It’s like in school. It’s very detailed," Astros manager Joe Espada said in describing starter Yusei Kikuchi's detailed approach between innings.

Michael Shapiro is a sports reporter for Chron, covering the Astros, Rockets, Texans and every team in town. Michael is a Denver native and graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, and a noted fan of pull-up threes, wide-receiver passes and a good hot fudge sundae.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi pitched a solid game against the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday, allowing just one run over six innings. Kikuchi struck out nine and walked just one while allowing five hits.