the man they want on the mound for Game 2 in Cole Ragans, who has pitched as good as anybody since the beginning of September. Five starts since covering 31 IP, and an 0.87 ERA. Included was a solid six innings vs. the Yanks in the Bronx on September 11, though KC lost in extra innings. Note that two nights earlier (September 9), NY's Carlos Rodon had a difficult time of it vs. the Royals, allowing four runs in 6 IP, and in five September starts, Rodon allowed six homers, a potential sign of postseason trouble. Play Royals on Money Line

Yankees may have an Aaron Judge playoff problem on their hands, I doubt their supporting cast and Juan Soto has to face one of the nastiest lefties in baseball. Cole Ragans is up for this, and he has the better fielding and more athletic team behind him. Carlos Rodon will give up a longball or two (15 in 80 IP in the Bronx this season) and Royals can run all over the Yankee catchers once they get on base. Expect a big night from Bobby Witt Jr. I prefer the Royals pen. This is going to be a series