Astros defeat Royals 5–2 in ALDS Game 1
The Houston Astros knocked off the home Kansas City Royals 5–2 in Game 1 of the ALDS to take a 1–0 series lead.
The Royals were forced to use five pitchers, after starter Yordano Ventura struggled, giving up four hits and three earned runs in two innings of work. Chris Young produced four solid innings of work in relief, striking out seven, but gave up a solo home run to rightfielder George Springer that gave the Astros a two-run lead in the fifth inning.
The Astros took an early 2–0 lead in the first inning. For a team that was fueled by the long ball in the regular season—the Astros only trailed the Toronto Blue Jays in this category—the home run was again crucial. Along with Springer, leftfielder Colby Rasmus hit a bomb in the eighth inning to give the Houston some breathing room.
Overall, the Astros produced 10 hits, led by a 3-for-5 effort from second baseman Jose Altuve.
Astros starter Colin McHugh pitched six innings, giving up four hits and two earned runs.
Designated hitter Kendrys Morales was the only offense for the Royals. He hit solo home runs in the second and fourth innings.
Game 2 of the series is scheduled for 3:45 p.m. Friday on Fox Sports 1. The Royals will send Johnny Cueto, who is 4–7 since coming to the team in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds on July 26, to the mound. The Astros will counter with veteran Scott Kazmir, who has won only one of his starts since August.
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- Alex Nieves
