Dis-Astros Put Their Backs Against The Wall

WILLIAMSBURG, Virginia–

Houston (+110) at M’s 

Wow. What a disaster unfolding in Houston. Was it arrogance that sunk the champs?

12 games ago, the Astros had swept Texas in Arlington with a run barrage reminiscent of the 1927 New York Yankees.

They leapt to a 2.5 game in the A.L. West with a powder-puff schedule: nine of the next 12 games against the two worst teams in baseball – the Royals and A’s.

The race for the pennant was supposed to be a joke.

But then the champs realized they actually had to play the games to win.

They proceeded to lose 10 of their next 13 games, culminating in a humbling sweep at home at the hands of Kansas City, who came in with 103 losses.

That left their home record for the season at a shocking 39-42. They have lost 17 games at homes that were sellouts.

I guess the good news is the Astros go on the road, where they are 20 games over .500.

This is really a doctrine on baseball arrogance. No one told Oakland and KC about the coronation.

Now the Dis-Astros are a series from being eliminated from the playoffs altogether. Let that sink in.

Houston is a desperate ball-club. They turn to their ace, Justin Verlander tonight at Seattle in a must-win game.

It’s now or never. I like Verlander when the whole world rests on his shoulders.

Seattle has owned Houston this season. I’m going counter trend.

Pick: Houston (+110)