Houston and Cleveland play three times to close out the regular season, with the only impact possible Cleveland’s ultimate seeding.
The final three games of the regular season are here.
The Guardians welcome the Astros to Progressive Field for a three-game set, starting Friday night at 6:10 PM CT.
Gametimes and Starting Pitchers
Friday, 6:10 PM CT: Ronel Blanco (12-6, 2.88) vs. Joey Cantillo (2-3. 4.63)
Saturday, 5:10 PM CT: Justin Verlander (4-6, 5.55) vs. Ben Lively (13-9, 3.80)
Sunday, 2:10 PM CT: TBD vs. TBD
The dreaded TBD is pitching for both teams on Sunday.
This is the final series of the regular season for both teams, and the second of the year between Houston and Cleveland. In the first, a three-game set between April 30 and May 2, Houston won the opener and the closer with a loss in the middle.
In the finale on May 2, the 10-20 Astros defeated the 20-10 Guardians, 8-2. Jose Altuve led the offense with three singles, while Jon Singleton (2) collected a single and a home run. Jeremy Peña added a single and a triple. Spencer Arrighetti earned no decision, striking out six over 5 2⁄3 innings. He allowed two runs on four hits and three walks, while Tayler Scott (1-1, 1.98) earned the victory in relief.
It was my chance and I’m trying to do the most day by day. — Singleton
The Astros just finished off their final home series of the year, losing twice to the Seattle Mariners with a single win sandwiched in the middle game of the set, a 4-3 victory on Tuesday, Framber Valdez (15-7, 2.91) earned the win despite allowing eight hits in 5 2⁄3 innings, and Josh Hader earned his 34th save. Alex Bregman (26), Kyle Tucker (23) and Jason Heyward (10) each took one out of the park for the Astros, who clinched the AL West with the victory.
I never lost hope. I knew we were going to find ourselves in a position to come and compete and win the West. — Joe Espada
The Guardians just completed a two-game home sweep of the Cincinnati Reds, including a 5-2 victory on Wednesday. Hunter Gaddis (6-3, 1.59) got the win in relief. Emmanuel Clase earned his 47th save of the campaign. Steven Kwan (14) and Jose Ramírez (38) had home runs.
Can’t ask for anything more than what this bullpen has done for us this year, and again, we saw it on display tonight how great they were. —Stephen Vogt, on the seven pitchers used in the nine inning game — none over two innings
*It should be noted that there is a better than 60 percent chance that Houston and Cleveland will meet in the Division Series, and a 10 percent chance that they end up linking up in the ALCS.
- — roughly estimated