In the first of a three-game series between the Kansas City Royals (38-33) and the Houston Astros (37-36) at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium, Edinson Volquez (7-6, 4.12 ERA) and Dallas Keuchel (3-9, 5.32 ERA) get the ball. The Astros enter this series on a five-game winning streak. The game gets underway at 8:15 p.m. ET on Friday, Jun. 24 and will air on RTSW and FSKC.
In his last start, Volquez pitched 6.1 innings, giving up five runs and striking out six in a 16-5 victory over the Tigers. Eric Hosmer (.305, 39 Rs, 12 HRs, 44 RBIs, 4 SBs) went 1 for 4 Wednesday. The Astros were victorious over the Reds 5-4 the last time Keuchel pitched. He went 7.0 innings, allowing two runs and striking out six. Jose Altuve (.343, 51 Rs, 12 HRs, 41 RBIs, 18 SBs) went 1 for 2 Wednesday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
Notes
Kansas City has won 47% (14-16) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Houston has won 50% (16-16) of its games when taking a late lead.
After a weak showing last week where they got in eight hits, the Astros need to step it up. The Royals have a record of 25-14 when opponents get eight hits or less.
When they are outhit, the Royals are 4-19. The Astros have an 8-30 record when opponents outhit them.
Kansas City ranks near the bottom of the league when it comes to home runs, hitting 62 this season. Houston ranks in the top 10 with 91.
Ranking 30th, Kansas City is at the bottom of the league in walks, notching 160 this season. Houston ranks in the top five at second with 286.
The Royals are 28-16 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Astros are 33-24 when they hit at least one homer.
