On Thursday, the AL West champion Houston Astros host the NL Central champion Chicago White Sox in Game 1 of the American League Division Series. During the regular season, the Astros under Dusty Baker went 95-67, which is good for the No. 2 seed in the AL bracket behind the Rays. Tony La Russa's White Sox, meantime, went 93-69, albeit against a substantially easier schedule. This one's a best-of-five, which means Game 1 is especially important. You can view the full postseason schedule by clicking here.
With that throat-clearing out of the way, let's get to the important stuff.
How to watch
Date: Thursday, Oct. 7 | Time: 4:07 p.m. ET
Location: Minute Maid Park (Houston, Texas)
TV: FS1 | Stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
Odds: HOU -140; CHW +130; O/U: 8 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Starting pitchers: Lance Lynn vs. Lance McCullers Jr.
Preview
The Astros are trying to advance as far as the ALCS for the fifth straight year, and at the same time Baker is trying to add a World Series ring to his impressive managerial career. For the White Sox, La Russa is trying to justify ownership's decision to bring him in to replace Rick Renteria. Only a deep playoff run can accomplish that.
During the regular season, the Astros went 5-2 against the White Sox and outscored them 42-25 in those games. However, the two teams last met in mid July, and the Chicago roster looks quite different now. Some context:
Some White Sox stats in the 5 losses to Houston this regular season:
— Mayor Maggs (@ChiSoxMaggs) October 5, 2021
Mercedes 0-11
Mendick 1-12
Engel 2-12
Goodwin 3-16
Lamb 2-7
Collins 1-7
9-65
In those games there was no: Robert, Eloy, Kimbrel, Tepera, Hernandez, Lopez, Kopech, or Sheets. They didn't see our best folks
As for the starting pitchers this season, McCullers has pitched to a 3.16 ERA (136 ERA+) and a 2.43 K/BB ratio in 162 1/3 innings. He allowed the most walks of any pitcher in the majors this season (76, all unintentional), but he also had the lowest home run rate of any AL qualifier. As for Lynn, in 157 innings this season he put up an ERA of 2.69 (161 ERA+) and a K/BB ratio of 3.91.
Folks, call it a joust because it's a battle of Lances.
Prediction
Lynn followed by the impressive coterie of fully rested Chicago relievers keeps the Houston offense in check. White Sox steal Game 1 on the road.
Pick: White Sox 3, Astros 2
2021 MLB postseason gear now available
The 2021 MLB Playoffs start Oct. 5 and 6 with the AL and NL Wild Card games. In celebration, 2021 MLB postseason gear is now available for select teams. Shop hoodies, shirts, and more here.
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