Astros at Royals: ALDS Game Thread

The Royals led the American League with a 95-67 season record. The Astros just squeaked into the playoffs with an 86-76 record--lowest among playoff qualifiers. Run differential puts these two teams on more even footing though. The Astros +111 actually bests the Royals +83.

The Astros were forced to use their best pitcher--Dallas Keuchel--in the wild card play-in game. Today they will send Collin McHugh--3.89 ERA, 3.58 FIP--to the mound. The Royals will counter with Yordano Ventura--4.08 ERA, 3.57 FIP. It's interesting their FIP are nearly identical.