The Crawfish Boxes - 2013 AL Series: Houston Astros at Kansas City Royals Astros baseball: we've got uniforms and everything.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/11437/crawfishboxes-fv.gif2013-06-09T19:03:03-05:00http://www.crawfishboxes.com/rss/stream/41719012013-06-09T19:03:03-05:002013-06-09T19:03:03-05:00Astros shut out by Royals
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ii_6-kaJWhisZDmosRNGW5jaX9U=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/14497501/170238253.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ed Zurga</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Astros offense struggled again as the Royals shut out Houston in the series finale. </p> <p>What's wrong with the <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Astros</a> offense? </p>
<p>As we leave the haze of this year's <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb-draft" class="sbn-auto-link">baseball draft</a> and start to focus on, you know, the actual big leaguers instead of the future ones, that's the biggest question facing this team. In consecutive series, Houston has failed to find its offensive stroke, outside of a lone game against the <a href="https://www.camdenchat.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Orioles</a>. </p>
<p>Since Houston's six-game winning streak ended on Tuesday, the Astros have lost five of six games. In those five losses, Houston has scored just six runs total. Twice, the Astros mustered just one run and twice they scored only two.</p>
<p>Sunday's indignity was getting shut out in Kansas City to end what was a painful road trip to barbeque country. <span>Lucas Harrell</span> pitched one of his best games of the season, throwing seven shutout innings and allowing just two hits and three walks while striking out one. He only needed 99 pitches to get through those seven innings, but Bo Porter pulled him and went with <span>Hector Ambriz</span>.</p>
<p>Ambriz promptly gave up four hits and two runs to give the <a href="https://www.royalsreview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Royals</a> the victory, taking his third loss of the season. What's worse, the Royals did all that on singles, as Kansas City didn't have an extra-base hit in the game. </p>
<p>In second game back to the lineup, second baseman <span>Jose Altuve</span> was 1 for 4 after being plugged into the leadoff spot. <span>Carlos Pena</span> was the only Astro to reach base twice, going 1 for 3 with a walk. Shortstop <span>Ronny Cedeno</span> was 1 for 3 with the game's only extra-base hit, a double and his fifth of the season.</p>
<p>So, where does the Houston offense go from here? It's tough to tell. Five games is not enough to be called a slump, but if previously hot players like <span>Jason Castro</span> and <span>J.D. Martinez</span> continue to struggle, the Astros could continue to see zeroes on the scoreboard for the next week or so.</p>
<p>We're looking for recap writers. If you're interested you can contact us at SBN.crawfishboxes@gmail.com</p>
<div class="pane widget freeform_html clearfix">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/CrawfishBoxes"><img width="100%" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2340299/tcb-twitter-insert.png"></a></p>
</div>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/6/9/4412824/mlb-scores-royals-2-astros-0David Coleman2013-06-09T13:10:05-05:002013-06-09T13:10:05-05:00Gamethread #64: Astros at Royals
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tb_2MqhtQgLchSla2d2e3e2Vv10=/0x38:4000x2705/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/14478765/170198287.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ed Zurga</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Join the conversation as the Astros look to avoid the sweep in Kansas City.</p> <p></p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget current_series clearfix"> <h3>Current Series</h3> <div class="pane-body"> <h4>Royals lead the series 2-0</h4> <table class="zebra"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="td-first">Fri 06/07</td> <td> WP: Kelvin Herrera (3 - 4) <br> SV: Greg Holland <br> LP: Wesley Wright (0 - 2) <br> </td> <td class="td-last"><span>2 - 4 loss</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-first">Sat 06/08</td> <td> WP: Ervin Santana (4 - 5) <br> LP: Erik Bedard (1 - 3) <br> </td> <td class="td-last"><span>2 - 7 loss</span></td> </tr> <tr style="background: none;"><td colspan="3" style="background: none;"><div class="pane sports_data_widget next_game clearfix"><div class="pane-body"> <p class="game-title"><a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Houston Astros</a> <span class="blog-hover-link" id="blog_icon_968098868"><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v37b17e2.png"></a><span class="blog-hover-menu" id="blog_icon_968098868_menu" style="display: none;"><span class="img"><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/community_logos/474/crawfishboxes_m.gif" alt="Crawfishboxes_m"></a></span><span><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/">The Crawfish Boxes</a></span></span></span> <br> <span class="blog_link">@ <a href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Kansas City Royals</a> <span class="blog-hover-link" id="blog_icon_661307968"><a href="http://www.royalsreview.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v37b17e2.png"></a><span class="blog-hover-menu" id="blog_icon_661307968_menu" style="display: none;"><span class="img"><a href="http://www.royalsreview.com/"><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/community_logos/434/royalsreview_m.gif" alt="Royalsreview_m"></a></span><span><a href="http://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals Review</a></span></span></span> </span></p> <p class="game-info"><span>Sunday, Jun 9, 2013, 1:10 PM CDT</span><br> Kauffman Stadium</p> <p class="weather"> Partly cloudy. Winds blowing from left to right field at 10-15 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 75.</p> <p> </p> <p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><span>Complete Coverage ></span></span></p> </div></div></td></tr> </tbody> </table> </div> </div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p></p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget player_info clearfix"> <img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/player_photos/l.mlb.com/xt.fss.l.mlb.com-p.16775.jpg"><h2><span>Lucas Harrell</span></h2> <h4 class="player-position">#64 / Pitcher / <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Houston Astros</a> </h4> <div class="player_info_body"> <p><label>Height:</label> 6-2</p> <p><label>Weight:</label> 210</p> <p><label>Bats:</label> B</p> <p><label>Throws:</label> R</p> <p><label>Born:</label> Jun 03, 1985</p> </div> </div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p></p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget player_stats clearfix"><table class="zebra"> <thead> <tr> <th class="td-first"> </th> <th>W-L</th> <th>ERA</th> <th>WHIP</th> <th>K</th> <th>BB</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody><tr> <td class="td-first">2013 - <span>Lucas Harrell</span> </td> <td>4-7</td> <td>4.97</td> <td>1.68</td> <td>41</td> <td class="td-last">37</td> </tr></tbody> </table></div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p></p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget player_info clearfix"> <img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/player_photos/l.mlb.com/xt.fss.l.mlb.com-p.14937.jpg"><h2><span>Luis Mendoza</span></h2> <h4 class="player-position">#39 / Pitcher / <a href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Kansas City Royals</a> </h4> <div class="player_info_body"> <p><label>Height:</label> 6-3</p> <p><label>Weight:</label> 245</p> <p><label>Bats:</label> R</p> <p><label>Throws:</label> R</p> <p><label>Born:</label> Oct 31, 1983</p> </div> </div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p></p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget player_stats clearfix"><table class="zebra"> <thead> <tr> <th class="td-first"> </th> <th>W-L</th> <th>ERA</th> <th>WHIP</th> <th>K</th> <th>BB</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody><tr> <td class="td-first">2013 - <span>Luis Mendoza</span> </td> <td>1-3</td> <td>4.76</td> <td>1.55</td> <td>34</td> <td class="td-last">23</td> </tr></tbody> </table></div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p>Lineups</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"> <p>Sunday at KC: Altuve-2b; Castro-DH; Corporan-c; Pena-1B; Martinez-rf; Carter-lf; Crowe-cf; Dominguez-3b; Cedeno-ss; Harrell-p.</p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/statuses/343755987909505024">June 9, 2013</a> </blockquote>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"> <p>6/9 <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals">@Royals</a> lineup vs <a href="https://twitter.com/astros">@Astros</a> Gordon LF Hosmer 1B Perez C Butler DH Moustakas 3B Lough CF Francoeur RF Johnson SS Getz 2B Mendoza P</p>— MLBLineups (@mlblineups) <a href="https://twitter.com/mlblineups/statuses/343760348035313665">June 9, 2013</a> </blockquote>
<p><br><script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<div class="pane widget freeform_html clearfix"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/CrawfishBoxes"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2340299/tcb-twitter-insert.png" width="100%"></a></p></div>
<p><br id="1370795737919"></p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/6/9/4411772/gamethread-64-astros-at-royalsRyan Dunsmore2013-06-09T12:00:09-05:002013-06-09T12:00:09-05:00Game 64 Preview: Astros at Royals
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/48d8z0t48zsasuXNFIBccpcjBwM=/0x245:3462x2553/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/14477141/170200872.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ed Zurga</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Harrell looking to end Astros slide in finale with Royals. </p> <h3>Houston at Kansas City, 1:10 PM CT</h3>
<h3></h3>
<p id="paragraph0"><b>TV: </b>CSN Houston<br><b>Radio:</b> KBME 790 AM<br><b><a href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals</a> SBNation Blog: </b><a href="http://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals Review</a></p>
<h4>Pitching Match</h4>
<p id="paragraph1">RHP Lucas Harrell (4-7/ 4.76 ERA / 1.68 WHIP) vs. RHP Luis Mendoza (1-3 / 4.76 ERA / 1.55 WHIP)</p>
<h4>Preview </h4>
<p>The Astros send Lucas Harrell to the mound in hopes of salvaging a win in Kansas City. Harrell returned to form in his last start, striking out six and allowing only two runs over seven innings against the Orioles. Unfortunately, the Astros picked up their first loss in seven tries that game and the righty was the tough-luck loser. In 2010 as White Sox pitcher, Harrell made one start against the Royals. He lasted 3 1/3 innings and gave up six runs, highlighted by a Billy Butler 3-run home run. Harrell will be making his sixth start on the road; he has 3.34 ERA away from the Juice Box this year.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Luis Mendoza, will pitch to contact and relies on the defense behind him. The Royals right-hander will work a sinker and curveball against the Astros. In his last start Mendoza struggled with his command, throwing 95 pitches over 4 1/3 innings. He picked up the loss against Minnesota. </p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/6/9/4411666/houston-astros-22-41-at-kansas-city-royals-27-32-1-10-pm-ctRyan Dunsmore2013-06-08T23:06:19-05:002013-06-08T23:06:19-05:00Santana Hits the Century Mark and Astros Lose 7-2
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yKi6m5lS1qMiXXXydHx79JhBYh0=/29x0:3959x2620/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/14460801/20130608_lbm_sm8_380.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Eric Bedard gets rocked early and the 2013 Astros become a Royals Jeopardy question as Ervin Santana reaches 100 wins for his career.</p> <p>Coming into today’s game Eric Bedard had allowed 3 runs or few in his last five starts dating back to May 5th, lowering his ERA to a respectable 4.75. Today was a step back for Bedard as he surrendered 6 runs on 8 hits, while allowing 3 walks over 4 2/3 innings. Brad Peacock came in for what turned into a tandem start to strike out 2, giving up a run on 2 hits over 3 1/3 innings. Peacock was able to lower his mammoth ERA 39 points to 8.07. On the positive side, Houston pitching did not allow a home run in the contest.</p>
<p>The offence was stagnant for most of the game as Ervin Santana tossed a KC masterpiece though the first five innings, recording 6 strike outs and allowing just one hit to that point in the contest. The lone single came off the bat of Matt Dominguez in the 4th. As an interesting side note, Dominguez and Royals’ Mike Moustakas were high school teammates at Chatsworth High School and were both drafted in the first round in 2007 (12th and 2nd respectively). Houston would manage a small rally in the 6th as Brandon Barnes slapped a double to left with two outs and came home on a Jose Altuve single up the middle. Jason Castro would follow with a single of his own before J.D. Martinez grounded out to end the threat. Chris Carter went Chris Carter going 1 for 3 with a home run in the 7th and 2 punch outs.</p>
<p>Now with a record of 22-41, the dog days of summer are in full effect for Houston. The good guys did not do themselves any favors in a loss to the Royals tonight recording 3 errors, one for each beach ball that drifted on the field. Houston has now committed 13 errors in the last 10 games. The Astros will come into tomorrow’s game trying to avoid their 7th sweep of the season. The team has actually lost every series this season in which a game was nationally televised. Looking at the games in which Astros fans living in the state of Texas can see a televised game (including Ranger games) the team is 1 and 7.</p>
<p>Injury note: Brandon Barnes left the game in the 6th strained a hamstring after coming into score in the top of the inning. If Barnes is down for any considerable amount of time, it is going to hurt considerably more than the thorough loss tonight.</p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/6/8/4410794/astros-lose-in-kc-7-2-become-footnote-for-santanaastrosblogger2013-06-08T18:00:06-05:002013-06-08T18:00:06-05:00Gamethread #63: Astros at Royals
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/R6excX5VAO-Fgna0MEu6902ccFM=/0x884:3348x3116/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/14448557/170143944.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ed Zurga</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Join the conversation as Jason Castro and the Astros face the Royals.</p> <p></p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget current_series clearfix"> <h3>Current Series</h3> <div class="pane-body"> <h4>Royals lead the series 1-0</h4> <table class="zebra"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="td-first">Fri 06/07</td> <td> WP: Kelvin Herrera (3 - 4) <br> SV: Greg Holland <br> LP: Wesley Wright (0 - 2) <br> </td> <td class="td-last"><span>2 - 4 loss</span></td> </tr> <tr style="background: none;"><td colspan="3" style="background: none;"><div class="pane sports_data_widget next_game clearfix"><div class="pane-body"> <p class="game-title"><a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Houston Astros</a> <span class="blog-hover-link" id="blog_icon_669741049"><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v37b17e2.png"></a><span class="blog-hover-menu" id="blog_icon_669741049_menu" style="display: none;"><span class="img"><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/community_logos/474/crawfishboxes_m.gif" alt="Crawfishboxes_m"></a></span><span><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/">The Crawfish Boxes</a></span></span></span> <br> <span class="blog_link">@ <a href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Kansas City Royals</a> <span class="blog-hover-link" id="blog_icon_395971306"><a href="http://www.royalsreview.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v37b17e2.png"></a><span class="blog-hover-menu" id="blog_icon_395971306_menu" style="display: none;"><span class="img"><a href="http://www.royalsreview.com/"><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/community_logos/434/royalsreview_m.gif" alt="Royalsreview_m"></a></span><span><a href="http://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals Review</a></span></span></span> </span></p> <p class="game-info"><span>Saturday, Jun 8, 2013, 6:15 PM CDT</span><br> Kauffman Stadium</p> <p class="weather"> Partly cloudy. Winds blowing out to center field at 15-20 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 80.</p> <p> </p> <div class="coverage"><div class="entry"> <h5><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/6/8/4409892/houston-astros-22-40-at-kansas-city-royals-26-32-6-15-pm-ct">Houston Astros (22-40) at Kansas City Royals (26-32), 6:15 pm (CT)</a></h5> <p class="byline"><span class="author">posted by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/D_more55">D_more55</a></span> <span class="time">about 2 hours ago</span></p> <p class="byline">0 comments | 0 recs</p> </div></div> <p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><span>Complete Coverage ></span></span></p> </div></div></td></tr> <tr> <td class="td-first">Sun 06/09</td> <td> </td> <td class="td-last"><span>1:10 PM CDT</span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> </div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p></p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget player_info clearfix"> <img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/player_photos/l.mlb.com/xt.fss.l.mlb.com-p.6080.jpg"><h2><span>Erik Bedard</span></h2> <h4 class="player-position">#45 / Pitcher / <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Houston Astros</a> </h4> <div class="player_info_body"> <p><label>Height:</label> 6-1</p> <p><label>Weight:</label> 200</p> <p><label>Bats:</label> L</p> <p><label>Throws:</label> L</p> <p><label>Born:</label> Mar 05, 1979</p> </div> </div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p></p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget player_stats clearfix"><table class="zebra"> <thead> <tr> <th class="td-first"></th> <th>W-L</th> <th>ERA</th> <th>WHIP</th> <th>K</th> <th>BB</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody><tr> <td class="td-first">2013 - <span>Erik Bedard</span> </td> <td>1-2</td> <td>4.76</td> <td>1.51</td> <td>44</td> <td class="td-last">24</td> </tr></tbody> </table></div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p></p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget player_info clearfix"> <img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/player_photos/l.mlb.com/xt.fss.l.mlb.com-p.13369.jpg"><h2><span>Ervin Santana</span></h2> <h4 class="player-position">#54 / Pitcher / <a href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Kansas City Royals</a> </h4> <div class="player_info_body"> <p><label>Height:</label> 6-2</p> <p><label>Weight:</label> 185</p> <p><label>Bats:</label> R</p> <p><label>Throws:</label> R</p> <p><label>Born:</label> Dec 12, 1982</p> </div> </div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p></p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget player_stats clearfix"><table class="zebra"> <thead> <tr> <th class="td-first"></th> <th>W-L</th> <th>ERA</th> <th>WHIP</th> <th>K</th> <th>BB</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody><tr> <td class="td-first">2013 - <span>Ervin Santana</span> </td> <td>3-5</td> <td>3.03</td> <td>1.06</td> <td>62</td> <td class="td-last">13</td> </tr></tbody> </table></div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p> </p>
<h4>Lineups</h4>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p>Sat. at KC: Brandon Barnes-cf; Jose Altuve-2b; Castro-c; Martinez-lf; Pena-DH; Carter-1b; Crowe-rf; Dominguez-3b; Gonzalez-ss; Bedard-p</p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/343468077603749889">June 8, 2013</a> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Royals">#Royals</a> vs. Hou LHP Bedard: Lough 7, Escobar 6, Perez 2, Butler DH, Hosmer 3, Cain 8, Tejada 5, Francoeur 9, Johnson 4 and Santana 1.:</p>— Bob Dutton (@Royals_Report) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals_Report/status/343454647392038912">June 8, 2013</a> </blockquote>
<p> </p>
<h4>Preview</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/6/8/4409892/houston-astros-22-40-at-kansas-city-royals-26-32-6-15-pm-ct">Bedard aims to continue solid run since returning to the rotation.</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/6/8/4409892/houston-astros-22-40-at-kansas-city-royals-26-32-6-15-pm-ct"> </a></p>
<p> </p>
<div class="pane widget freeform_html clearfix"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/CrawfishBoxes"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2340299/tcb-twitter-insert.png" width="100%"></a></p></div>
<p><br id="1370731714975"></p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/6/8/4410160/gamethread-63-astros-at-royalsRyan Dunsmore2013-06-08T16:06:55-05:002013-06-08T16:06:55-05:00Game 63 Preview: Astros at Royals
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hZaF3nEV3dZ5f5a7C6TpKV2T-ZI=/0x290:2875x2207/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/14444509/169878292.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeff Gross</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Bedard aims to continue solid run since returning to the rotation. </p> <h3>Houston at Kansas City, 6:15 PM CT</h3>
<h3></h3>
<p id="paragraph0"><b>TV: </b>CSN Houston, Local Fox Station<br><b>Radio:</b> KBME 790 AM<br><b><a href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals</a> SBNation Blog: </b><a href="http://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals Review</a></p>
<h4>Pitching Match</h4>
<h3></h3>
<p id="paragraph1">LHP <span>Erik Bedard</span> (1-2, 4.76 ERA / 1.28 WHIP) vs. RHP <span>Ervin Santana</span> (3-5 / 3.03 ERA / 1.06 WHIP)</p>
<h4>Preview</h4>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a> will take their game to a national stage on Fox today, against the Royals.</p>
<p>On the mound today for the Astros is Erik Bedard. Since returning to the rotation at the start of May, Bedard has 2.79 ERA over five starts. Bedard's start last Monday against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.halosheaven.com/">Angels</a> was his best of the season, seven innings of one-run baseball. This will be the second year in a row that Bedard faces the Royals on June 8. In that start last year, Bedard scattered five hits, struck out five, walked three, and allowed only two runs over seven in a win.</p>
<p>Ervin Santana was another piece collected this offseason by the Royals. Coming off his poorest season in Los Angeles, the Angels traded Santana for left-handed pitching prospect <span>Brandon Sisk</span>. This season, Sanata appears to have returned to his pre-2012 form. He has been able to pitch through the sixth inning in every single start thus far in 2013. In his last start, Santana held the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Rangers</a> lineup to one run over seven innings in a no decision. <span>Carlos Pena</span> is two-for-twelve against Santana with a homerun and two runs batted in. <span>Trevor Crowe</span> will get the start in right-field today, Crowe is one-for-three off Satana.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="pane widget freeform_html clearfix">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/CrawfishBoxes"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2340299/tcb-twitter-insert.png" width="100%"></a></p>
</div>
<p><br id="1370725459481"></p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/6/8/4409892/houston-astros-22-40-at-kansas-city-royals-26-32-6-15-pm-ctRyan Dunsmore2013-06-07T22:23:07-05:002013-06-07T22:23:07-05:00Astros Lose to Royals 4-2
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/IrVbN5V1-n8qbil7rAf74aoFNFg=/0x59:4000x2726/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/14415275/170141385.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ed Zurga</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Astros pitcher Jordan Lyles pitches well but offense fails to score enough wins to collect the win.</p> <p><span>Jordan Lyles</span> continued to pitch effectively. In seven innings Lyles gave up two runs on six hits and one walk while striking out three batters. Lyles lowered his ERA from 4.30 to 4.03 and has a 4.21 FIP on the season. Only nine months older than recently drafted Mark Appel, Lyles seems to have turned the corner as a pitcher/ We'll have to wait the entire season to make a final assessment on that statement; however, minus his May 12 start against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Oakland Athletics</a> Lyles has pitched extremely well allowing fewer than three runs in seven of his eight starts.</p>
<p>Offensively, bleh! <span>Brandon Barnes</span> and Chris Carter were the only <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a> to reach base multiple times. Barnes via two hits and Carter via a hit and two walks. <span>Trevor Crowe</span> drove in the first run and Jason Castro drove in the second run.</p>
<p>Overall this was a rather boring game. The Astros took a one-run lead early but lost it an inning later. The tied in the seventh but then lost the game, again, an inning later. There wasn't even a GIF worthy moment in the entire game. For a two-run game that's rather disappointing.</p>
<p>At least those of you in Houston have a nationally televised game on FOX to look forward to on Saturday night. I'll be listening to the radio broadcast as I'll be blacked out on MLB.TV (thanks Fox!). It's not all bad though, I heard that <span>Steve Sparks</span> gave us a shout out on the radio broadcast tonight which is awesome! <3 Sparks and look forward to listening to him and Robert Ford call the game for the Astros</p>
<p>We're looking for recap writers. If you're interested you can contact us at SBN.crawfishboxes@gmail.com</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="pane widget freeform_html clearfix">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/CrawfishBoxes"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2340299/tcb-twitter-insert.png" width="100%"></a></p>
</div>
<p><br id="1370663653175"></p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/6/7/4408382/astros-2-royals-4Timothy De Block2013-06-07T19:00:05-05:002013-06-07T19:00:05-05:00Gamethread #62: Astros at Royals
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/j9JGCuCnGFib57BQShA-4SruoR0=/0x232:4000x2899/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/14406249/169293766.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bob Levey</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Join the conversation as the Astros head to Kansas City.</p> <p></p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget current_series clearfix"> <h3>Current Series</h3> <div class="pane-body"> <h4>3 game series vs Royals @ Kauffman Stadium</h4> <table class="zebra"> <tbody> <tr style="background: none;"><td colspan="3" style="background: none;"><div class="pane sports_data_widget next_game clearfix"><div class="pane-body"> <p class="game-title"><a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Houston Astros</a> <span class="blog-hover-link" id="blog_icon_881152957"><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v37b17e2.png"></a><span class="blog-hover-menu" id="blog_icon_881152957_menu" style="display: none;"><span class="img"><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/community_logos/474/crawfishboxes_m.gif" alt="Crawfishboxes_m"></a></span><span><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/">The Crawfish Boxes</a></span></span></span> <br> <span class="blog_link">@ <a href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Kansas City Royals</a> <span class="blog-hover-link" id="blog_icon_794177688"><a href="http://www.royalsreview.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v37b17e2.png"></a><span class="blog-hover-menu" id="blog_icon_794177688_menu" style="display: none;"><span class="img"><a href="http://www.royalsreview.com/"><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/community_logos/434/royalsreview_m.gif" alt="Royalsreview_m"></a></span><span><a href="http://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals Review</a></span></span></span> </span></p> <p class="game-info"><span>Friday, Jun 7, 2013, 7:10 PM CDT</span><br> Kauffman Stadium</p> <p class="weather"> Clear. Winds blowing in from center field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 70.</p> <p> </p> <div class="coverage"><div class="entry"> <h5><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/6/7/4407606/houston-astros-22-39-at-kansas-city-royals-25-32-7-10-pm-ct">Houston Astros (22-39) at Kansas City Royals (25-32), 7:10 pm (CT)</a></h5> <p class="byline"><span class="author">posted by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/D_more55">D_more55</a></span> <span class="time">39 minutes ago</span></p> <p class="byline">0 comments | 0 recs</p> </div></div> <p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><span>Complete Coverage ></span></span></p> </div></div></td></tr> <tr> <td class="td-first">Sat 06/08</td> <td> </td> <td class="td-last"><span>6:15 PM CDT</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-first">Sun 06/09</td> <td> </td> <td class="td-last"><span>1:10 PM CDT</span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> </div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p></p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget player_info clearfix"> <img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/player_photos/l.mlb.com/xt.fss.l.mlb.com-p.21320.jpg"><h2><span>Jordan Lyles</span></h2> <h4 class="player-position">#18 / Pitcher / <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Houston Astros</a> </h4> <div class="player_info_body"> <p><label>Height:</label> 6-4</p> <p><label>Weight:</label> 215</p> <p><label>Bats:</label> R</p> <p><label>Throws:</label> R</p> <p><label>Born:</label> Oct 19, 1990</p> </div> </div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p></p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget player_stats clearfix"><table class="zebra"> <thead> <tr> <th class="td-first"></th> <th>W-L</th> <th>ERA</th> <th>WHIP</th> <th>K</th> <th>BB</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody><tr> <td class="td-first">2013 - <span>Jordan Lyles</span> </td> <td>3-1</td> <td>4.30</td> <td>1.49</td> <td>28</td> <td class="td-last">13</td> </tr></tbody> </table></div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p></p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget player_info clearfix"> <img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/player_photos/l.mlb.com/xt.fss.l.mlb.com-p.13624.jpg"><h2><span>James Shields</span></h2> <h4 class="player-position">#33 / Pitcher / <a href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Kansas City Royals</a> </h4> <div class="player_info_body"> <p><label>Height:</label> 6-4</p> <p><label>Weight:</label> 215</p> <p><label>Bats:</label> R</p> <p><label>Throws:</label> R</p> <p><label>Born:</label> Dec 20, 1981</p> </div> </div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p></p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget player_stats clearfix"><table class="zebra"> <thead> <tr> <th class="td-first"></th> <th>W-L</th> <th>ERA</th> <th>WHIP</th> <th>K</th> <th>BB</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody><tr> <td class="td-first">2013 - <span>James Shields</span> </td> <td>2-6</td> <td>2.83</td> <td>1.05</td> <td>78</td> <td class="td-last">21</td> </tr></tbody> </table></div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p> </p>
<h4>Lineups </h4>
<p>Astros </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"> <p>6/7 <a href="https://twitter.com/astros">@Astros</a> lineup vs <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals">@Royals</a> Barnes CF Crowe RF Castro C Martinez LF Pena DH Carter 1B Cedeno SS Dominguez 3B Gonzalez 2B Lyles P</p>— MLBLineups (@mlblineups) <a href="https://twitter.com/mlblineups/statuses/343104398718824448">June 7, 2013</a> </blockquote>
<p>Royals </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"> <p>6/7 <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals">@Royals</a> lineup vs <a href="https://twitter.com/astros">@Astros</a> Gordon LF Hosmer 1B Perez C Butler DH Cain CF Lough RF Tejada 3B Getz 2B Escobar SS Shields P</p>— MLBLineups (@mlblineups) <a href="https://twitter.com/mlblineups/statuses/343104445669859329">June 7, 2013</a> </blockquote>
<p><script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<h4>Preview</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/6/7/4407606/houston-astros-22-39-at-kansas-city-royals-25-32-7-10-pm-ct">Lyles takes the mound in his second start against Kanas City this season.</a></p>
<div class="pane widget freeform_html clearfix"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/CrawfishBoxes"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2340299/tcb-twitter-insert.png" width="100%"></a></p></div>
<p><br id="1370646477929"></p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/6/7/4407828/gamethread-62-astros-at-royalsRyan Dunsmore