The Houston Astros had high hopes for the 2020 season, but those hopes were quickly dashed as the Royals spoiled their playoff dreams with a 102-loss season.
The Astros had been a powerhouse in the American League West for the past few seasons, winning the division title in 2017, 2018, and 2019. They had a talented roster and were expected to make a deep run in the playoffs this year.
However, the Royals had other plans. Led by manager Mike Matheny, the Royals put together a surprisingly strong season, finishing with a record of 102-58. The Royals were able to capitalize on the Astros’ struggles, as they finished with the second-best record in the American League.
The Royals’ success was largely due to their strong pitching staff. They had a deep rotation that included veterans Danny Duffy and Brad Keller, as well as young stars Brady Singer and Kris Bubic. The Royals also had a deep bullpen, led by closer Wade Davis and setup man Greg Holland.
The Astros, on the other hand, struggled to find consistency on the mound. Their starting rotation was plagued by injuries and inconsistency, while their bullpen was unreliable at times. The Astros also struggled to score runs, as they finished with the second-worst batting average in the AL.
The Royals’ success this season was a huge disappointment for the Astros, who had been hoping to make a deep run in the playoffs. The Royals’ 102-win season ended the Astros’ hopes of making the postseason, and it will be a long offseason for Houston fans.
