Houston Astros (51-104) at Cleveland Indians (85-70), 12:05 pm (CT)

Houston At Cleveland, 12:05 p.m. (CT)

TV: CSN Houston, MLB.TV
Radio: KTRH 740 AM, KLAT 1010 AM <----- Note the Station Change for Today
Indians SBNation Blog: Let's Go Tribe

Pitching Match

LHP Erik Bedard ( 4-11 / 4.60 ERA / 1.52 WHIP) vs. RHP Corey Kluber (9-5 / 3.62 ERA / 1.23 WHIP)

Preview

I'm done talking about the playoff implications of this series; the Astros have played in two straight series against current playoff teams. They're record in those games is zero wins and six losses. (puts on tinfoil hat) Maybe less playoff talk will create a reverse jinx to help the Astros avoid their second straight series sweep at the hands of a team from Ohio.

Erik Bedard is making his second start since returning from the bullpen, as a result Jarred Cosart's season shutdown. He only lasted four innings and gave up four runs to the Reds in his last start. Bedard has a 5.50 ERA over his last two months of pitching. Bedard's third start of the season came against the Indians in Houston - lasting four innings and giving up two runs.

Nick Swisher's career batting average against Bedard is .235 (4-17) with two home runs and four runs batted in. Kelly Shoppach is 3-for-10 with a home run against the Astros' left-hander in his career.

Corey Kluber returned to the rotation on September 7, after being placed on the 15-Day Disabled List with a sprained right middle finger. During his three starts, he has an 4.30 ERA, with nine strikeouts and five walks. Kluber made a relief appearance in Houston on April 20, he keep the Astros scoreless on two hits over four innings.

Chris Carter has a double in six career at-bats against Kluber. Marwin Gonzalez and Brandon Laird are each 1-for-2 in their careers against today's Cleveland starter.