HOUSTON — Left-hander Dallas Keuchel worked eight shutout innings and made a convincing argument to start the All-Star Game, pitching the Houston Astros to a 4-0 win over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night at Minute Maid Park.
Keuchel (10-3) joined Mariners right-hander Felix Hernandez with double digit wins in the American League. On the heels of hurling his third career shutout last Thursday against the Yankees, Keuchel allowed just seven hits and recorded seven strikeouts without issuing a walk. He dominated Kansas City (44-30) in front of Royals manager Ned Yost, the American League manager for the All-Star Game.
The Astros (46-34) clustered their four runs over three innings against Royals left-hander Danny Duffy (2-4), who allowed four runs on six hits and two walks with six strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings. Astros right-hander Pat Neshek worked the ninth inning, surrendering a one-out single to designated hitter Salvador Perez but preserving the shutout.
Duffy was one strike away from facing the minimum through three innings when Astros third baseman Marwin Gonzalez lined an 0-2 pitch into left field for a single with two outs in the third. Suddenly, things began to fall apart for Duffy, starting with a two-run homer by Astros center fielder George Springer after the Gonzalez hit.
Duffy surrendered solo runs in the fourth and fifth innings as the Astros built their lead to 4-0. His wild pitch with one out in the fourth enabled designated hitter Evan Gattis, who tripled to straightaway center, to score. With one out in the fifth, Duffy walked Springer and then allowed an RBI double to Astros second baseman Jose Altuve.
Keuchel allowed two-out hits in each of his first three innings but otherwise remained in cruise control. By keeping the bases clear in advance of those late-inning hits, Keuchel easily limited damage and, as usual, the groundball out proved his most effective weapon.
He closed five of his first six innings with groundouts, including an inning-ending double play off the bat of Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar in the fifth. He retired the side in order only once through his first six innings, yet Keuchel remained in complete control.
NOTES: Astros RHP Scott Feldman threw a three-inning simulated game against OF Jake Marisnick and 1B Jon Singleton and is prepared to depart for a rehab assignment. Feldman will throw a bullpen session later this week before pitching with an affiliate this weekend. He has been on the 15-day disabled list since May 27 following right knee surgery. … Marisnick will began a rehab assignment on Wednesday with Triple-A Fresno in El Paso. Marisnick has been on the 15-day disabled list since June 19 with a left hamstring strain. …Royals OF Jarrod Dyson sat out Tuesday night as he continues to manage a sore left groin suffered last week in Seattle. The injury is considered minor, however, and Dyson should return to the lineup on Wednesday.