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Ultimate ALDS Game 1 Preview: Houston Astros @ Kansas City Royals
Predictions
Aug 11, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; Houston Astros first baseman Chris Carter (23) hits an RBI single against the San Francisco Giants during the seventh inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
In the Wild Card game, I successfully predicted that a key pivot point would come with Alex Rodriguez batting in the sixth inning with two runners on against a tiring Dallas Keuchel, who would be visited at the mound by A.J. Hinch with double-penned action, and that Hinch would leave him in. Seriously.
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This game has a much less obvious set of outcomes. I will say that, contrary to popular opinion, Scott Kazmir is a better matchup against the Royals. If this series goes the distance, both McHugh and Kazmir will be on full rest for Game 5, and I expect Kazmir to get the ball. Recency bias is real, but it is not logical. Kazmir is simply a better fit against the Royals lineup.
More importantly, enjoy the playoffs. We are not at immediate risk of elimination tonight, and the eyes of America are on the Astros. As someone who saw dozens of games in person this year, no-hitters and dreary Tuesday afternoons against Colorado alike, this is the payoff for true fans.
Take it all in.