14th Oct - Royals vs Astros

When the Kansas City Royals traded three prospects to acquire starting pitcher Johnny Cueto, they were probably thinking about moments like this. It’s a moment, where they need a big game. A moment where they need a strong start against another quality pitcher on the mound in Houston’s Colin McHugh.

Only tonight will the question be answered about a man who hasn’t been especially consistent since joining the Royals, and who has done all of his best work in the postseason. The answer to the question will probably determine whether Kansas City has the chance to play for a second consecutive appearance in the World Series or not.

It was hard not to draw comparisons between the remarkable Game 4 comeback and last season’s team. Kansas City has an order that digs deep and gets hit when it needs it. They also have the experience of winning nine of their past 10 postseason elimination game.

The Astros counter with youth, inexperience and the knowledge that they have probably enjoyed the better of the play across the four games. It might be tied up at 2-2, but their pitchers have generally given them good outings and they’ve produced a steady diet of runs.

McHugh was almost flawless in the opening game of this series, he’ll have good memories from the ball park and if he’s able to replicate that performance, he’ll keep an Astros’ bullpen, which has taken some damage, out of the game.

Three Reasons for Betting Tips

1. Royals’ experience

It’s impossible to ignore how they played when it really counted. In that seventh inning, they scored five runs and ran through a huge part of the order. There was no getting through them, most of the bases were occupied by players who had managed to buy walks or squeeze out singles. The Astros learned how tough it is to win in the postseason. We don’t see this game being a low-scoring affair.

2. Cueto in the postseason

He’s a dynamic pitcher, there’s no question, we just can’t see him not giving up four or five runs in this match-up. It seems to be his nature in the postseason and we won’t bet on him overcoming that now.

3. Home Runs

Two desperate teams with good power hitters, we think Game 5 will have a couple of home runs. If there are a couple of HRs, there’s an increased chance of a 7.5 Game Total being blown.