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Cleveland Indians Take on The Houston Astros In Crucial Four Game Series

By Henry Palattella

Sep 4, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall (8) celebrates with Cleveland Indians catcher Chris Gimenez (38), third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) and second baseman Jason Kipnis (22) after hitting a game winning single during the ninth inning to beat the Miami Marlins 6-5 at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall (8) celebrates with Cleveland Indians catcher Chris Gimenez (38), third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) and second baseman Jason Kipnis (22) after hitting a game winning single during the ninth inning to beat the Miami Marlins 6-5 at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) hits an RBI double against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at PNC Park. The Pirates won 7-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) hits an RBI double against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at PNC Park. The Pirates won 7-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Numbers to know

.346

Jose Altuve is having a monster year. The Astros’ second baseman has 22 home runs and 90 RBI, and he is slashing .346/.409/.966. Altuve’s batting average of .346 currently leads everyone in baseball.

He is a legitimate five-tool player, as he complements his great hitting numbers with 26 steals, and he makes great plays look easy in the field. Altuve is an AL MVP candidate, so look for him to be a spark plug for the Astros this series.

9

“Party at Napolis” has been a buzzword for the Indians all year, but don’t think that it has diminished after each time the Indians have been able to party on the diamond. The Indians have won on a walk-off hit nine times this season, with their most recent walk-off victory coming agains the Marlins. And every time they’ve walked-off it’s been a total team party. Don’t believe me? Just ask Tyler Naquin.

4.55

Dallas Keuchel won the American League CY Young last year after finishing with a 20-8 record, a 2.48 ERA, and 216 strikeouts. Many figured Keuchel would once again serve as the pitching catalyst for a deep Astros playoff run, but here we are five days into September and Keuchel’s numbers look pedestrian at best.

He is 9-12 with a 4.55 ERA, and only 144 strikeouts. Keuchel’s start was actually moved back a day as he was dealing with fatigue related issues, so look for the Indians to get on him early and often when he starts Tuesday.

Next: Players to Know

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