The 2021 World Series has arrived! Unfortunately the Oakland A’s aren’t in it. Even worse, the Houston Astros are in it, for the third time in the past five years, though I argue that’s better than if the Boston Red Sox had made it instead. The National League sends the Atlanta Braves for the first time since 1999, looking for their first title since 1995.
Game 1 begins tonight, with the two clubs meeting at Minute Maid Park in Houston. On the mound for the Astros is Framber Valdez, who tossed eight sparkling innings against the Sox last time out in the ALCS, arguably the best start by any pitcher in these playoffs so far.