Dodgers Vs. Astros Game 7: Lineups, Starting Pitchers, And More

This is it, the moment baseball fans around the world have been waiting for – The Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros have forced a Game 7 in the 2017 World Series. The Game 7 will also be the first to be held at Dodger Stadium! It’s been an epic battle between Major League Baseball’s heavyweights, and tonight’s finale will cap off the clash of the titans.

Both of these teams have a lot to prove, despite winning over 100 games, clinching Pennants and bolstering premier players all over the field that will be inducted into the Hall of Fame one day. The Dodgers feel like it’s their time to fulfill former legend Tommy Lasorda’s prophecy, and the Astros are fueled by the catastrophic disaster that happened to their beloved city in August. There’s only one game left, and it’s a blessing that’s been bestowed upon everyone.

Roberts today: “I’ve heard it all year. Those were Tommy’s words of encouragement “

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) November 1, 2017

Home teams are 19-19 during Game 7’s, but Wednesday evenings ball game is going to end up being unlike the others. There are so many stories that play a part in this. All of the A-list celebrities in Hollywood will be in attendance, millions of viewers will be cringing on their couches, and the atmosphere at Chavez Ravine will abruptly roar throughout the Los Angeles County territory.

Yu Darvish will get another chance to redeem himself after that early exit from Game 3, where he went less than two innings and gave up four runs. He’ll have to figure out a way to keep Houston’s No. 1 offense honest against his sliders or fastballs. Luckily, he has Alex Wood, Clayton Kershaw, and pretty much every other Dodgers pitcher to back him up

Lance McCullers Jr. only has one job, but the Astros 24-year old starting pitcher has never been in this situation before. He’s a guy that feeds off that energy and emotion during games, but that’s something to keep an eye on, because his demeanor will set the tone for his performance. McCullers Jr. gave up three runs in 5.1 innings in his last start against the Dodgers. He was even seen throwing last night after the Astros lost Game 6, so him and his curveball will be ready. Luckily, Dodgers hitters are no stranger to curveballs.

Lance McCullers sticking with his best: 271 pitches, 165 curves in postseason (60.9%). Dodgers led @MLB in slugging vs curve. @statcast

— Richard Justice (@richardjustice) November 1, 2017

Two of the Dodgers premiere players (Cody Bellinger and Chris Taylor), were in Oklahoma City on opening day. Justin Turner has become a superstar after his memorable 2017 season and October performances. Corey Seager has battled through injuries since the second half of the season. Blue-collared guys like Logan Forsythe, Chase Utley, Austin Barnes and Charlie Culberson have stepped in to get the job done. Yasiel Puig, and Joc Pederson, were once demoted to Triple-A, but they’re both game-changers in the lineup at any moment. You couldn’t write these stories any better.

Houston’s top of the order is something baseball hasn’t seen for years. George Springer, and Alex Bregman, have developed into dangerous hitters this year. Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa are the game’s best one-two punch. Yuli Gurriel, Brian McCann, Evan Gattis, and switch-hitting Marwin Gonzalez, are potent sluggers. The Astros have the ability to light it up quickly, but the DH spot isn’t there anymore, and they haven’t been as efficient during road games.

Below are both teams’ lineups for Game 7 of the World Series!

https://twitter.com/mlblineups/status/925825059649933313

Dave Roberts still has the upper hand because guys like Brandon Morrow, Kenta Maeda and Kenley Jansen turned things around last night after the bullpen didn’t allow any runs in 4.1 innings pitched. However, Alex Wood will be ready after that terrific start in Houston – only allowing one hit during Game 4.

Nevertheless, all eyes will be on Clayton Kershaw once again. The leader of the Dodger clubhouse put on a terrific performance during Game 1, but blew two leads in Game 5. He took it personally, and was even ready to go for Game 6. Roberts knows how much he relishes the moment, and saved him for tonight’s game. His status is unknown at this point, but everyone should expect to see the greatest pitcher on the planet take the mound during this historic showdown.

No one knows what will happen at Dodger Stadium tonight, but this is the perfect scenario that the baseball world has been salivating for. The communities, fans, young up-and-coming players everywhere will be tuned into the one of the greatest games ever. This anticipated World Series is what baseball is all about, and the finale will certainly live up to hype.