WORLD SERIES GAME 2
Astros-Dodgers preview: Verlander tries to even the series
Oct 18, 2017, 6:05 am
The Astros and Dodgers play Game 2 of the World Series today. Here is a preview of the game. Check back during the game for inning by inning updates:
When: 7:09 p.m.
Where: Dodger Stadium.
TV: Fox Sports.
Streaming: Fox Sports Go.
Pitching matchup: Justin Verlander vs. Rich Hill.
Series: Dodgers lead 1-0.
The breakdown: The Astros bats struggled on the road again in Game 1, but a lot of that had to do with Clayton Kershaw, who was on his game. The matchup is much more favorable for the Astros tonight. Verlander has struggled in the World Series in the past, but he is on his game right now, and is 9-0 as an Astro. The Astros need this one in a big way; if they go down 0-2, their odds of winning the series are pretty slim. In 54 previous series where a team went down 0-2, they won just 11 times. Hill has been a solid find for the Dodgers, and is much better at Dodger Stadium than he is on the road. He is a curveball pitcher, and the Astros need to be much more patient at the plate. When they have struggled, it has been because they have been free swinging at trying to hit home runs. When they are playing their best, they look for pitches to drive, and if they don't get one, they try to make contact and pass it on to the next guy. They will need to do that tonight to send the series back to Minute Maid 1-1. A victory would be the first in the Series for the franchise; Houston is now 0-5.
Time/Date Site/Result Pitchers
Game 1 Tuesday Dodgers 3, Astros 1 Kershaw (W), Keuchel (L)
Game 2 Today, 7:09 p.m. Dodger Stadium Verlander vs. Hill
Game 3 Fri., 7:09 p.m. Minute Maid Park TBA
Game 4 Sat., 7:09 p.m. Minute Maid Park TBA
Game 5* Sun., 7:16 p.m. Minute Maid Park TBA
Game 6* Oct. 31 , 7:09 p.m. Dodger Stadium TBA
Game 7 * Nov. 1, , 7:09 p.m. Dodger Stadiun TBA
*-if necessary.
All games on Fox
The Houston Astros return to Daikin Park on Tuesday night looking to keep their momentum going as they host the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers. First pitch is set for 8:10 p.m. ET, with Ryan Gusto (3-1, 2.78 ERA) on the mound for Houston against Detroit’s Reese Olson (3-1, 3.29 ERA).
Winners of seven of their last ten, the Astros (15-13) have found their rhythm after a rocky start to the season. Their recent surge has been fueled by dominant pitching — a 2.35 ERA over the last 10 games — and improved production at the plate, including a .264 team batting average over that span. Houston has also outscored opponents by 18 runs during that stretch and boasts a solid 10-6 record at home.
While the offense has yet to fully catch fire, signs of life are emerging. Jeremy Peña continues to be a steady presence with five doubles and three homers, while Christian Walker has driven in six runs over his last 10 games, including three long balls. The Astros’ bats will be tested against a Tigers staff that leads the American League with a 2.86 ERA.
Houston’s Tuesday starter, Ryan Gusto, has been sharp through his first five outings, posting a 1.10 WHIP and 23 strikeouts. He’ll look to keep Detroit’s bats quiet, especially red-hot Zach McKinstry, who’s hitting .406 over his last 10 games, and slugger Spencer Torkelson, who already has eight homers this season.
The Tigers (18-11) may sit atop their division, but they’ve struggled away from home, going just 5-8 on the road. The Astros will look to capitalize and even the season series in their second matchup with Detroit.
With the offense trending upward and the pitching staff in a groove, Houston has a prime opportunity to keep building momentum in front of the home crowd.
Here's a sneak peek at the Astros lineup. Altuve is once again batting second after asking manager Joe Espada to move him down in the batting order. Zach Dezenzo is playing right field with Cam Smith getting the night off. Jake Meyers is back in center field and Mauricio Dubon is starting at second base.
Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot
A big test awaits
It appears the Astros may have tipped their hand regarding tomorrow's starting pitcher. Chandler Rome is reporting AJ Blubaugh is at Daikin Park today.
The Astros are listed as TBA for tomorrow. Blubaugh last pitched on April 23. Connect the dots. https://t.co/AqPtmMtESd
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) April 29, 2025
Following Tuesday night's game, Blubaugh has been officially announced as the starter.
AJ Blubaugh will start tomorrow’s game against the Tigers. It will be his major-league debut.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) April 30, 2025
Espada said Hayden Wesneski is not injured but needs more time to recover from his last start.
*ChatGPT assisted.
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