Houston @ Cleveland preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 21, 2013 ) Houston 1, Cleveland 4

The Cleveland Indians look to finish a four-game sweep and take another step toward a playoff berth when they host the Houston Astros on Sunday. The Indians stayed hot with a 4-1 victory on Saturday to maintain their hold on the second wild card spot in the American League. They are a half-game behind first-place Tampa Bay and a half-game up on Texas in the standings.

Cleveland has won 13 of 18 overall while Houston has dropped a season-high eight straight. The series is part of a favorable slate of games down the stretch that provides the Indians with a golden opportunity to finish their remarkable turnaround under first-year manager Terry Francona. After the Astros leave town, the struggling Chicago White Sox come to Cleveland with a 12-game losing streak against the Indians.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, CSN Houston (Houston), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Erik Bedard (4-11, 4.60 ERA) vs. Indians RH Corey Kluber (9-5, 3.62)

Bedard gave up four runs on as many hits in four innings against Cincinnati on Monday in his first start since Aug. 21. The Ontario native has failed to reach five innings in each of his last three starts, walking 10 men in 13 total innings in that stretch. Bedard also lasted just four frames in his one start against Cleveland this season and owns a 4.52 ERA in 12 career appearances versus the Indians.

Kluber has not lost in 10 starts dating to June 27 but has flirted with it in his three starts since returning from a finger injury. He has lasted five frames or fewer in each of those outings, including a 4 2/3-inning appearance at Kansas City on Tuesday in which he gave up three runs and six hits while walking three. The 27-year-old threw four scoreless innings in a relief appearance at Houston on April 20.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland improved to 17-9 on Saturdays with the 4-1 win. It is 16-9 on Sundays and exactly .500 from Monday-Friday.

2. Indians C Yan Gomes is 2-for-2 with a home run and a triple against Bedard.

3. Astros 1B/OF Chris Carter has 18 home runs and 54 RBIs in 71 road games.

PREDICTION: Indians 6, Astros 3