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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Joe Esapda is hoping Framber Valdez can secure a series win for Houston. Composite Getty Image.

The Houston Astros (37-30) aim to close out their series against the Chicago White Sox (23-45) on a high note Thursday night at Daikin Park. The three-game set is currently tied 1-1, and with a chance to secure their 11th series win at home, the Astros will send left-hander Framber Valdez to the mound. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET.

Valdez (6-4, 3.07 ERA) has quietly been one of the most consistent arms in the American League. Known for his heavy sinker and ground-ball inducing style, he enters the night with a stellar 1.06 WHIP and 84 strikeouts. With the Astros bullpen having absorbed some heavy usage earlier this week, Valdez will be counted on to give Houston quality length.

Opposing him will be right-hander Davis Martin (2-6, 3.62 ERA), who has pitched better than his win-loss record suggests. Martin has maintained a 1.21 WHIP and will try to quiet an Astros lineup that broke out for 10 runs in Wednesday’s win.

Houston’s offense has been led lately by Jeremy Peña, who is batting .439 over his last 10 games with five doubles, two homers, and six RBIs. Isaac Paredes continues to be a steady power threat, leading the team with 14 home runs and a .468 slugging percentage. José Altuve, fresh off his 2,300th career hit, adds veteran stability to the top of the order.

The Astros are 23-13 at home this season and have gone 6-4 over their last 10 games. When they avoid giving up home runs, they win — as shown by their 20-4 record in games where they keep the ball in the yard. That will be a key Thursday against a White Sox team that’s light on power but capable of grinding out runs when they out-hit opponents (16-9 when doing so).

Chicago, meanwhile, has struggled mightily on the road, going just 7-27 away from Guaranteed Rate Field. Still, they’ve had unexpected success against the Astros this season, winning three of the first five matchups. Andrew Benintendi and Mike Tauchman have been among the few bright spots in a lineup that’s hit just .227 over its last 10 games and been outscored by six runs.

With the series on the line and the division-leading Astros looking to stay hot, Thursday night offers a chance to assert their edge with a trusted ace on the hill and momentum building in the lineup.

Here's a preview of the Astros lineup for the finale!

Christian Walker remains in the five spot after his big night in Game 2. Victor Caratini will be the DH hitting seventh behind Jake Meyers. Jose Altuve is shifting back to left field, with Jacob Melton getting the night off. And Brendan Rodgers will hit last and play second base.


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