Astros: ALDS preview, predictions, keys to the series

The Houston Astros are set to take on the Oakland A’s in the ALDS.

The time has come, Astros fans. It’s been a roller coaster of a season, but now the hometown nine appear to be on the upswing as they’re coming off a sweep of the Minnesota Twins in the Wild Card round. They’re set to take on their division rivals, the Oakland A’s, in the ALDS.

The best-of-five division series pits a pair of teams together who’ve seen each other 10 times this season already. Oakland won seven of those meetings, but don’t be fooled by that. All seven of those Astros losses came on the road, and this series is being played on neutral ground at Dodger Stadium. All bets are off here.

The A’s dethroned the Astros in the AL West this season. Houston had won three straight division crowns, but Oakland, after a pair of 97-win seasons in 2018 and 2019, finally broke through. The Astros dealt with myriad injuries and several key players underperforming in this COVID-shortened 60-game season, which caused them to finish 29-31, seven games behind the A’s.

The teams also had a dustup on the field earlier this season when Oakland outfielder Ramon Laureano charged the Houston dugout after exchanging words with hitting coach Alex Cintron. The A’s have been vocal about wanting to prove they’re the better team, and both teams seem to be relishing the opportunity to prove who’s best.

Today’s opening game will begin at 3:07 p.m. CT. Tuesday’s Game Two will be at 3:37 p.m., and Wednesday’s Game Three will be at 2:35 p.m. If games four and five are necessary, they’ll also begin at 2:35 on Thursday and Friday, respectively. All games will be broadcast on TBS.