The Kansas City Royals overcame an early three-run deficit to earn a 5-4 Game 2 win, evening the American League Division Series at 1-1.
It seemed like the Houston Astros were in great shape after winning Game 1 and scoring in each of the first three innings Friday, but the Royals offense totaled 11 hits and knocked opposing starter Scott Kazmir out in the sixth inning. Kansas City was then able to attack the bullpen, with Ben Zobrist hitting the go-ahead single in the seventh.
Zobrist, Alcides Escobar and Salvador Perez each had two hits in the win, which ended a bizarre streak of five games to start the 2015 MLB playoffs, as ESPN Stats & Info noted:
Colby Rasmus, who hit a home run in each of the Astros' first two postseason games, was the offensive star again with two extra-base hits and a walk in a losing effort.
According to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick, this put Rasmus in the record books:
The outfielder kicked off the scoring with an RBI double in the first inning to give Houston an early lead. He added a solo home run in the third inning to extend the team's lead to 4-1. ESPN's J.A. Adande broke down the mistake pitch by Johnny Cueto:
It was not a good start for the All-Star pitcher, who also allowed a two-run bloop single by George Springer. With four runs allowed through three innings, many were all over Cueto for his poor showing. John Jastremski of CBS Radio explained how this could impact Cueto's upcoming free agency:
Despite the complaints, the talented pitcher settled down and was able to match Kazmir for the rest of the game. Cueto pitched six innings while allowing just the four early runs, giving the Royals a chance at a comeback.
Manager Ned Yost explained after the game the change in the last few innings:
Kansas City took advantage of the opportunity by doing damage against the Astros bullpen. Oliver Perez struggled in the sixth while allowing two singles and a walk. Josh Fields then walked Salvador Perez with the bases loaded on four pitches to tie the game at 4-4.
The home crowd might have had something to do with it, as it finally approached the energy from last year's playoff run, per Blair Kerkhoff of the Kansas City Star:
In the seventh inning, the Royals were able to take the lead for the first time in the series on a Zobrist RBI single that brought home Escobar. Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Radio noted the impressive hitting from the lineup:
At that point, eight of the team's nine hits had gone to the opposite field, a sign of quality hitting throughout the game.
The lead was more than enough for the Kansas City bullpen, which looks as good as it did a year ago at this time. Kelvin Herrera, Ryan Madson and Wade Davis combined for three shutout innings, allowing just one hit, and sealed the 5-4 victory.
Yost once again had full confidence in his team pulling out the win:
After Saturday's off day for travel, the series will resume Sunday at 4:10 p.m. ET in Houston. Edinson Volquez will start Game 3 for the Royals after a solid first season with the team. Consistency had been a problem early in his career, but he topped 200 innings for the first time this year and could pitch deep into the game if things go well.
Of course, the Astros have to be extremely confident with Dallas Keuchel on the mound after the 27-year-old lefty shut down the New York Yankees for six scoreless innings in the AL Wild Card Game. Considering his 15-0 record and 1.46 ERA at home, Houston should feel good about its chances.
Even with a pitching advantage, though, nothing is guaranteed in the MLB playoffs, and the series isn't over until a team wins three games. Expect both teams to come in believing they can win and take a 2-1 lead in the series.
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