The Astros are definitely for real. Houston proved that its win against New York in the AL Wild Card game was no fluke with an impressive 5-2 win over the Kansas City Royals in Game 1 of the ALDS. Collin McHugh, a surprise 19-game winner for the Astros, shut down the Royals over six innings to give Houston a 1-0 series lead.
Can the Astros build on that strong performance in Game 2 and head home with a commanding 2-0 advantage? Or will the Royals fight back and level the series at a game apiece? Read on below for an in-depth breakdown of this ALDS matchup and while you’re at it, you can check out our NLDS Game 1 previews of Cubs vs. Cardinals and Mets vs. Dodgers.
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Houston Astros vs. Kansas City Royals ALDS Game 2 Preview
After shocking the Royals in Game 1, manager A.J. Hinch now gives the ball to veteran Scott Kazmir (7-11, 3.10 ERA). The lefty will be making his first postseason start since 2009 (then with the LA Angels). Kazmir posted a 2-6 record with a 4.17 ERA after being acquired by Houston in late July. He has struggled mightily of late, failing to last longer than 4.1 innings in each of his final three starts, lasting only 3.2 innings in two of them.
[sc:MLB240banner ]That being said, Kazmir will still fancy his chances against the Royals as he has fared extremely well against them this season. He’s 1-1 with a 2.11 ERA in three starts against Kansas City this year, limiting the Royals to just five runs in 21.1 innings. Kazmir hurled seven shutout innings against the Royals in his debut with Houston on July 24, a day after he was acquired from Oakland.
Given Kazmir’s recent struggles (0-2 with a 6.52 ERA in final six starts), it’s important for the Astros to provide some early runs for the left-hander. The Houston offense will rely on the red-hot Jose Altuve to carry them through today. He is 4-of-9 this postseason with a couple of RBIs. Another player who’s hitting the ball well in this year’s playoffs is George Springer. He has three hits in eight at-bats this postseason with a homer and an RBI.
The Astros are 5-1 in their last six Divisional Playoff games.
On the mound for the Royals in this must-win ballgame is Johnny Cueto (11-13, 3.44 ERA). The Dominican native hasn’t lived up to expectations since being acquired by Kansas City in the trade deadline, but the veteran has a chance to pay dividends when Kansas City hosts Houston in Game 2 of the American League Division Series today.
Cueto was just 4-7 with a 4.76 ERA in 13 starts for the Royals this season. He experienced a horrendous late-season stretch during which he had a 9.57 ERA while losing a career-worst five straight starts before going 2-1 with a 3.24 ERA over his final four outings. That late-season form of Cueto will give the Royals confidence that he can produce a quality start today. He is 3-6 with a 3.64 ERA in 13 career starts versus the Astros.
Apart from Cueto, the Royals also need their hitters to deliver some timely runs today. Although Kendrys Morales got Collin McHugh for two homers on Thursday, the rest of the Royals’ offense mustered just two walks and a single against the Houston starter. It’s crucial for the Royals that they get their bats going quickly in Game 2. Expected to lead the Kansas City attack today is Eric Hosmer. He is 9-of-23 against Kazmir with a walk and an RBI. Hosmer was hitless in four at-bats in Game 1.
The Royals are 5-1 in their last six games overall.
Writer’s Prediction
Kansas City levels the series with a dominant 6-2 victory.
