ALDS GAME 1

Astros-Indians Game 1 preview: Aces square off in important first game

Astros-Indians Game 1 preview: Aces square off in important first game
Astros fans will be rocking today. Elsa/Getty Images

The Astros and Indians will kick off game one of the ALDS today. Here is a preview of the game. Check back right after the game for a full recap:

When: 1:05 p.m.

Where: Minute Maid Park.

TV: TBS.

Streaming: TBS App.

Pitching matchup: Justin Verlander vs. Corey Kluber.

Series: Tied 0-0.

The breakdown: So it begins. In game 1 we will see the two aces go head-to-head to try and keep scoring low and keep their team a run or two away from taking an important 1-0 lead in this best-of-5. The Astros have home field advantage for this series, which not only means they would host a potential game 5 if it goes that far but also gives them the benefit of having their home crowd loud and proud behind them in the first two games which also puts the Indians in a hostile environment. Look for this series to be a battle of starting pitching with a few timely runs being the difference. 

Series schedule:

 

 Date & Time (Central)                      Location Pitching matchup
Game 1Today, 1:05 PMMinute Maid Park, Houston Verlander vs. Kluber
Game 2Sat 10/6, 3:37 PMMinute Maid Park, Houston Cole vs. Carrasco
Game 3Mon 10/8, 12:30 PMProgressive Field, Cleveland Keuchel vs. Clevinger
Game 4*Tuesday 10/9, 3:35 PM Progressive Field, Cleveland Morton+ vs. TBD
Game 5*Thursday 10/11, 3:07 PMMinute Maid Park, Houston Verlander+ vs. TBD

* Games 4-5 are if necessary. 
+-projected starters.

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The Astros are looking to avoid being swept at home. Composite Getty Image.

The Houston Astros are looking to avoid an unexpected sweep Wednesday night as they wrap up their three-game set against the Cleveland Guardians at Daikin Park.

Winners of six of their last ten despite back-to-back losses, the Astros (55-37) turn to left-hander Brandon Walter (1-1, 4.15 ERA) to steady the ship and salvage the finale. Walter has been reliable in his recent outings, and he’ll face a Guardians lineup that has struggled to string together hits, batting just .204 over their last 10 games.

Cleveland (42-48) entered the series on a 10-game losing streak, but now has a chance to sweep the AL West leaders and take the season series. Slade Cecconi (3-4, 3.56 ERA) gets the start for the Guardians. The 26-year-old righty has kept his ERA under 4.00 this year and will look to neutralize a Houston offense that leads the American League in batting average at .260 and is hitting .295 over the last 10 games.

All eyes remain on Jose Altuve, who has driven in 16 runs and slugged four homers over his last 10 games. He’s been the heartbeat of the Houston offense, while Isaac Paredes continues to deliver steady power at the top of the lineup. The Astros have scored five or more runs in eight of their last ten games, but the bullpen faltered late in both of the first two games of this series.

Cleveland counters with the steady presence of Carlos Santana and the always-dangerous Jose Ramirez. Though Ramirez is just 6-for-38 in his last 10 games, he’s delivered key home runs in the series and remains the Guardians’ biggest threat.

With the season series now 3-2 in favor of Cleveland, Wednesday’s matchup carries added weight for the Astros as they look to regroup and avoid letting momentum slip further. First pitch is set for 8:10 p.m. ET.

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -144, Guardians +121; over/under is 8 runs

Astros lineup for the finale

What stands out? First off, Jake Meyers returns to the lineup after missing a couple of games with a calf issue. With Meyers back in the two-spot, Cam Smith returns to hitting cleanup. Caratini is playing first base again and hitting fifth, followed by Yainer Diaz (C), Cooper Hummel (DH), Taylor Trammell (LF), and Mauricio Dubon (SS).

 

  Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot.

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