2017 World Series: Who has the edge going forward?

Coming off of a thrilling game two in Los Angeles, the Astros are going to look to carry their momentum through their time in Houston. An offense that was shut down by Kershaw and the Dodgers in game one really turned things around by exploding for four home runs and taking an epic game away from Los Angeles.

Houston’s offense is back

Altuve and Correa have kept Houston in the thick of things (LA Daily News)

The Astros offense has had cold stretches this postseason. During the ALCS, Houston was only able to score nine runs in the first five games. There was reason to be worried after game one of the World Series as well, when they only had one run on three hits off of Clayton Kershaw.

Houston was somehow able to prove in game two that Kenley Jansen is touchable after slumping for a bit. Jansen was one of the most successful closers in the regular season, only blowing one save and giving up just five home runs. Marwin Gonzalez’s home run off an 0-2 count against Jansen in the ninth may be a point we look back at and say that is when the Astros took over.

Each of the Astros big three (Springer, Altuve and Correa) proved why they should be feared in game two. They are going to look to ride that feeling in Houston in order to get ahead of Los Angeles. The Dodgers pitching may still be a cause for concern though.

The Dodgers pitching is still dominate

Kershaw may have had his best postseason performance in game one (Photo by Washington Times)

What Houston still has to look forward to is facing Yu Darvish in game three. This is an interesting matchup considering Darvish pitched in the same division as the Astros since 2012. Darvish has had Houston’s number, as a collective they have a .190 batting average against the Dodgers summer acquisition.

The one hitter to keep an eye on is George Springer. Springer is 6-18 against Darvish in his career, and two of those hits have gone for home runs. Other than Springer though, the Astros have looked lack luster against Darvish.

Game three will be a very important game for the Astros especially. Although Alex Wood is currently tabbed as the starter for the Dodgers in game four, there is still a chance that Kershaw could make the start if they lose game two. Although Kershaw could have probably pitched all the way through game one, Dave Roberts made the right call by pulling him after seven innings. Keeping Kershaw’s pitch count low gives the Dodgers the opportunity to use him in game four if need be. That way, if the series goes to seven games Kershaw can start the final game with decent rest.

Who has the edge?

The Astros will be pitching Lance McCullers Jr. and Charlie Morton over the weekend. Both only have limited exposure to the Dodgers, but in that limited exposure the Dodgers have had their number. A.J. Hinch may be looking to go to his bullpen early in games three and four in Houston.

The Los Angeles offense has looked on point this whole postseason. Even without their star shortstop in the NLCS, they still managed to put up some crooked numbers against the Cubs. They weren’t able to beat the Astros on Wednesday night, but that was more on the bullpen rather than any inability by the offense.

After George Springer’s thrilling go-ahead home run in Los Angeles in game two, it is hard to bet against the Astors for the rest of this series. It will be a tough fought battle the whole way through. However, the Dodgers bullpen will most likely not unfoil as much as it did. It is October, so anything can happen. It is hard to see them giving up two leads like that again though.

Based on performance this postseason, the Dodgers have the edge on their pitching staff as well as their offense. On paper Houston may have the sexier lineup with Springer, Altuve and Correa. Los Angeles has remained consistent through the postseason though, and with Kershaw most likely getting two more starts in the World Series it will be difficult for Houston to get past them. The series will most likely go back to California, but the Dodgers should be favored to take home the Commissioner’s trophy in the end.