Royals at Astros
The Houston Astros' inconsistent offense came alive in its last series, recording more homers than the opposition did runs. Following an explosive trip to Mexico that capped an up-and-down six-game road trip, the Astros hope their bats remain hot at home on Monday, when they begin a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals.
Houston, which has scored at least 10 runs in six contests and been limited to fewer than four in 14, found itself on the upswing during its two-game set at Estadio de Beisbol in Monterrey, connecting for eight home runs and outscoring the Los Angeles Angels 24-6 during the sweep. "We put up really good at-bats. I think one after another, it got a little contagious," Astros manager A.J. Hinch told reporters. "Our guys did a good job of hitting the ball hard and getting in good hitter’s counts and doing a lot of damage. We clearly played well here in Monterrey." Alex Bregman led the charge in both games, finishing 5-for-10 with three blasts and eight RBIs to end an eight-game slump during which he was 3-for-28. The Royals were unable to build upon a series win over Tampa Bay earlier in the week or a season-best offensive output in Saturday's 15-3 rout of Detroit, dropping two of three against the Tigers to kick off a six-game trek - including Sunday's 5-2 defeat in 10 innings.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Jakob Junis (3-2, 5.12 ERA) vs. Astros RH Gerrit Cole (2-4, 3.95)
Junis notched his second victory in as many tries against Tampa Bay on Wednesday following a four-game winless streak, limiting the Rays to two runs in 6 1/3 innings. The 26-year-old improved to 2-0 with a 2.38 ERA versus the Rays but is 1-3 with a 6.26 ERA in five outings against other teams this season. Michael Brantley is 4-for-11 with three RBIs and Carlos Correa has gone 4-for-5 with a home run against Junis, who is 0-1 with a 10.00 ERA in two career starts versus the Astros.
Cole enjoyed his most dominant effort of the season Tuesday in Minnesota, yielding only one hit and walking three while tying a season high with 11 strikeouts in seven scoreless innings. The two-time All-Star already has fanned at least 10 batters in four of his seven turns and leads the majors with 65 strikeouts, punching out at least eight in six of his outings. Lucas Duda (6-for-14, four homers) and Chris Owings (5-for-12, four doubles) have gotten the better of Cole, who is 1-1 with a 2.19 ERA in two career starts against Kansas City.
WALK-OFFS
1. Correa extended his hitting streak to 15 games with a two-run blast on Sunday and is batting .306 with five doubles and five homers during the run.
2. Kansas City rookie 3B Kelvin Gutierrez finished 6-for-14 with three RBIs in Detroit and has driven in at least one run in eight of his first 10 major-league contests.
3. Houston RHP Ryan Pressly did not give up a run in 1 2/3 frames on Sunday to extend his scoreless streak to 33 innings - breaking Roy Oswalt's record for the longest such run in club history.