Who is playing in the World Series?

The Astros, winners of the AL West, are playing in their second straight World Series and their fourth in the past six seasons. The Phillies snapped an 11-year playoff drought this year and are in the Fall Classic for the first time since they made back-to-back appearances in 2008 and 2009. The Astros faced NL East opponents in their previous two World Series appearances. A year ago, they lost to the Atlanta Braves in six games. In 2019, they lost to the Washington Nationals in seven . Houston’s lone championship came in 2017 against the Los Angeles Dodgers , but that title was clouded when it was later revealed that the Astros were aided by a sign-stealing scheme that season. Second baseman José Altuve and third baseman Alex Bregman remain from that championship team. Ace right-hander Justin Verlander does, too; he missed last season because of Tommy John surgery but could be this year’s AL Cy Young Award winner at 39. And though the Astros have lost key pieces such as Carlos Correa and George Springer in free agency, young players such as designated hitter Yordan Alvarez, outfielder Kyle Tucker and rookie shortstop Jeremy Peña — the ALCS MVP — have helped keep their dominance going. Houston swept the Seattle Mariners in a division series before sweeping the New York Yankees in the ALCS. The Phillies began the season expecting their core of feared sluggers to overmatch opponents, and after an up-and-down year they’re all clicking at the right time. Designated hitter Bryce Harper — the NLCS MVP — anchors a Philadelphia lineup that also features left fielder Kyle Schwarber, first baseman Rhys Hoskins, catcher J.T. Realmuto and right fielder Nick Castellanos. The Phillies also have two aces in right-handers Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, who have both performed at a high level in the postseason. Philadelphia wouldn’t have made the playoffs last year in the old format, but it squeaked in as the NL’s sixth seed in an expanded field this year. The Phillies beat the St. Louis Cardinals in two games in the first round and the Braves in four games in a division series before knocking off the San Diego Padres in the NLCS in five games . They have yet to lose a playoff game at home.

When does the World Series start?

The series starts Friday at Minute Maid Park in Houston. First pitch is scheduled for 8:03 p.m. Eastern. Both clubs have aces in line to start Game 1. The Astros’ sweep of the Yankees means Verlander only had to start once in the ALCS and is available on extra rest. Nola is set to start Game 1 for the Phillies, who decided to push Wheeler back to Saturday’s Game 2 so he could have an extra day of rest after he pitched the series-clincher against the Padres on Sunday.

Where is the World Series being played?

The Astros earned home-field advantage by finishing with more regular season wins than the Phillies. Their 106 victories were one short of a franchise record and second in MLB to the Los Angeles Dodgers, who won 111 games but were upset by the Padres in a division series . The first two games will he held at Minute Maid Park in Houston. The series will shift back to Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia for Games 3, 4 and 5. The final two games will be held in Houston if the series gets that far. Only the first four games of a best-of-seven series are guaranteed. If either team wins the first four, the World Series is over. If a team wins 4-1 or 4-2, it would eliminate the need for a Game 6 or Game 7, respectively.

How many World Series titles have the Astros and Phillies won?

The Astros have won just once, in 2017, and have been around since 1962. (They were called the Colt .45s for three seasons before switching to their current name.) They have made five appearances in the Fall Classic — four times as the AL representative and once as the NL pennant winner in 2005. The Phillies have hoisted the Commissioner’s Trophy twice, in 1980 and 2008, and are making their eighth appearance in the Fall Classic. Their existence predates the first modern World Series in 1903; they began play in 1883 and were known as the Quakers for their first seven seasons.

Who is favored to win the World Series?

The Astros are the favorite heading into the World Series. According to VegasInsider.com , the Astros are -190 to win the series on Caesar’s Sportsbook, meaning a $190 bet would net a profit of $100 if Houston wins. The Phillies are listed at +170, meaning a $100 bet would net a profit of $170.

What is the full World Series schedule and how can you watch?

All times Eastern Game 1 — Phillies 6, Astros 5 (1-0 PHI) Game 2 — Astros 5, Phillies 2 (1-1) Game 3 — Phillies 7, Astros 0 (2-1 PHI) Game 4 — Astros 5, Phillies 0 (2-2) Game 5 — Astros 3, Phillies 2 (3-2 HOU) Game 6 — Saturday, Nov. 5, 8:03 p.m., Minute Maid Park; Fox Game 7 (if necessary) — Sunday, Nov. 6, 8:03 p.m., Minute Maid Park; Fox

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MLB

The Astros and Phillies will meet in the World Series. Here’s what to know.

By Andrew Golden

Updated November 4, 2022 at 12:03 p.m. EDT

The American League champion Houston Astros will face the National League champion Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series beginning Friday. (Justin Lane/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

The Major League Baseball season is nearly complete, and it will culminate with a World Series matchup between the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies beginning Friday night.

The Astros, who won 106 games during the regular season to claim the top seed in the American League, will host the first two games and try to maintain their perfect postseason record. The 87-win Phillies will look to extend their magical run as the National League’s lowest seed and steal at least one road win, which they’ve done in their first three series this postseason, before the series shifts to Philadelphia.