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No tomorrow as this dramatic World Series concludes tonight at Dodger Stadium in game 7, Los Angeles seeking its first championship since 1988, Houston hoping to finally win one
Right-handers Yu Darvish of LA and Lance McCullers, Jr., of Houston will start on the mound, with the packed bullpen ready to answer the call.
By ARNIE LESHIN, Santa Fe Today
Hold the celebrations, we’re going seven.
That’s right, with the Houston Astros on Tuesday night denied their first World Series championship since the franchise was born in 1962, this dramatic Fall Classic of our National Pastime gets to play another day after the Los Angeles Dodgers extended it last night via a 3-1 triumph at the Chavez Ravine.
The night at Dodger Stadium began with Houston up 3-2 in games after taking 2-of-3 at Minute Maid Park. Now, with no idea of just how long the starting pitchers will toil tonight, both bullpens will be at full strength. Yes, they will even have to find more space out there.
It comes down to Los Angeles right-hander Yu Darvish matched up against Houston right-hander Lance McCullers, Jr. Darvish was a late-season acquisition and McCullers is a 24-year-old who had an impressive first-half of the season and then ran into injury problems. Because of this, he’s won only once since June, but appears ready to serve up his nasty curve.
Darvish was knocked out early in game three, but he has proven his worth with a mixture of curves, heat and changeups. If either falters, in will come Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and Astros manager A.J. Hinch to wave to the bullpen. There’s no tomorrow.
In no particular order, Los Angeles will be able to call on ace Clayton Kershaw, Alex Wood, Brandon Morrow, Kenta Maeda, Tony Watson, Tony Cingrani, Brandon McCarthy, Josh Fields, Ross Stripling, and of course Kenley Jansen, who has been up-and-down when called upon.
Out in the Houston pen, Justin Verlander will be there even though he hurled five strong innings in game six before coming out in the sixth. Charlie Morton could come in for long relief, then there’s Dallas Keuchel, Joe Musgrove, Brad Peacock, Collin McHugh, Chris Devenski, Will Harris, maybe even Ken Giles or Francisco Liriano, who has not yet pitched in the Series.
The first six games are unforgettable. They were entertaining, exciting, emotional, two went into extra innings, and it’s been a hit parade of long balls in about every contest. The pitching has been okay, but no one has started and come close to finishing.
Back in Houston, the frustrated, suffering Astro fans had hopes to possible wrap it up Tuesday night. But after George Springer’s solo home run, his fourth in the last four games, brought a 1-0 lead, it quieted down at Minute Maid Park after the home team tied it at 1-1 and then upped it to 3-1.
The Dodger faithful took a collective deep breath after the final out. They seek their first World Series title since 1988. Houston is trying to escape from never, never land.
It’s been a classic between the two best teams in baseball. Los Angeles had won 104 times, the best in the majors. Houston won 101. Tonight will determine who celebrates, but neither of these teams can be considered losers.
Batter up!
