Astros stick with Marisnick as Gomez out of Game 2 lineup

The Houston Astros aren't changing a thing after defeating the Kansas City Royals 5-2 in Game 1 of the American League Division Series on Thursday.

Houston will stick with the same lineup Friday against Royals right-hander Johnny Cueto:

A notable absence from the Astros starting nine is outfielder Carlos Gomez, who re-aggravated an intercostal injury in the AL wild-card game against the New York Yankees and was left out of Game 1's starting lineup as well.

The 29-year-old speedster pinch-ran for designated hitter Evan Gattis in the eighth inning, but the team elected to start Jake Marisnick and his solid defense over Gomez in center field for a second consecutive game.

Astros manager A.J. Hinch told reporters he wanted to go with the hot hand, and Marisnick at full strength is a better option than Gomez at less than 100 percent.

The Royals are following suit against Astros starter Scott Kazmir, sending an identical lineup from Game 1 to the field:

Aside from a big night at the dish from Kendrys Morales, who provided all of the team's offense with two solo home runs, the Royals struggled against Game 1 right-hander Collin McHugh.

Perhaps manager Ned Yost feels like using an identical lineup will have more success against the southpaw Kazmir, who pitched well against Kansas City in his only start of the year as a member of the Astros.