Set for a 07:10 PM start on August 31, 2024, the Kansas City Royals will square off against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Expectations are high for an exciting match-up in auspicious weather conditions.

Cole Ragans will take the mound for the Royals, carrying a commendable ERA of 3.309. His counterpart, Yusei Kikuchi of the Astros, enters the game with an ERA of 4.385. The Royals are currently positioned 4th in the 2024 AL Central Division, with a record of 75-61, marking a 0.55 win ratio. They demonstrate strong divisional prowess with 29 wins out of 43 games, ranking them 2nd in their division. Despite a three-game losing streak, their overall recent performance includes 5 wins in their last 10 outings. Their home and away records stand at 41-28 and 34-33 respectively, and they have performed notably better in night games, winning 47 out of 75.

On the contrary, the Astros are ranked 6th in the 2024 AL West Division with a record of 73-62, equating a 0.54 winning percentage. They hold the top spot in their division record at 21-18. Like the Royals, they too have secured 5 wins in their last 10 games and come into this match on a three-game winning streak. The Astros hold a 37-29 home game advantage and a nearly even 36-33 road record. They have particularly shone under the nighttime lights, securing 48 wins in 73 night games. With 616 runs scored against 535 allowed, their offensive and defensive efforts continue to keep them competitive in their division standings.