Game #53 Preview: Houston Astros (20-32) at Kansas City Royals (24-26)

Houston Astros (20-32) vs. Kansas City Royals (24-26)

TV: CSN Houston, MLB.TV
Radio: KBME 790 AM, KLAT 1010 AM
Royals SBNation Blog: Royals Review

Pitching Matchup

RHP Collin McHugh (2-3, 3.32 ERA, 1.03 WHIP) vs. Jeremy Guthrie (2-3, 4.39 ERA, 1.19 WHIP)

Preview

Where else to start but with George Springer? Springer has lit the baseball world on fire. Since his injury against the Angels, he is 10-for-23 with five home runs, 12 RBIs, and 11 runs scored. He became the first player in Astros history to score five runs, four hits, two doubles, a walk, and home run in a same game. He comes the first Astros since 2006 if he hits a home run in five straight games,  joining Lance Berkman and Morgan Ensberg. Ensberg would go on to hit a home run in six straight games. Tonight he faces Jeremy Guthrie for the second time this season, he 1-for-2 with a walk in their first encounter.

Jason Castro has hit Guthrie hard in his career going 4-for-10 with a triple and two home runs. Marc Kraus also has a home run against Guthrie in three at-bats. Tonight's Royals starter comes in with a 2-2 record and 3.74 ERA at home. He his coming off a strong effort against the White Sox at home - 7 IP,  3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 SO. In Houston, the Astros put up four runs on six hits against Guthrie on April 16.

Collin McHugh has done more than enough to earn his spot in the rotation, posting 3.32 ERA in six starts. He had one of his best outings in his most recent start - giving up two runs over seven innings against the Angels. Norichika Aoki is the only Royal with previous at-bats against McHugh, he is 2-for-3 with an RBI.

Get your popcorn ready, it's time for the George Springer show.