Astros vs. Dodgers will be big hit
LOS ANGELES» Big-time aces Clayton Kershaw and Justin Verlander. Playoff boppers Jose Altuve and Justin Turner.
A pair of 100-win teams for the first time in nearly a half century — 1969 (Orioles and Mets). Hollywood Walk of Fame vs. Texans who wear the star. A little extra Magic, plus Nolan back in the fast lane.
This is one hot World Series — the American League champion Houston Astros, fresh off a 4-0 victory over the New York Yankees in Game 7 of their ALCS, taking on the favored Los Angeles Dodgers, who are well rested after a romp through the National League playoffs.
It could be real steamy World Series too. The temperature is supposed to be nearly 100 degrees at Dodger Stadium for the opener Tuesday night, maybe the hottest temperature ever at a World Series game.
“Now we chase the ultimate prize,” Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. “There’s two teams standing. It’s a race to four wins now. At the start there’s a race to 11; we have seven of them down.”
Dodgers left-hander Rich Hill will pitch Game 2. Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts made the announcement Sunday before a team workout.
Kershaw, the Dodgers’ ace, will start the opener Tuesday against Houston star Dallas Keuchel at Dodger Stadium. Hill will pitch Wednesday night against Verlander, the AL Championship Series MVP.
Yu Darvish will start Game 3 for the Dodgers when the World Series shifts to Houston on Friday.
The Astros have never won the World Series. They’re playing for a whole region, with the Houston Strong patches on their jerseys representing an area hit hard by Hurricane Harvey.
“There’s a lot of people that are really hurting in
World Series
Best of seven; x-if necessary All games at 6 p.m. on KDVR-31 DODGERS VS. ASTROS Tuesday: at Los Angeles Wednesday: at Los Angeles Friday: At Houston Saturday: At Houston x-Sunday: At Houston x-Oct. 31: at Los Angeles x-Nov. 1: at Los Angeles this city,” Verlander said of Houston. “And it gives the city something to rally around and gives people something to cheer for that otherwise may not have a lot to be hopeful for.”