ALDS GAME 3 AT A GLANCE

Astros-Indians Game 3 preview: Going for the clean sweep

Astros-Indians Game 3 preview: Going for the clean sweep
Dallas Keuchel goes to the mound today. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

The ALDS shifts to Cleveland for Game 3 this afternoon with the Astros looking for the sweep. We'll have a full game recap for you right after the final pitch:

When: 12:30 p.m.

Where: Progressive Field, Cleveland.

TV: TBS.

Streaming: TBS App.

Pitching matchup: Dallas Keuchel vs. Mike Clevinger.

Series: Astros lead 2-0.

The breakdown: The Indians find themselves fighting off elimination, while the Astros will have their first playoff game on the road, where they were very strong in the regular season. The Astros will send lefty Dallas Keuchel to the mound, who could cap off an up-and-down year by putting together a solid postseason performance before he hits free agency. The Indians will start Mike Clevinger, a solid starter that will have the benefit of his home crowd behind him. This game will likely have some more offense than the fierce pitching battles of Games 1 and 2, so watch for Houston's offense to try and put things away and hopefully earn some days off for the ALCS.

Series schedule:

 Result / Date & TimeLocationPitching matchup
Game 1Astros 7, Indians 2Minute Maid Verlander (W) vs. Kluber (L)
Game 2Astros 3, Indians 1Minute Maid Cole (W) vs. Carrasco (L)
Game 3Today, 12:30 PMClevelandKeuchel vs. Clevinger
Game 4*Tue. 10/9, 3:35 PMClevelandMorton+ vs. TBD
Game 5*Thu. 10/11, 3:07 PMMinute Maid   Verlander+ vs. TBD

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

Most Popular

SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome

Listen Live

ESPN Houston 97.5 FM
Kyle Tucker returns to Houston this weekend. Composite Getty Image.

Two first-place teams, identical records, and a weekend set with serious measuring-stick energy.

The Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs open a three-game series Friday night at Daikin Park, in what could quietly be one of the more telling matchups of the summer. Both teams enter at 48-33, each atop their respective divisions — but trending in slightly different directions.

The Astros have been red-hot, going 7-3 over their last 10 while outscoring opponents by 11 runs. They've done it behind one of the best pitching staffs in baseball, with a collective 3.41 ERA that ranks second in the American League. Houston has also been dominant at home, where they’ve compiled a 30-13 record — a stat that looms large heading into this weekend.

On the other side, the Cubs have held their ground in the NL Central but have shown some recent shakiness. They're 5-5 over their last 10 games and have given up 5.66 runs per game over that stretch. Still, the offense remains dangerous, ranking fifth in on-base percentage across the majors. Kyle Tucker leads the way with a .287 average, 16 homers, and 49 RBIs, while Michael Busch has been hot of late, collecting 12 hits in his last 37 at-bats.

Friday’s pitching matchup features Houston’s Brandon Walter (0-1, 3.80 ERA, 1.10 WHIP) and Chicago’s Cade Horton (3-1, 3.73 ERA, 1.29 WHIP), a promising young arm making one of his biggest starts of the season on the road. Horton will have his hands full with Isaac Paredes, who’s slugged 16 homers on the year, and Mauricio Dubón, who’s found a groove with four home runs over his last 10 games.

It’s the first meeting of the season between these two clubs — and if the trends continue, it may not be the last time they cross paths when it really counts.

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -112, Cubs -107; over/under is 8 1/2 runs

Here's a preview of Joe Espada's Game 1 lineup.

The first thing that stands out is rookie Cam Smith is hitting cleanup, followed by Jake Meyers. Victor Caratini is the DH and is hitting sixth. Christian Walker is all the way down at seventh, followed by Yainer Diaz, and Taylor Trammell who is playing left field.

How the mighty have fallen.

Pretty wild to see Walker and Diaz hitting this low in the lineup. However, it's justified, based on performance. Walker is hitting a pathetic .214 and Diaz is slightly better sporting a .238 batting average.

Screenshot via: MLB.com



___________________________

*ChatGPT assisted.

Looking to get the word out about your business, products, or services? Consider advertising on SportsMap! It's a great way to get in front of Houston sports fans. Click the link below for more information!

https://houston.sportsmap.com/advertise

SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome