This could be another scenario where one team that is in the midst of a long title drought has the chance to end it. While the other can simply win their first title in the franchise’s history. That is what lies before both the Dodgers and Astros respectively. Los Angeles hasn’t won a World Series since 1988 and that was their last appearance in the fall classic. Houston last appeared in the World Series in 2005 when they were apart of the National League. Both were considered the two best teams in baseball throughout the season. Now we can see who will be able to raise the trophy.

Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

Some seem kind of surprised that they made it to the World Series this soon given the amount of young talent they have at their disposal. Led by Jose Altuve and his .400 batting average in the postseason, the Astros have been clicking on offense. Yuli Gurriel batting .366 and Carlos Correa with his 9 RBI have contributed as well. They need to get away from the stigma of the ALCS in that they had trouble scoring runs away from Minute Maid Park. If they can continue to get solid performances out of Justin Verlander (ALCS MVP) and Dallas Keuchel, that will set them up nicely for the return trip back to Houston. The Astros bullpen is shaky at best, but they are a different group when pitching at home.

The Dodgers success has been built on their pitching staff. Their bullpen has basically been unhittable. Kenley Jansen has 3 saves and 12 strikeouts in 8 innings of work. Kenta Maeda has 7 strikeouts in 5 innings and Brandon Morrow has 8 strikeouts in 8 1/3 innings pitched. Those three have been lights out for their starters if they struggle. Clayton Kershaw and Yu Darvish have to keep playing at their elite status for the Dodgers to have an advantage. Justin Turner and Chris Taylor (co-NLCS MVPs) have been the trend setters in the lineup for Los Angeles. Yasiel Puig has transformed his approach with 6 RBI in the postseason. Even Kike Hernandez has contributed with 3 HR and 7 RBI. To be fair, those three home runs came in Game 5 of the NLCS. The Dodgers should benefit from the return of Corey Seager to their lineup.

Dodgers in 6 games