Gamethread CXXXVII - Royals at Astros

The Royals can’t split if they don’t win tonight

Thursday night, the Royals endured a brutal injury that put the first real question mark in their pursuit of the postseason. Last night, the team was nearly no-hit before deadline acquisition Paul DeJong sparked some hope with a two-run home run off of Astros closer Josh Hader before the Astros walked it off in the bottom of the inning. Tonight, the Royals will try to give themselves a chance to split the series when Cole Ragans faces off against Yusei Kikuchi.

Ragans will be looking to bounce back from a bad start Monday afternoon when he walked four and struck out four while allowing two runs, one earned, in four innings before leaving with cramping in his left leg. Royals fans will be on the lookout for his accuracy and stamina to return as they’ll need an impressive outing from one of their aces to even have a shot.

Left-hander Yusei Kikuchi will make the start for the Astros, his sixth since they acquired him from the Blue Jays in a deadline deal. Kikuchi has pitched a 2.89 ERA since being acquired by the Astros, so the Royals offense will have their work cut out for them. While with the Blue Jays earlier this season, Kikuchi did face the Royals once. He led them to their only victory against the Royals in the four-game series played in Kansas City when he allowed only two runs in six innings while walking no one.

The Royals added reinforcements today, but they aren’t expected to report until tomorrow. Hopefully in time to help out in the series finale. But if the Royals want to be playing for a split instead of simply to avoid a sweep when Robbie Grossman and Tommy Pham show up, they’re going to need to find a way to win tonight.

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