We saw more of the same from the red-hot Astros on Monday night. Though only hitting decent at best overall, they were able to hit timely, as they suddenly fired a three-run homer at the top of the ninth – courtesy of Yuli Gurriel – after almost blowing a 4-0 lead. The series-opening, 7-3 victory over the Royals pushed their winning streak to 11.
With the next three games still against the American League-Central bottoming Royals, who they beat two out of three times in early April, we can expect the streak to continue. Houston’s offensive onslaught is nothing short of explosive as of late, as it has 10 or more hits in nine of its last 11 games, along with an impressive 28 homers. The team has a batting average of .321 and a slugging percentage of .608 in that span.
George Springer, who isn’t exactly the player to pose the biggest threat in the team, is on the zone in the past week. He’s hitting at the .457 mark, with five homers, 10 RBIs, and 11 runs in his last five. Other key batters are also unloading some goods during the week – Jose Altuve is batting .481, while Carlos Correa and Carlos Beltran are both above .340 while chipping in six dingers and 19 RBIs together.
Probable starting pitcher David Paulino, meanwhile, is out to give a follow-up for his good start last May 31st, where he retired eight batters across four innings (allowed two runs on five hits and one walk).
The Royals had a chance to finally move out of last place in the AL Central, but their mediocrity couldn’t allow it. In fact, in yesterday’s game, they looked like they were in danger of getting shutout at home for the second straight day. After getting blanked by the Cleveland Indians on Sunday, 8-0, it took them 4 1/2 innings on Monday to score.
It’s tough to say that things will be different tomorrow night, particularly on defense. Starter Jake Junis, who’s in his first year in the majors, will only be in his fourth game of the season (second start). Though serviceable in his appearances (2.70 ERA), the Astros’ firepower might be too much to handle.
As for the offense, look for stars Eric Hosmer and Lorenzo Cain to remain as the most productive batters – the two combine for a .315 batting average in the past week, with two homers, nine RBIs, and 10 runs.
The other batters are hot-and-cold – Whit Merrifield entered Monday batting .500 (10-for-20) in his last five, but proceeded to go 0-for-5, while Jorge Bonifacio, who’s only ninth in the team in total at-bats despite batting above .280, went 2-for-5 with one homer.
