Three Reasons the Houston Astros are in the Drivers Seat of the ALDS

Reason 2: Dallas Keuchel

Oct 6, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) throws against the New York Yankees during the fifth inning in the American League Wild Card playoff baseball game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

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The Astros have not pitched their best pitcher in the series yet, but that is soon to change with the Royals facing the most likely Cy Young candidate in Keuchel. Not only has Keuchel won 20 games this season, but he is also a perfect 15-0 during home games this season and 5-8 away from MMP (from Baseball-Reference). This time of dominance doesn’t often happen with a 1.46 ERA at home and an average 3.77 ERA during away games. The Astros have done a great job marketing Keuchel this season creating Keuchel’s corner, and I’m sure they will be out there supporting him in orange tomorrow.

Who did the Astros go to when they needed the must win in the Wild-Card game? Why of course, the bearded one despite it being a road game on short rest. The Astros kept Keuchel at 94 pitches during that performance in New York and pegged him to start game three in Houston. Keuchel had a good knack of following up a loss to the team by stepping up his game to not continue the losing streaks. Should the Astros win Keuchel’s start Sunday, it puts the extra pressure on the Royals to win the following day versus Lance McCullers Jr. in Houston.

Next: Reason 3: Colby Rasmus and the rest of Crush City