The countdown is on for the 2017 World Series—come watch with us on our “Wall of TVs” at Greeley Avenue Bar & Grill!
This year experts are predicting games that could bring about a much-needed win for a hard hit city. Here’s what they tell us we should expect to see this year and a breakdown of the World Series schedules
Image by: Keith Allison
American League Championship Series
Starters Dallas Keuchel and Justin Verlander of the Houston Astros combined for 16 innings of one-run ball and 23 strikeouts against the Yankees in Games 1 and 2, respectively, giving the Astros an advantage every time they go up against the Yankee pitching staff.
In order for the Yankees to overtake the Astro’s they’ll have to turn to their bullpen to gain an advantage, but even with that in plan it’s hard seeing the Bronx Bombers defeating either pitcher, as the Yankee starters will have to be near perfect to pull off a win.
The Expert’s Pick: Astros in 6
Image by: Ken Lund
National League Championship Series
Justin Turner’s homerun in the bottom of the ninth inning on Sunday shot the Los Angeles Dodgers to the lead in the National League Championship Series. They’ll be relying on that momentum as the series turns towards Chicago for two, possibly three, more games.
You can expect Cubs fans to be raucous in favor of the home side riding on the wave of excitement from last year’s big win at the 2016 World Series, and all that positive energy provides a great advantage for home teams in the playoffs.
Kyle Hendricks looks like a force for Chicago. He allowed only 17 home runs and pitched a 3.03 ERA this year, but don’t discount the Dodgers. They may have the advantage in Game 4 when Alex Wood takes the mound. Wood’s has the amazing ability to strike out nearly a batter per inning, and he’s earned a 2.72 ERA. Between Wood and Clayton Kershaw, who is considered the best pitcher this decade, it’ll be hard to bet against the Dodgers.
Pick: Dodgers in 5
Image by: Kevin Ward
World Series 2017: Houston Astros v. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Astros’ has a well-balanced, deep roster that has proven difficult for opposing pitchers all season. Every batter in their lineup have powerful swings and their top three hitters (Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and George Springer) were All-Stars, and Altuve has a chance of being the American League’s MVP.
Their record year has been continued with two other regulars, Josh Reddick and Marwin Gonzalez, hitting over .300. And, Yuli Gurriel nearly falling just shy of that at .299, and eleven players racking up 12 or more home runs, to finally claim first in numerous hitting categories (e.g. batting average and runs) and second in homers.
Houston’s lineup has numerous options on both sides of the plate in pinch-hitting situations when manager A.J. Hinch decides to take out his pitcher or make a substitution, and this fact will be the difference if they go up against the Dodgers, who have a deeper pitching staff but can compete with the Astros in terms of their ability to hit for power and average.
Final Pick: Astros in 6
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World Series Schedule
Game 1: Tuesday, October 24 on FOX
Game 2: Wednesday, October 25 on FOX
Game 3: Friday, October 27 on FOX
Game 4: Saturday, October 28 on FOX
*Game 5: Sunday, October 29 on FOX
*Game 6: Tuesday, October 31 on FOX
*Game 7: Wednesday, November 1 on FOX
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