Royals vs Astros predictions
If you’re watching the Kansas City Royals, you know that Bobby Witt Jr. has been the guy to watch all season, and there’s no reason to think things will be any different against the Houston Astros. Witt Jr. is coming in hot, and I can see him making a mark yet again—think a couple base hits, maybe a double, and you know he’ll be running wild on the basepaths if he gets the chance. And keep an eye on Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez: both have the power and consistency to drive in runs in key spots, so don’t be surprised if they come through with a big RBI or even a long ball. Michael Lorenzen, the Royals’ probable starter, has been pretty solid recently, and he should be able to keep things close through five or six innings, limiting damage and giving his offense a fighting chance.
Switching over to the Houston Astros, this lineup just never seems to let up, even when they have some ups and downs. When you look at what Jake Meyers has been doing—swinging a steady bat, putting balls in play, and coming up big with runners on—you almost expect him to find a way to get on base and maybe ignite a rally. Then of course, there’s Jose Altuve and Yainer Diaz. Altuve just finds a way to spark this Astros offense, and I like his chances to get two hits and maybe score a run or two, while Diaz feels like a safe bet for a clutch RBI. On the mound, Colton Gordon is starting and he matches up well with this Royals lineup—think five or six innings with about four or five strikeouts, keeping Houston in the thick of things from the start.
All things considered, with Houston’s balanced lineup and solid home record, it just feels like the Astros are set up to take this series finale at Daikin Park. The Royals have been scrappy on the road, sure, but the Astros' combo of timely hitting and reliable pitching on their own turf gives them the edge. Basically, if you’re looking for a team that finds ways to win close games, Houston’s the play—expect them to come out on top and clinch this series with some late-inning drama.
