Kansas City Royals vs
Houston AstrosPredictions & Preview

Kansas City Royals Look to Extend Winning Streak Against Houston Astros in Second Game of Series

The Kansas City Royals will face off against the Houston Astros in the second game of their four-game series at Minute Maid Park. Seth Lugo will start as pitcher for the Royals, with Framber Valdez taking the mound for the Astros. The Royals previously swept the Astros in their last series. The game is set to begin at 8:10 PM Eastern time, with Houston as the betting favorite.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Royals +136 | Astros -148
• Spread: Royals +1.5 (-165) | Astros -1.5 (+145)
• Total: Over/Under 7.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Houston will win straight-up is 60%.

Kansas City vs Houston Stats

Kansas City Royals

The Cleveland Guardians ended the Kansas City Royals' three-game winning streak with a 7-5 victory on Wednesday evening. Catcher Bo Naylor's 11th home run of the season in the seventh inning was a key factor in the win. Kansas City starter Michael Wacha pitched six innings and allowed five earned runs on nine hits. Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. hit his 28th home run of the season in the loss. Vinnie Pasquatino and second baseman Michael Massey also homered in the game. The Kansas City offense has been performing well, scoring five runs or more in three consecutive games. In terms of power rankings, Kansas City is ranked 11, with an offense ranked 8, defense ranked 8, and a season record of 75-59. Key injury update: Outfielder Hunter Renfroe remains on the IL with a back issue.

Houston Astros Analysis

The Houston Astros dominated the Philadelphia Phillies 10-0 in a recent game, with left fielder Yordan Alvarez hitting three home runs and rookie Spencer Arrighetti pitching an impressive game. The Astros have been performing well, with their pitching staff shining and limiting opponents to three runs or less in most recent games. The team's current power ranking is 7, with a strong offense ranked at #12 and a solid defense ranked at #5. Outfielder Kyle Tucker is still out with a lower leg injury. When facing the Kansas City Royals, the Astros have a record of 71-62 and have had success in their previous matchups. In their last meeting against the Royals, pitcher Valdez struggled, but overall, the team is in good form.

Kansas City Royals Poised for Victory Against Houston Astros in Road Matchup

Lugo demonstrated proficiency in his prior outing against Houston in Kansas City earlier this season, completing six innings while allowing two runs. The Royals have been consistently outperforming the Astros, triumphing in their last six encounters and securing three consecutive wins at Minute Maid Park. Recent matchups have seen Houston's pitching struggle against Kansas City, conceding six or more runs in three of their last four games. Kansas City has exhibited strength on the road, claiming victory in seven of their past eight games and winning three of their last four series, including sweeps against the White Sox and Reds. Their pitchers have maintained a 3.62 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP in their last 10 away games, contributing to their overall success. With a 56% win rate against the spread in 2024 and the Astros only emerging victorious in one of their previous three home series, the data strongly points towards a Kansas City win in Houston. It is recommended to support the Royals in this matchup.

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