HOUSTON – The World Series opens next Tuesday in Los Angeles after the Dodgers punched their ticket by winning their first National League pennant in 29 years.
Now it's time for the Astros and Yankees to settle things in the American League.
A pivotal Game 6 looms Friday night at Minute Maid Park with the Astros trailing 3-2 after dropping Games 3, 4 and 5.
The Astros have their backs against the wall, but the change of scenery is coming at the right time. It's win-or-go-home and here's how the Astros plan to get to a Game 7 Saturday night.
Here are 5 keys to Game 6:
1. Get the bats going
Both teams have struggled. New York is hitting .224 while the Astros are at a .147 clip while scoring only nine runs. Josh Reddick is hitless so far and leadoff man George Springer has struggled badly.
2. Make Luis Severino work
Attack early and be aggressive. He went four innings in Game 2 before he was pulled by Joe Girardi, but went seven innings in the ALDS against the Indians.
3. Justin Verlander needs to go 7+ innings
He was nearly perfect in Game 2 and dominated the Yankee lineup with 13 strikeouts. Verlander was brought to Houston for moments like this, and he plans to deliver. Aaron Judge woke up in New York going 4-9 with two home runs. That will be a key matchup for Verlander.
4. Win the manager matchup
The playoffs are a chess match and the stakes are higher as this series continues. A.J. Hinch should be aggressive with his lineup and base running. Make the Yankees make big plays.
5. Feed off the fans:
Yankee Stadium and the Yankees' fans were a huge factor, and now it is time for Astros Nation to step up, and I fully expect that they will. Minute Maid Park with the roof closed is a always a factor.
