The Royals saw their 5-game winning streak end on Wednesday but I like Kansas City to bounce back with Seth Lugo on the mound. Lugo has owned this current Cleveland lineup, holding them to a .188 average in 80 career at-bats. He should continue to have success against a Guardians' team that is hitting just .217 versus right-handed pitchers with 211 strikeouts this season. Meanwhile, Cleveland has been a profitable fade with Slade Cecconi on the mound. The Guardians are 1-6 in his seven starts and Cecconi has a road ERA of over 7.00. I'll back KC at home with a big edge in starting pitching.

Not that the Royals are very good, but this seems a tad generous of a number with K.C. at home and more important the starting pitching matchup. Cleveland's Slade Cecconi (more on him Thursday) has been one of the worst pitchers in the Show this season at 1-4 with a 6.58 ERA -- that ERA rises to 7.30 away. Also the end of a seven-game trip for the Guards. KC's Seth Lugo (1-1, 2.68 ERA) is about as dependable as they come.