Game Thread: World Series Game 1, Braves at Astros

The 2021 World Series has arrived! Unfortunately the Oakland A’s aren’t in it. Even worse, the Houston Astros are in it, for the third time in the past five years, though I argue that’s better than if the Boston Red Sox had made it instead. The National League sends the Atlanta Braves for the first time since 1999, looking for their first title since 1995.

Game 1 begins tonight, with the two clubs meeting at Minute Maid Park in Houston. On the mound for the Astros is Framber Valdez, who tossed eight sparkling innings against the Sox last time out in the ALCS, arguably the best start by any pitcher in these playoffs so far. For Atlanta it’s Charlie Morton, who won a ring with Houston in 2017. Morton started once in the NLCS and issued six walks, a shaky performance by the usual October stalwart.

In injury news, Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr is out for the series due to a forearm strain.

Braves lineup (away)

1. DH Jorge Soler (R)
2. 1B Freddie Freeman (L)
3. 2B Ozzie Albies (S)
4. 3B Austin Riley (R)
5. LF Eddie Rosario (L)
6. CF Adam Duvall (R)
7. C Travis d’Arnaud (R)
8. RF Joc Pederson (L)
9. SS Dansby Swanson (R)

• RHP Charlie Morton

Astros lineup (home)

1. 2B Jose Altuve (R)
2. LF Michael Brantley (L)
3. 3B Alex Bregman (R)
4. DH Yordan Alvarez (L)
5. SS Carlos Correa (R)
6. RF Kyle Tucker (L)
7. 1B Yuli Gurriel (R)
8. CF Chas McCormick (R)
9. C Martin Maldonado (R)

• LHP Framber Valdez

How To Watch

• Date: Tuesday, October 26
• Time: 5:09 p.m. PT
• TV: Fox