Johnny Cueto (11-13, 3.44 ERA) and the Kansas City Royals square off against Scott Kazmir (7-11, 3.10 ERA) and the Houston Astros in Game 2 of the Divisional Playoffs at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium. The Astros won the last game 5-2, and Houston leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 3:45 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 9 and can be seen on FS1.
Cueto pitched 5.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering one run, striking out four and walking four in a 6-1 win over the Twins. Kendrys Morales (.291, 83 Rs, 24 HRs, 108 RBIs) had another good game yesterday, going 2 for 4 with two runs, two home runs, and two RBIs. Kazmir went 4.1 innings, surrendering six runs (two unearned), striking out three and walking two in a 7-6 win over the Mariners in his last outing. Carlos Correa (.275, 52 Rs, 22 HRs, 68 RBIs, 14 SBs) went 1 for 5 yesterday.
The odds for Kansas City and Houston are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable as of now. Kansas City is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 105 bases.
Offensively, the Astros have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 4.5 runs per game by averaging 6.4 during that stretch. The Astros can change the game with one swing of the bat, leading the league with 234 home runs. The Astros are an excellent base stealing team with 124 stolen bases, ranking third in the MLB. Moving on to Houston’s pitching staff and defense, the Astros allow just 3.8 runs per game, ranking them first in the AL. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Astros are one of the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.195 for the season.
The Astros have controlled the season series, 5-2. The Royals have a 31-26 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Kazmir takes the mound. Cueto (RHP) will be on the hill against the Astros, who have a 55-47 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – HOU
Notes
The Royals are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded 14 strikeouts. The Astros have a record of 4-7 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they are outhit, the Royals are 14-58. The Astros have a 14-53 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking first in home runs, Houston has hit 234 this season. Kansas City ranks 22nd with 141 home runs.
Ranking 13th, Houston is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.41 per game. Kansas City ranks in the top five at second with 9.24.
Ranking 10th, Kansas City is in the top 10 of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.736). Houston ranks in the top five at second with an OPS of .754.
When the Astros allow at least one home run, they are 36-54. When the Royals allow one or more homers, they have a 41-52 record.
