It wasn’t exactly the start to the 2015 ALDS the Kansas City Royals were hoping for, but a chance at evening the series against Houston is the focus for Friday’s 2:45 game 2.

An hour-long rain delay was fitting for Thursday’s 5-2 loss to the Astros in which Yordano Ventura was knocked around, and the only offense Kansas City could muster were two solo home runs from Kendrys Morales.

Oddly enough, the Astros looked like the Royals; timely hitting, spectacular defensive plays, and solid pitching set the tone for the game, and Kansas City will try to not let the Astros set the tone for the series.

Winning the home opener in a playoff series is incredibly important, but not letting it get 0-2 heading on the road is even more important if you are the Royals.

As Ned Yost said when talking about Friday’s game 2, this is why Kansas City brought in Johnny Cueto.

The ace of the staff will take the mound to try and turn the tides for KC and give the Royals a boost heading into Sunday’s game 3.

Cueto has had up and down performances with the Royals this season, but has looked his best late in the season. Like many of the starters, Cueto has had a propensity for giving up early inning runs, which in turn puts pressure on the offense to try and get runs with one swing of the bat as opposed to working pitchers and manufacturing runs–the Royals’ best trait as an offense.

With game 2 at Kauffman Stadium and a packed house of fans ready to see their team notch the series up at a game a piece, Kansas City has every incentive to come out fired up and ready to go. Offensively, the Royals need to get their bats going and put pressure on Houston’s defense, while Cueto must keep the Astros hitters at bay.

The city is ready to celebrate a win and Kauffman  Stadium is sure to be loud, Friday afternoon. Tickets and parking passes are still available for Friday’s game 2 matchup. Head to Tickets For Less to select from a variety of seating options. With zero hidden service fees on all ticket purchases, what you see is what you get. Tickets for all upcoming and potential playoff games are available as well, so head to Tickets For Less and secure your spot at Kauffman Stadium for all the postseason action. Go Royals!