Stephen Nover's Friday ALCS Big Casher
(MLB) Kansas City vs. Baltimore, 10/10/2014 4:07 PM, Score: 8 - 6
Money Line: -125.00 Baltimore (Home)
Result: Loss
There couldn't be more contrasting teams than the Royals and Orioles in this American League Championship Series. The Orioles are about power. The Royals are about speed.

But this matchup favors the long ball in power-friendly Camden Yards.

The Orioles are a heavy favorite to hit more homers in this game than Kansas City. Nelson Cruz alone has eight homers in 12 ALCS games.

Royals starter James Shields has allowed at least one homer in each of his last five starts. I don't understand why Shields has the nickname "Big Game" because he's been less than overwhelming in the postseason going 3-4 with a 4.96 ERA in eight playoff starts, including 0-2 in ALCS decisions.

Baltimore starter Chris Tillman has a 2.59 ERA this season at Camden Yards. He's pitched well down the stretch. Baltimore is 8-0 the last eight times Tillman has been favored. The Orioles also have won 71 percent of their past 52 home contests.