The Houston Astros were just six outs away in Game 4 of their American League Division Series from clinching a spot in the American League Championship Series. Leading 6-2, Houston just needed to close out the final two innings at home and the series was theirs. Instead, the Royals scored five runs in the eighth inning and turned a likely loss into a stunning win to force a deciding game in Kansas City.
Astros vs. Royals 2015: Time, TV schedule and starting pitchers for ALDS Game 5
The series returns to Kansas City where one team will move on and one will go home.
Not only did the Royals keep their season alive with the comeback, but they will now give the ball to Johnny Cueto, who they paid a hefty price to acquire for games exactly like this. Kansas City sent three prospects to Cincinnati for a half-season of his services, and while he hasn’t been dominant for the Royals, one big start could return instant dividends on that trade. If that’s going to happen, however, he will need to be better than he was in Game 2, when he allowed four runs over six innings.
The Astros will counter with Collin McHugh, who turned in a solid effort in Game 1. He picked up the win and allowed just two runs and four hits over six innings. That included staying in the game despite a 49-minute rain delay. The odd situation didn’t seem to cause an issue for McHugh. The only real trouble he found in Game 1 was against Kendrys Morales, who hit a pair of solo home runs off Houston’s 19-game winner.
Houston has blown a late lead in the playoffs before. Astros fans probably still have nightmares of Albert Pujols hitting a home run off Brad Lidge in the 2005 NLCS to complete a St. Louis comeback in Game 5. However, they battled right back and won the series with a win in Game 6. A similar result this year would punch their ticket to the ALCS.
Fox Sports 1 will provide television coverage for Game 5 with Cueto scheduled to throw the first pitch at 8:07 p.m. ET. There will also be online coverage from Fox Sports Go and MLB.TV for viewers with subscriptions. Here is a complete look at the Game 5 coverage.
ALDS Game 5: Astros at Royals
Location: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City
Time: 8:07 p.m. ET
TV: Fox Sports 1
Streaming: Fox Sports GO mobile app; Postseason.tv
Radio: ESPN Radio
See More:
