HOUSTON – The reigning World Series champion Houston Astros are set to open the ALDS at Minute Maid Park against the Cleveland Indians.
The two clubs feature pitching staffs that are the top two in the big leagues.
The Astros, who won the AL West, take on the Indians, the AL Central champs, starting Friday at 1:05 p.m.
Game 2 is Saturday at 3:37 p.m. before the series shifts to Progressive Field in Cleveland for Game 3 on Monday, and if necessary, Game 4 on Tuesday.
Here is a look at the tale of the tape for Friday’s Game 1 as Cy Young candidates Justin Verlander and Corey Kluber square off.
Tale of the tape: Game 1 pitching matchup
Corey Kluber vs. Justin Verlander
20-7 -- Record -- 16-9
2.89 -- ERA -- 2.52
215 -- IP -- 214
222 -- Ks -- 290
0.99 -- WHIP -- 0.90
For his career in postseason play, Verlander is 11-6 with an ERA of 3.07. In his last seven starts, Verlander is 4-1 with an ERA of 2.03.
Kluber is 4-2 all-time in the postseason with an ERA of 3.54. The Indians righthander is 2-0 with an ERA of 4.15 in his last four starts.
Full coverage of the Astros' playoff run daily on air on KPRC Channel 2 and online at Click2Houston.com.