Yu Darvish Looks To Redeem Himself As Los Angeles Takes On Houston In Winner -Take -All Game 7 Of The World Series
The wait is over as the 2017 World Series will come down to this one game to decide this years champion that will be crowned in California tonight!
Yu Darvish who barely pitched in game three will get the start in game seven at Dodger Stadium where he will look to redeem himself and hopefully lead his team to a win.
It had to be this way. One of the all-time great World Series -- a mesmerizing matchup between two 100-win teams that has been even better than advertised -- had to go the distance, and the Dodgers were more than happy to honor that idea with their 3-1 Game 6 victory over the Astros on Tuesday night. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20171031260269600/match-made-in-7-hou-la-epic-ends-tonight/?game_pk=526517
And so here comes Game 7, the breaking point in this beautiful battle of baseball behemoths."according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20171031260269600/match-made-in-7-hou-la-epic-ends-tonight/?game_pk=526517
The Series that has had everything -- crazy rallies, heart-pounding home runs, marathon battles and close games galore -- is going to have just a little more in store for us tonight (7:30 p.m. ET air time on FOX, 8 ET game time) at Dodger Stadium, where Yu Darvish will oppose Lance McCullers Jr. in the historic ballpark's first World Series Game 7. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20171031260269600/match-made-in-7-hou-la-epic-ends-tonight/?game_pk=526517
"It seems fitting," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "You've got the two best teams in baseball going head to head. Like we've talked about from the beginning, these two teams mirror one another. And the compete and fight in both teams is the most important thing I see as similarities." "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20171031260269600/match-made-in-7-hou-la-epic-ends-tonight/?game_pk=526517
Either potential outcome would reward a long, painstaking wait. Either the Dodgers are going to win it all for the first time since Tommy Lasorda, Orel Hershiser and Kirk Gibson's ride to glory in 1988, or the Astros are going to be crowned champions for the first time in their 56 seasons of existence. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20171031260269600/match-made-in-7-hou-la-epic-ends-tonight/?game_pk=526517
And in the finale of this exhilarating, exhausting, enrapturing best-of-seven set, whoever wins it will have undoubtedly earned it. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20171031260269600/match-made-in-7-hou-la-epic-ends-tonight/?game_pk=526517
"Six games of nonstop great baseball," Astros shortstop Carlos Correa said. "It's got to be considered one of the best [World Series] of all time." "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20171031260269600/match-made-in-7-hou-la-epic-ends-tonight/?game_pk=526517
If a starter doesn't get the win Wednesday, this will be the first seven-game Series in Fall Classic history in which starters recorded just two wins (Clayton Kershaw in Game 1 and McCullers in Game 3). As recently as 2011, there was a seven-game Series in which starters got three wins, and that has happened five other times (2002, 1979, '75, '72 and '47). "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20171031260269600/match-made-in-7-hou-la-epic-ends-tonight/?game_pk=526517
This will be the 39th winner-take-all World Series game in history (one was actually a Game 8, because the 1912 World Series included a Game 2 tie), and this marks the first time since 2001-02 that the Series has gone to seven games two years in a row. The Dodgers have the home-field advantage ... or do they? The road team won the past two World Series Game 7s (2016 Cubs, '14 Giants) and has won 19 of 38 overall, a 50-50 split. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20171031260269600/match-made-in-7-hou-la-epic-ends-tonight/?game_pk=526517
But there is some historical perspective that leans Los Angeles' way here: Since 1985, when the League Championship Series went to a best-of-seven, teams going home down 3-2 in any seven-game series have won that series half the time (14 of 28). When they've won Game 6, they've won Game 7 in 14 of 16 instances -- the lone exceptions being the 2006 Mets in the National League Championship Series and the 2014 Royals in the World Series. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20171031260269600/match-made-in-7-hou-la-epic-ends-tonight/?game_pk=526517
Anyway, all that really matters is the here and now. And if we've learned anything about this Series so far, this game is going to come down to the bullpens, where some big hands -- such as those of Kershaw and Dallas Keuchel -- will be on deck. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20171031260269600/match-made-in-7-hou-la-epic-ends-tonight/?game_pk=526517
Kershaw, who was available out of the 'pen in Game 6 and will be again, was asked how many innings he can give Los Angeles. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20171031260269600/match-made-in-7-hou-la-epic-ends-tonight/?game_pk=526517
"I can give 27 innings," he said, possibly joking, possibly not. "Whatever they need. I'll be ready to go with whatever they need." "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20171031260269600/match-made-in-7-hou-la-epic-ends-tonight/?game_pk=526517
First things first: Darvish and McCullers. They opposed each other in Game 3 of the World Series presented by YouTube TV, and though McCullers (5 1/3 innings, three runs on four hits with four walks and three strikeouts) wasn't as sharp as he had been out of the bullpen in Houston's American League Championship Series clincher against the Yankees, he certainly had a better night than Darvish, who was knocked out of the game before the end of the second inning. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20171031260269600/match-made-in-7-hou-la-epic-ends-tonight/?game_pk=526517
"I threw the bullpen session [between starts], and my slider is getting there, and it's better," said Darvish, who allowed four runs on six hits with one walk and just a single swing-and-miss in Game 2. "I can't pay that much attention to what happened last time. Just focus on [Game 7] and have a good game." "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20171031260269600/match-made-in-7-hou-la-epic-ends-tonight/?game_pk=526517
Literally every game of this Series has been a good one. Only once (the Dodgers' 6-2 victory in Game 4) has the margin of victory been greater than two runs, and that featured a five-run rally by Los Angeles in the ninth. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20171031260269600/match-made-in-7-hou-la-epic-ends-tonight/?game_pk=526517
The 104-win Dodgers and the 101-win Astros entered as the first pair of 100-win clubs to face each other since the Reds and Orioles in 1970. But mere trivia alone does not make for an epic engagement. The first six games of this Series have lived up to the irresistibility of the storyline, and they've brought us here. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20171031260269600/match-made-in-7-hou-la-epic-ends-tonight/?game_pk=526517
"This Series has been back and forth," Houston manager A.J. Hinch said. "And two incredible teams, trying to get to the finish line. Obviously it's good for our sport. Necessarily bad for us, because we wanted to win [Game 6]. Both teams will be ready to play with about as much energy as you could possibly imagine in Game 7." "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20171031260269600/match-made-in-7-hou-la-epic-ends-tonight/?game_pk=526517
Added Astros third baseman Alex Bregman: "Empty the tank, and let 'er rip." "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20171031260269600/match-made-in-7-hou-la-epic-ends-tonight/?game_pk=526517
Game 7. Game on. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20171031260269600/match-made-in-7-hou-la-epic-ends-tonight/?game_pk=526517
As for Los Angeles and Houston's last game, Los Angeles defeated Houston to even up the series at 3-3.
Nobody is perfect not even a professional player and they can show they can be vulnerable.
That happened in game six Tuesday at Dodger Stadium as Los Angeles was able to get to one of the greatest pitchers to ever play this game in Justin Verlander who coming in to the game had a record of 4-0 with a 2.05 earn run average in five games that included four starts this posteseason. Since joining Houston though he had a record of 9-0 with a 1.53 earn run average in 10 games that included nine starts. "according to https://www.mlb.com/gameday/astros-vs-dodgers/2017/10/31/526516#game_state=final,game_tab=,game=526516
The Dodgers earned home-field advantage in the World Series by winning more games than anybody, and they did that with the scrappy formula on display in Tuesday night's Game 6, forcing the first Fall Classic Game 7 in Dodger Stadium history by rallying to beat the Astros and Justin Verlander, 3-1, in front of an electrified sellout crowd at Chavez Ravine. "according tohttp://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/260269594/dodgers-solve-justin-verlander-force-game-7/
Since 1985, when the League Championship Series expanded to seven games, the Dodgers were the 29th team to head home trailing 3-2 in a best-of-seven series. Of the previous 28 teams in that situation, 16 won Game 6 and 14 of them also won Game 7 (including the Astros in this past ALCS against the Yankees). The Dodgers will send Yu Darvish to the mound against Lance McCullers Jr. of the Astros in Game 7. "according to http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/260269594/dodgers-solve-justin-verlander-force-game-7/
"It's how you play in the backyard of your house as a kid, imagine you're in Game 7 of the World Series," Houston shortstop Carlos Correa said. "according to http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/260269594/dodgers-solve-justin-verlander-force-game-7/
"It's a dream come true to be part of it. We couldn't get the job done today, so we're going to go out there tomorrow and win the last game. It's the last game of the season for sure, so we want it to be the best." "according to http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/260269594/dodgers-solve-justin-verlander-force-game-7/?topicId=27118384
Dodgers starting pitcher Rich Hill kept the game close, a bullpen freshened by a travel day shut down the mighty Astros lineup and Los Angeles' offense scraped enough runs, with Chris Taylor's RBI double keying a two-run sixth inning off Verlander and the rejuvenated Joc Pederson lofting his third homer of the Series, this one off reliever Joe Musgrove. "according to http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/260269594/dodgers-solve-justin-verlander-force-game-7/?topicId=27118384
"We grinded the entire game," said Hill, removed after 4 2/3 innings when manager Dave Roberts again wouldn't let him face Houston's lineup for a third time. "That's the makeup of this team the entire year. Anybody who has come to games throughout the regular season has seen the way this team has performed, saw pretty much everything tonight. We're very excited looking at Game 7 tomorrow. "according to http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/260269594/dodgers-solve-justin-verlander-force-game-7/
Although he had starting pitchers Clayton Kershaw and Alex Wood in the bullpen standing by for duty, Roberts turned the game over to the same relievers who allowed seven of the 13 Astros runs in Sunday night's Game 5 loss. Brandon Morrow, who allowed four runs on six pitches in that game, took over for Hill with a scoreless inning. Kenta Maeda, who allowed a three-run homer to Jose Altuve in Game 5, pitched a scoreless inning. "according to http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/260269594/dodgers-solve-justin-verlander-force-game-7/
And closer Kenley Jansen, who took the walk-off loss on Sunday and had allowed two homers in the Series, retired all six batters he faced (three on strikeouts) for the biggest save of his life. Jansen used 19 pitches, so he likely has something left for Game 7. Tony Watson pitched one-third of an inning and was credited with the win. "according to http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/260269594/dodgers-solve-justin-verlander-force-game-7/
"When you see you get hit in the mouth and you see the guy respond by wanting the baseball again and wanting another chance for redemption or whatever you want to term it, that's a good thing," said Roberts. "So our guys aren't afraid of the moment. And we've put a lot of time into this moment right here. So we're not done yet." "according to http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/260269594/dodgers-solve-justin-verlander-force-game-7/?topicId=27118384
Verlander, previously unbeaten in 10 decisions since Houston acquired him, had allowed only one hit and was clinging to a slim lead provided by George Springer's homer in the third inning, his fourth of the Series and the 14th for the Astros, tying the 2002 Giants for the most in a Fall Classic. "according to http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/260269594/dodgers-solve-justin-verlander-force-game-7/
"That's a good offensive team over there," Springer said. "One run is probably not going to hold up. It doesn't matter who's in the game. That's a good feeling right there to strike first, and we'll see what happens tomorrow." "according to http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/260269594/dodgers-solve-justin-verlander-force-game-7/
Austin Barnes led off the sixth with a single. Verlander then hit Chase Utley with a pitch, Taylor doubled in one run and Corey Seager brought home another with a sacrifice fly. "according tohttp://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/260269594/dodgers-solve-justin-verlander-force-game-7/
Verlander struck out nine and allowed two runs on just three hits in six innings to take his first defeat as an Astro. He said at no point during Tuesday's game did he allow himself the opportunity to think the Astros were going to finish it off. "according to http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/260269594/dodgers-solve-justin-verlander-force-game-7/
"Absolutely not. No chance," Verlander said. "Not the way this Series has gone, not the way these guys' lineup is. If we could have squeaked across one or two more, I might have changed my mentality a little bit. I've played this game too long. What happened, that can happen to anyone. The best-hit ball that inning was a flyout to right field. That's why it's so hard to limit offense, especially in this Series." "according to http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/260269594/dodgers-solve-justin-verlander-force-game-7/
The defensive play of the game for the Dodgers came in the top of the seventh, with two outs and runners on the corners with a 2-1 L.A. lead. Facing Maeda, Altuve hit a sharp grounder to third baseman Justin Turner, whose throw in the dirt was scooped by Cody Bellinger, atoning for his second four-strikeout game of the Series. "according to http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/260269594/dodgers-solve-justin-verlander-force-game-7/
"That's the thing about Cody and a lot of our guys, where tonight the bat wasn't there, but he made some very huge defensive plays," said Roberts. "Altuve's at-bat was a game changer. When you get a young player that isn't there with the bat but can still have the presence of mind to still play defense and impact the game, that's what we get in Cody. Can't say enough about the pick that Cody made. That was huge. "according to http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/260269594/dodgers-solve-justin-verlander-force-game-7/
The Astros threatened in the fifth inning on a leadoff single by Brian McCann and a double to left by Marwin Gonzalez, putting runners at second and third with no outs. Hill struck out Josh Reddick (after falling behind 3-0) and Verlander before issuing an intentional walk to Springer to load the bases. Morrow took over and got Alex Bregman to ground out to shortstop to escape the jam unscathed. Houston was 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position. "according to http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/260269594/dodgers-solve-justin-verlander-force-game-7/
"He got me today," Bregman said. "I had gotten him on a pitch away for a double earlier in the Series, and I got him on a slider up the middle. He got me out and I give him a lot of credit." "according to http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/260269594/dodgers-solve-justin-verlander-force-game-7/
After leaving the bases loaded in the fifth, the Astros put runners on first and second base with two outs in the sixth for Gonzalez, who hit a laser right to a jumping Utley near second base for the final out of the inning. The ball had a 65-percent hit probability, per Statcast but Utley -- who had just entered the game -- was positioned perfectly. "according to http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/260269594/dodgers-solve-justin-verlander-force-game-7/
"Obviously small margin here in this game and these two teams, and obviously credit to them, and we wish we would have had a little bit of a breakout," Houston manager A.J. Hinch said. "I thought Marwin in the sixth had a line drive, but Utley is playing right up the middle." "according to http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/260269594/dodgers-solve-justin-verlander-force-game-7/
"It's what you live for. Game 7. We're excited. It's going to be fun and we can't wait to get out there." -- Bregman "according to http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/260269594/dodgers-solve-justin-verlander-force-game-7/
Pederson's homer marked the fifth time a Dodgers player has hit three home runs in a World Series, joining Duke Snider in 1952 and '55, Reggie Smith in '77 and Davey Lopes in '78. Thus, he's the first Dodger to accomplish the feat in 39 years. "according to http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/260269594/dodgers-solve-justin-verlander-force-game-7/
The Dodgers challenged Reddick's slide into second base with no outs in the seventh inning, but the call was confirmed, with Reddick out on a fielder's-choice grounder by Evan Gattis. "according to http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/260269594/dodgers-solve-justin-verlander-force-game-7/
Lance McCullers Jr will get the start for Houston. He has a record of 1-0 with a 2.95 earn run average. McCullers got the win in Game 3, allowing three earned runs in 5 1/3 innings while striking out three. He has used his curveball even more often lately, throwing it for more than two-thirds of his pitches over his last two outings. He will oppose Los Angeles right -hander Yu Darvish who has a record of 2-1 with a 4.15 earn run average. Darvish stumbled in Game 3 after entering the World Series on a hot streak , yielding six hits and four earned runs while only recording five outs and one swinging strike He'll try to get back on track in a winner take -all Game 7. "according to https://www.mlb.com/gameday/astros-vs-dodgers/2017/11/01/526517#game_state=preview,game_tab=,game=526517
First pitch is set for 8:00pm. The game will be televised on Fox. "according to https://www.mlb.com/gameday/astros-vs-dodgers/2017/11/01/526517#game_state=preview,game_tab=,game=526517