Royals vs. Angels: Game 2 Time, TV Info, Live Stream and More

As long as the Kansas City Royals are involved, it's probably a postseason game worth watching.

In the playoffs for the first time since George Brett was at the hot corner instead of in the front office, the Royals have played two games. Both have been undeniably captivating: a 12-inning comeback win in a do-or-die setting against the Oakland Athletics, and an 11-inning win powered by a Mike Moustakas home run in Game 1 against the Los Angeles Angels.

For fans with no horse in this MLB playoff race, it's becoming increasingly difficult to root for anyone other than Ned Yost's squad, as Grantland's Jonah Keri argued:

But let's not write off the Halos just yet. Featuring one of the most dangerous lineups in the league, MLB's best team from the regular season will likely bounce back after producing just two runs and four hits Thursday night.

Let's take a look at what's in store for Game 2.

Date: Friday, October 3, 2014

Time: 9:37 p.m. ET

Location: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California

TV: TBS

Live Stream: TBS.com

Analysis

Tony Dejak/Associated Press

It will be a battle of impressive rookie starters Friday night, as Kansas City's Yordano Ventura opposes the Angels' Matt Shoemaker.

The flame-throwing Ventura finished the season with a 3.20 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 159 strikeouts in 183.0 innings, but his first foray into postseason baseball wasn't an enjoyable one. Coming out of the bullpen for James Shields against the A's, he gave up a three-run homer to Brandon Moss, a single to Josh Reddick and was pulled after retiring just one batter.

As Rotoworld's Ryan Boyer argued, though, it wasn't all the rook's fault:

"We like his power," manager Ned Yost said, via ESPN.com.
"[Tuesday's] game was like a side session for him. He throws a 100-mph four-seamer, a 96-mph two-seamer, 95-mph cutter, a nice changeup and above-average curve when he throws it for strikes."

Ventura wasn't sharp in his only other start against the Angels (4.0 innings, seven hits and two runs allowed), but that was in June. Since that start—so, basically, the second half of the season—he owns a 3.14 ERA and 83 punchouts in 94.2 innings.

Taking the bump for Mike Scioscia's squad will be Shoemaker. The 28-year-old rookie isn't really on the same stratosphere as Ventura in terms of electrifying stuff, but his pinpoint control has made him more effective. With just 24 walks through 136.0 innings, Shoemaker is 16-4 with a 3.04 ERA and minuscule 1.07 WHIP.

Jae C. Hong/Associated Press

While he hasn't pitched since September 17, when he suffered an oblique injury, Scioscia is confident in his No. 2, via ESPN.com: "We're expecting Matt to be fine and pitch as deep as he can into the game. We like the way Matt has been pitching, and I think (Jered) Weaver getting out in Game 1, followed with Matt, gives us the best look here in the first couple of games."

The pressure will be at full blast for Shoemaker, who gave up a season-high—by far—eight earned runs in 4.0 innings against the Royals in June.

Of course, the hitters must step up, too. Mike Trout, Albert Pujols and Howie Kendrick combined to go 0-for-13 with two walks Thursday, as the normally potent Angels had two solo home runs and not much else.

The last two months of baseball suggest Shoemaker will have his way, the bats will wake up from their slumber and the Angels, owners of MLB's best record, will get the win. They better hope that rings true, because this is as close to must-win as it gets.

If Ventura and the speedy, clutch, defensively stout Royals are victorious, they'll head home and give the ball to their ace with a chance to clinch the series.