World Series 2017: Reasons for the Astros have hope in Game 7

The Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers will decide the 2017 World Series one way or the other. Game 7 will right the history for one franchise’s first champion or another 7th title.

But before Game 7 starts here is a reason to be positive about the Astros’ chances tonight:

Lance McCullers

Astros will turn to Lance McCullers to take Houston to the promised land. It’s a good bet for Houston, he has allowed 8 earned runs over 24 ²⁄₃ career innings in the playoffs. McCullers allowed just one earned over 5 ¹⁄₃ innings in Game 3 while he was on the mound, he was responsible for three runs. Two runs were given up by Brad Peacock.

Charlie Morton

The Astros will have all hands on deck minus likely Justin Verlander. The first game out of the pen will likely be Charlie Morton to face the Dodgers the third time through the order.

Morton has allowed one earned run over his last 11 ¹⁄₃ innings in the playoffs. That includes 6 ¹⁄₃ scoreless of one-run baseball in Game 4 against the Dodgers.

George Springer

The Astros leadoff hitter has been killing it in the World Series and the playoffs in general. He is batting .284 (19x67) with nine extra-base hits including five home runs and seven RBIs. He has 11 walks and 18 strikeouts.

Springer will get the most at-bats of any Astros on Wednesday. It’s good he is the Astros hottest hitter right now.

During the regular season, Springer was 6-for-18 with two home runs against Darvish.

Top of the lineup

The top four hitters in the lineup, Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, Carlos Correa, and George Springer, are batting .282 (29x103) during the World Series with 10 home runs and 20 RBIs.

Yu Darvish

The Houston Astros know exactly what Yu Darvish can do. Before the World Series start, Darvish has 14 career regular season starts against the Astros. He is 5-5 with a 3.44 ERA in those starts. He was 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA in two starts in 2017.

Not exactly dominating numbers. Good numbers. But not Kershaw numbers.

Game 6

The Houston Astros used three relief pitchers in Game 6. Minus Joe Musgrove, none of them have been in regular use. Houston will have Brad Peacock, Chris Devenski, and Will Harris to use if needed behind Lance McCullers and Charlie Morton.

Dodger lineup

Only Joc Pederson (5x14) and Logan Forsythe (4x15) are batting over .250 during the playoffs. Josh Turner, the No. 3 hitter in the lineup, is batting .130 (3x23) with a home run. Yasiel Puig, the No. 5 hitter, is batting .167 (4x24) with two home runs. Cody Bellinger, the No. 4 hitter, is batting .167 (4x24) with one home run.

Dodger Stadium

I was there for Game 2, Dodger Stadium isn't loud. Take that hot take for what you will.