FRAMBER VALDEZ

Oz Ocampo already sees a similarity between the Miami Marlins and the two teams that just played in the World Series.

While the stain on Houston’s first championship might never completely fade, Alvarez’s three-run homer helped fashion a fresh crown for the Astros.

Yordan Alvarez hit a moon shot that sent Space City into a frenzy, and the Houston Astros to their second World Series title.

The 73-year-old Baker, who had been to the World Series twice before as a skipper, is the oldest championship manager. Astros rookie shortstop Jeremy Peña was the World Series MVP after getting another key hit, a single to set up Alvarez's drive. Houston won an American League-best 106 games and reached its fourth World Series during a span in which it made it to the AL Championship Series six seasons in a row. The Astros made their only other World Series appearance in 2005, while still in the National League, and were swept in four games by the Chicago White Sox. Valdez became the only left-hander other than Sandy Koufax in 1963 to strike five consecutive batters in a World Series game.

Yordan Alvarez hit a towering three-run homer and the Houston Astros clinched their second World Series title in six seasons with a 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 6.

Yordan Alvarez hit a moon shot that sent Space City into a frenzy, and the Houston Astros to their second World Series title. While the stain on Houston’s first championship might never completely fade, Alvarez’s majestic three-run homer helped fashion a fresh crown for the Astros -- and the first for Dusty Baker as manager -- in a 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 6 on Saturday night. “What happened before, it doesn’t ever pass over completely,” said Baker, the veteran manager hired by the Astros in the wake of their sign-stealing scandal.

Game 6 will result in the Astros celebrating another title or the Phillies forcing Game 7. Here are Ben Verlander's keys to victory for each team.

Edward Egros, aka The Professor, is here with Super 6 picks and his best bets for Game 6 of the World Series.

Dusty Baker has been here before.

Houston's Lance McCullers Jr. says he wasn't tipping pitches during his Game 3 five-homer meltdown in the World Series. In Game 2, the internet noticed that Astros starter Framber Valdez was making odd hand motions, rubbing his left thumb across his right hand, then rubbing the ball between pitches.

No telling how well Philadelphia pitcher Noah Syndergaard will do in Game 3 of the World Series. But there will be one sure thing at Citizens Bank Park on Monday when the World Series resumes with the teams tied at 1-all: The Phillie Phanatic will put on quite a show on Halloween night. The fuzzy, green Phillies mascot is always a fan favorite, and is set to entertain the crowd at the first World Series game in Philly since 2009. Philadelphia went 5-0 at home in eliminating defending World Series champion Atlanta and San Diego in the playoffs, outscoring them by a total of 35-15. In the 2008 World Series, Philadelphia had a 3-1 lead going into Game 5 at Citizens Bank Park.

Just like in Game 1, the Astros rushed to a 5-0 lead. Unlike ace Justin Verlander in the opener, Framber Valdez and Houston held on to beat the Philadelphia Phillies.

Videos circulating on the internet showed Valdez repeatedly rubbing his left thumb across his right palm, then rubbing the ball between pitches. Valdez pitched shutout ball into the seventh inning of the Astros' 5-2 victory, which evened the Series at a win each. Maybe distract the hitter a little bit from what I’m doing. Like maybe look at me, rubbing different things, and nothing about the pitch that I’m going to throw. Valdez said the hand rubbing is just one of the unorthodox things he likes to do when he pitches.

Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson says he isn’t concerned about Houston starter Framber Valdez’s unusual hand rubbing during Game 2 of the World Series, downplaying speculation on social media that the left-hander was up to something fishy during a dominant victory.

Kyle Schwarber had big swings on consecutive pitches for the Philadelphia Phillies when they needed a comeback in Game 2 of the World Series.

The Astros scored three runs in the first inning and never looked back thanks to Framber Valdez's gem to tie the World Series at one game apiece.

HOUSTON — (AP) — Framber Valdez made a five-run lead stand up after Houston’s lightning first-inning burst, Alex Bregman homered and the Astros beat the Philadelphia Phillies 5-2 Saturday night to tie the World Series at one game apiece. Following the split in Houston, the Series resumes Monday night when Citizens Bank Park hosts the Series for the first time since 2009. Nick Castellanos led off the seventh with a double and Valdez left after a groundout advanced the runner. A day after the deflating defeat, the Astros came out swinging and became the first team to open a Series game with three straight extra-base hits. UP NEXTLHP Ranger Suárez is likely to start Game 3 for the Phillies and RHP Lance McCullers Jr. for the Astros.

Framber Valdez made a five-run lead stand up after Houston’s lightning first-inning burst, Alex Bregman homered and the Astros beat the Philadelphia Phillies 5-2 to tie the World Series at one game apiece.

Realmuto and the Philadelphia Phillies weren't fazed playing from behind in their World Series opener. Down 5-0 early against Astros ace Justin Verlander, Philadelphia became the first team in 20 years to overcome a five-run deficit to win a World Series game. Valdez will try to shake lousy memories from last year's World Series, when he was 0-1 with a 19.29 ERA against Atlanta, allowing four homers in 4 2/3 innings. “Last year my emotions got the better of me during the World Series,” Valdez said through an interpreter Friday. Here’s what else to know about the World Series on Saturday:SATURDAY'S SCHEDULE (All times ET)Game 2: Philadelphia at Houston, 8:03 p.m., FOXASTRONOMICALHouston's Kyle Tucker is off to a hot start this World Series a year after going without an RBI during a six-game Series loss to Atlanta.

The Astros and Phillies travel Friday to Texas, where Game 6 of the World Series will be played a night later.

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HOUSTON — (AP) — Framber Valdez's World Series debut was a blast — for the Atlanta Braves. The Braves went on to win the World Series in six games, and Soler earned the MVP award. Valdez went 0-1 with a 19.29 ERA for Houston in last year’s Series, allowing four homers in 4 2/3 innings. “Last year my emotions got the better of me during the World Series,” Valdez said through a translator Friday on the eve of his start in Game 2 against Philadelphia. He started Game 2 of the Division Series against Seattle and didn't get a decision, allowing two runs and four hits in 5 2/3 innings with six strikeouts and three walks.

Framber Valdez will start Game 2 of the World Series for the Houston Astros on Saturday night against Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies.

No U.S.-born Black players are projected to be on World Series rosters when the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros meet this week.

Bryce Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies are set to play the Houston Astros in the World Series.

HOUSTON — (AP) — Alex Bregman hit an early three-run homer, Framber Valdez pitched seven strong innings and the Houston Astros edged the New York Yankees 3-2 Thursday night to take a 2-0 lead in the AL Championship Series. But he quickly moved past the gaffe and shut down the powerful Yankees lineup the rest of the way. There was a slight delay before Pressly threw his first pitch after a fan got on the field and appeared to try and hug Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and take a selfie with him. Judge got his first hit of the series with a single to get things going for the Yankees in the fourth. UP NEXTGerrit Cole (2-0, 2.03 ERA), who helped the Astros to the 2019 World Series before signing with the Yankees, will start for New York in Game 3 Friday.

Alex Bregman hit an early three-run homer, Framber Valdez pitched seven strong innings and the Houston Astros edged the New York Yankees 3-2 to take a 2-0 lead in the AL Championship Series.

For the third time in that run, they're matching up with the New York Yankees. Astros ace Justin Verlander got better as he went, and Houston eventually broke through against the Yankees bullpen. The Yankees' task won't get easier in Game 2 Thursday night, as Astros lefty Framber Valdez takes the mound. Rookie shortstop Oswald Peraza will get the start at shortstop and again relegate Isiah Kiner-Falefa to the bench. The Astros have been getting a serious postseason jolt from their own rookie shortstop, Jeremy Peña, who homered to seal Game 1.

Astros ace Justin Verlander got better as he went, and Houston eventually broke through against the Yankees bullpen. The Yankees' task won't get easier in Game 2 Thursday night, as Astros lefty Framber Valdez takes the mound. The rest of the lineup has been a work in progress, and manager Aaron Boone is making changes for Game 2. Rookie shortstop Oswald Peraza will get the start at shortstop and again relegate Isiah Kiner-Falefa to the bench. The Astros have been getting a serious postseason jolt from their own rookie shortstop, Jeremy Peña, who homered to seal Game 1.

Astros ace Justin Verlander got better as he went, and Houston eventually broke through against the Yankees bullpen. The Yankees' task won't get easier in Game 2 Thursday night, as Astros lefty Framber Valdez takes the mound. The rest of the lineup has been a work in progress, and manager Aaron Boone is making changes for Game 2. Rookie shortstop Oswald Peraza will get the start at shortstop and again relegate Isiah Kiner-Falefa to the bench. The Astros have been getting a serious postseason jolt from their own rookie shortstop, Jeremy Peña, who homered to seal Game 1.

Justin Verlander struck out 11 in six strong innings and Yuli Gurriel, Chas McCormick and Jeremy Peña all homered to power the Houston Astros to a 4-2 win over the New York Yankees in their AL Championship Series opener.

Yordan Alvarez and his mighty bat did it yet again, launching a go-ahead, two-run homer in the sixth inning off Seattle ace Luis Castillo that lifted the Houston Astros over the Mariners 4-2 for a 2-0 lead in the AL Division Series.

HOUSTON — (AP) — Astros starters Framber Valdez and Luis Garcia look like naturals on the mound, even in the hairiest of situations. Both pitchers completed their coiffures with an artificial boost this season, adding hair extensions as a means of expressing their individuality. Valdez took some good-natured teasing from Gurriel and others at first, but neither he nor Garcia have endured mockery like Butler. “It’s showing a lot of personality in the game,” Díaz said. He joked with Valdez that he was trying to be the left-handed Luis Castillo soon after he unveiled his extensions.

HOUSTON — (AP) — Astros starters Framber Valdez and Luis Garcia look like naturals on the mound, even in the hairiest of situations. Both pitchers completed their coiffures with an artificial boost this season, adding hair extensions as a means of expressing their individuality. Valdez took some good-natured teasing from Gurriel and others at first, but neither he nor Garcia have endured mockery like Butler. “It’s showing a lot of personality in the game,” Díaz said. He joked with Valdez that he was trying to be the left-handed Luis Castillo soon after he unveiled his extensions.

Astros starters Framber Valdez and Luis Garcia look like naturals on the mound, but they've gotten an artificial boost from the barber shop.

Astros reliever Phil Maton says he broke his right pinkie when he punched a locker in frustration after Houston’s regular-season finale and will miss the postseason.

When Justin Verlander takes the mound for the Houston Astros in Game 1 of the AL Division Series on Tuesday against the Seattle Mariners, it will have been almost three years since his last playoff appearance.

Drew Rasmussen pitched seven effective innings and the Tampa Bay Rays clinched a playoff spot for the fourth straight season, beating the Houston Astros 7-3.

HOUSTON — (AP) — Framber Valdez set an MLB record with his 25th straight quality start, and Yordan Alvarez and Martin Maldonado had four RBIs each to help the Houston Astros build an early lead in an 11-2 rout of the Oakland Athletics on Sunday. Alvarez drove in three runs with a double in Houston’s five-run third inning and padded the lead with an RBI double the sixth inning. Valdez, who threw his first career shutout in his last start, is 15-4 during this streak, which began April 25. The Astros jumped on rookie Ken Waldichuk (0-2) early as he was tagged for five hits and five runs in 2 2/3 innings in his fifth career start. Nick Allen and Tony Kemp hit consecutive singles to start the sixth before Garcia’s double scored them both to cut the lead to 7-2.

Framber Valdez set a major league record with his 25th straight quality start, and Yordan Alvarez and Martin Maldonado had four RBIs each to help the Houston Astros to an 11-2 rout of the Oakland Athletics.

Justin Verlander was pulled after pitching six no-hit innings in his major league-leading 16th win and the Astros beat the Minnesota Twins 4-2 in Carlos Correa’s return to Houston.

Justin Verlander pitched six scoreless innings for his MLB-leading 15th victory, Chas McCormick and Martin Maldonado each homered and had three RBIs, and the AL West-leading Houston Astros beat the Cleveland Guardians 6-0.

Sandy Alcantara threw his major league-leading third complete game and the Miami Marlins beat the Cincinnati Reds 3-0.

Juan Soto is set for his San Diego debut at home Wednesday night against Colorado.

Justin Verlander pitched one-run ball into the eighth inning and won his MLB-leading 14th game, Aledmys Díaz hit two homers and Yordan Alvarez slugged his 30th home run of the season as the Houston Astros beat the Seattle Mariners 11-1.

Justin Verlander became the major leagues’ first 13-game winner, striking out nine and topping 99 mph in his final inning to lead the Houston Astros over the Seattle Mariners 3-1.

Giancarlo Stanton and Byron Buxton homered back-to-back in the fourth inning to rally the American League over the National League 3-2 in the All-Star Game.

Shohei Ohtani won his sixth straight start by striking out 12 in six innings and also hit a two-run triple in the Los Angeles Angels’ 7-1 victory over the Houston Astros.

Los Angeles Angels sensation Shohei Ohtani repeated as a two-way All-Star when he was picked for the AL pitching staff, two days after he was elected to start at designated hitter.

Angels Astros Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels Sunday, July 3, 2022, in Houston. Twelve different Angels batters came to the plate and all of them struck out at least once. There had been several occasions where teams struck out 20, including performances by Max Scherzer, Roger Clemens and Kerry Wood. Luis Rengifo homered in the Angels second. Haselman will also manage Tuesday’s game while Montgomery serves the second game of his suspension.

Angels star Mike Trout finished 0 for 11 with nine strikeouts in a three-game series and Los Angeles hitters fanned 20 times overall in a 4-2 loss to the Houston Astros.

Sidelined by injuries since last July, the two-time Cy Young Award winner is scheduled to make a minor league rehab start for Class A St. Lucie against the Jupiter Hammerheads. The announcement Saturday by NL East-leading New York came nearly a year since deGrom’s last major league outing on July 7, 2021. As he builds up arm strength and stamina, the 34-year-old deGrom will need several minor league rehab outings before he’s ready to rejoin New York’s rotation. Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, got hurt May 18 against St. Louis and recently made two rehab starts for Double-A Binghamton. NOT RED HOTThe Reds have lost 10 straight home games after falling to Atlanta 4-1 at Great American Ball Park.

Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout has struck out in seven straight at-bats during a tough series in Houston.

Sidelined by injuries since last July, the two-time Cy Young Award winner is scheduled to make a minor league rehab start for Class A St. Lucie against the Jupiter Hammerheads. The announcement Saturday by NL East-leading New York came nearly a year since deGrom’s last major league outing on July 7, 2021. As he builds up arm strength and stamina, the 34-year-old deGrom will need several minor league rehab outings before he’s ready to rejoin New York’s rotation. Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, got hurt May 18 against St. Louis and recently made two rehab starts for Double-A Binghamton. NOT RED HOTThe Reds have lost 10 straight home games after falling to Atlanta 4-1 at Great American Ball Park.

Aaron Judge lined a game-winning single on the eve of his salary arbitration showdown, capping a four-run ninth inning that included Aaron Hicks’ tying three-run homer off closer Ryan Pressly in the New York Yankees’ 7-6 victory over the Houston Astros.

American League powerhouses square off when Aaron Judge and the New York Yankees host Yordan Álvarez and the Houston Astros in the opener of a highly anticipated four-game series Thursday night.

Astros starter Luis Garcia and reliever Phil Maton each threw an immaculate inning — nine pitches, three strikeouts — and Martín Maldonado keyed a six-run first inning that sent Houston over the Texas Rangers 9-2.

Marlins Astros Baseball Miami Marlins starting pitcher Braxton Garrett throws against the Houston Astros during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, June 11, 2022, in Houston. Garrett (1-1) yielded six hits and an unearned run with five strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings for the win in his second start this season. The Marlins scored three runs in the second inning with the help of a costly error by rookie shortstop Jeremy Peña. Jesús Aguilar, who homered twice Friday night, singled to open the second inning and advanced to second on a groundout by Miguel Rojas. Houston cut the lead to 4-1 when Peña scored on a two-out double by Jose Altuve.

The Miami Marlins got a solid start from rookie Braxton Garrett and Jon Berti drove in two runs to help them extend their winning streak to five games with a 5-1 victory over the Houston Astros.

Framber Valdez outpitched Shohei Ohtani with 6 2/3 dominant innings of two-hit ball, and the Houston Astros tied the longest opening day winning streak in major league history with a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

A bit player during the Chicago Cubs’ drought-smashing victory over Cleveland five years ago, Jorge Soler was voted MVP of the Atlanta Braves' six-game World Series win over the Houston Astros.

The Seminole Tribe quietly launches online sports betting in Florida, amid continuing legal challenges to a gambling deal approved by state lawmakers in May.

Carlos Correa and the Houston Astros broke out the bats just in time to extend this World Series.

World Series Baseball Houston Astros' Carlos Correa celebrates his RBI single during the eighth inning in Game 5 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Atlanta. Trailing 3-1 in the Series, Houston is six outs from forcing a Game 6 back home on Tuesday night. Greinke became the first pitcher with a pinch hit in the World Series since Jack Bentley had two of them in 1923. The Houston Astros have reworked their lineup for Game 5, dropping the slumping Alex Bregman from his usual third spot to seventh. Bregman is 1 for 14 in the World Series, and Houston trails Atlanta three games to one.

(AP Photo/Ashley Landis) (Ashley Landis)ATLANTA — (AP) — The Latest on Game 5 of the World Series (all times local):11: p.m. The Braves are running out of at-bats to regain the lead and close out this World Series with a victory at home. Alvarez, the ALCS MVP, is 0 for 4 Sunday and 1 for 15 in the World Series. Greinke became the first pitcher with a pinch hit in the World Series since Jack Bentley had two of them in 1923. The Houston Astros have reworked their lineup for Game 5, dropping the slumping Alex Bregman from his usual third spot to seventh.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves' Freddie Freeman celebrates with Ozzie Albies after a home run during the third inning in Game 5 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Atlanta. Jose Altuve reached leading off the third when Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson committed his second error of the World Series, and Davidson then walked Michael Brantley. The homer was his first of the World Series and his sixth career go-ahead homer in the postseason, passing Chipper Jones for most in franchise history. Bregman had been 1 for 14 in this World Series with five strikeouts. Bregman is 1 for 14 in the World Series, and Houston trails Atlanta three games to one.

World Series Baseball Houston Astros' Alex Bregman hits a RBI-double during the second inning in Game 5 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Atlanta. Bregman had been 1 for 14 in this World Series with five strikeouts. ___8:35 p.m.Adam Duvall hit a first-inning grand slam off Framber Valdez, and the Atlanta Braves took a 4-0 lead over the Houston Astros as they tried to finish off the World Series in five games. The Houston Astros have reworked their lineup for Game 5, dropping the slumping Alex Bregman from his usual third spot to seventh. Bregman is 1 for 14 in the World Series, and Houston trails Atlanta three games to one.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves' Adam Duvall watches his grand slam home run during the first inning in Game 5 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) (John Bazemore)ATLANTA — (AP) — The Latest on Game 5 of the World Series (all times local):8:35 p.m.Adam Duvall hit a first-inning grand slam off Framber Valdez, and the Atlanta Braves took a 4-0 lead over the Houston Astros as they tried to finish off the World Series in five games. Both teams took batting practice for the first time in Atlanta this weekend, and the sky was clear for World Series Game 5 as the Braves tried to win their first title since 1995. The Houston Astros have reworked their lineup for Game 5, dropping the slumping Alex Bregman from his usual third spot to seventh. Bregman is 1 for 14 in the World Series, and Houston trails Atlanta three games to one.

Carlos Correa had three hits, Martin Maldonado found three different ways to drive in runs and pinch-hitter Marwin Gonzalez blooped a tiebreaking, two-run single in the fifth inning to lead the Houston Astros over the Atlanta Braves 9-5 and cut their World Series deficit to three games to two.

Because after Game 5 of the World Series, they could become almost extinct. That means Sunday night's game at Truist Park might mark the final time a pitcher ever appears in a big league batting order. “I think it’s definitely going to be pretty special that this could be the last pitchers ever hitting in baseball. It continues to this day, when American League teams often feel at a disadvantage when the World Series shifts to an NL park. The only other pitcher who didn't bat ninth in the World Series was Babe Ruth back in 1918.

Game 5 of the World Series between the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves might have represented a historic moment for Major League Baseball.

Grinning the whole time, Zack Greinke slipped into his Astros warmup jacket, joked with Freddie Freeman and got a friendly pat from the Atlanta star first baseman. Because after Game 5 of the World Series, they could become almost extinct. There’s a good chance Major League Baseball will bring the designated hitter to the National League next year — likely forever.

Dansby Swanson picked a good time to drive in his first run of the World Series.

A guy who spent most of the season in the minors kept the Braves in it.

Rookie Jose Siri sparked a team whose biggest stars took a while to shine, sending the Houston Astros to a 7-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves that evened the World Series at one game apiece.

Making his first start since testing positive for COVID-19, Jorge Soler became the first player to begin a World Series with a home run and the Atlanta Braves, despite the loss of pitcher Charlie Morton to a broken leg, hushed the Houston Astros 6-2 in Game 1.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves' Dansby Swanson scores past Houston Astros catcher Jason Castro on a sacrifice fly during the eighth inning of Game 1 in baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, in Houston. The Braves are three outs away from a 1-0 World Series advantage, leading 6-2 after eight innings in Game 1. Braves starter Charlie Morton, who won Game 7 of the 2017 World Series for the Astros, also struggled at the outset. Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman also made nice plays to limit the damage. While four batters led off the bottom of the first of a World Series opener with a home run, Soler became the first in 117 World Series to homer starting the top of the first of an opener.

World Series Baseball Houston Astros' Kyle Tucker scores on an error during the fourth inning of Game 1 in baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) (Ashley Landis)HOUSTON — (AP) — The Latest on Game 1 of the World Series (all times local):9:15 p.m. Braves starter Charlie Morton, who won Game 7 of the 2017 World Series for the Astros, also struggled at the outset. Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman also made nice plays to limit the damage. 3:10 p.m.Jorge Soler moved up to the Atlanta Braves' leadoff spot for the opener against the Houston Astros and right-hander Charlie Morton.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Charlie Morton rubs his leg before leaving the game during the third inning of Game 1 in baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) (Ashley Landis)HOUSTON — (AP) — The Latest on Game 1 of the World Series (all times local):8:50 p.m.Atlanta starter Charlie Morton has been removed in the third inning because of a right ankle injury. Braves starter Charlie Morton, who won Game 7 of the 2017 World Series for the Astros, also struggled at the outset. Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman also made nice plays to limit the damage. 3:10 p.m.Jorge Soler moved up to the Atlanta Braves' leadoff spot for the opener against the Houston Astros and right-hander Charlie Morton.

___7:43 p.m.Jorge Soler got this 117th World Series off to a smashing start. Braves starter Charlie Morton, who won Game 7 of the 2017 World Series for the Astros, also struggled at the outset. Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman also made nice plays to limit the damage. ___7:30 p.m.Atlanta’s Jorge Soler has become the first batter ever to lead off a World Series with a home run. 3:10 p.m.Jorge Soler moved up to the Atlanta Braves' leadoff spot for the opener against the Houston Astros and right-hander Charlie Morton.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves' Jorge Soler celebrates his home run during the first inning of Game 1 in baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay)HOUSTON — (AP) — The Latest on Game 1 of the World Series (all times local):7:43 p.m.Jorge Soler got this 117th World Series off to a smashing start. Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman also made nice plays to limit the damage. ___7:30 p.m.Atlanta’s Jorge Soler has become the first batter ever to lead off a World Series with a home run. 3:10 p.m.Jorge Soler moved up to the Atlanta Braves' leadoff spot for the opener against the Houston Astros and right-hander Charlie Morton.

Jorge Soler became the first player to begin a World Series with a home run and the Atlanta Braves beat the Houston Astros 6-2 in Tuesday night’s opener despite the loss of pitcher Charlie Morton to a broken leg.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Charlie Morton speaks during a news conference Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, in Houston, in preparation for Game 1 of baseball's World Series tomorrow between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)HOUSTON — (AP) — Though the uniform keeps changing, Charlie Morton is becoming a Fall Classic fixture, set to start in the World Series for the third time in five seasons this week. It’s just been a lot of sacrifice and hard work.”Morton pitched for Houston from 2017-18, winning Game 7 of the 2017 World Series in relief at Dodger Stadium. “That’s pretty great.”Tuesday will mark Morton’s 16th postseason start and 17th appearance. “Back in 2014 and 2015 I wouldn’t have thought of being a starter in Game 1 of the World Series, but now it’s real and I appreciate it,” he said.

Though the uniform keeps changing, Charlie Morton is becoming a Fall Classic fixture, starting in the World Series for the third time in five seasons this week.

When Freddie Freeman and the Atlanta Braves meet Jose Altuve and the Houston Astros, it will be a World Series that's been six decades in the making.

Rookie Luis García will start for the Houston Astros against the Boston Red Sox in Game 6 of the AL Championship Series with a trip to the World Series on the line.

APTOPIX ALCS Astros Red Sox Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez celebrates in the dugout after the eighth inning in Game 5 of baseball's American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021, in Boston. The Red Sox need a win to force a deciding seventh game on Saturday. The left-hander departed after retiring the Red Sox in order in the eighth — the longest outing for any starter this postseason. In all, Valdez gave up one run on three hits, one walk and a hit batter, striking out five. The Red Sox had won seven straight postseason games at home — dating to the 2018 ALCS — before blowing an eighth-inning lead on Tuesday night.

Framber Valdez gave the Houston Astros the start they were looking for.

The Dodgers are ready to start ace Max Scherzer in Game 2 of the NL Championship Series against Atlanta, a day after manager Dave Roberts scratched the veteran right-hander to get him an extra day of rest.

NLDS Dodgers Giants Baseball The San Francisco Giants work out Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, in San Francisco for the baseball team's National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, which starts Friday. They were about as even as you can get meeting head-to-head this year: the Giants won the season series 10-9, while the Dodgers outscored San Francisco 80-78. Los Angeles will counter with right-hander Walker Buehler, a 16-game winner over 33 starts who went 3-1 against San Francisco this year. Giolito put together a strong finish to the regular season, going 2-0 with a 2.39 ERA in his last seven starts. Framber Valdez starts Game 2 for Houston.

Matt Olson and Chad Pinder each homered and the Oakland Athletics beat Houston 8-6 Friday night, cutting the Astros’ edge for home-field advantage in the AL playoffs. Houston leads the White Sox by one game for home field in their best-of-five Division Series matchup next week. The AL West champion Astros also own the tiebreaker after going 5-2 against AL Central champion Chicago this season.

Rangers Astros Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez winds up during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Texas Rangers on Saturday, July 24, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) (Michael Wyke)HOUSTON — (AP) — Framber Valdez and the Houston bullpen took a no-hit try into the eighth inning and Astros sent the Texas Rangers to their season-worst 11th straight loss, 4-1 on Saturday night. A half-hour or so before the Astros' bid was broken up, Patrick Sandoval of the Angels lost his no-hit try with one out in the ninth inning at Minnesota. Yordan Alvarez homered in the seventh and Carlos Correa added two RBIs for the Astros, who won their 60th game. UP NEXTZack Greinke (9-3, 3.58 ERA) will start for Houston on Sunday when the Astros try to complete the sweep.

Rangers Astros Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez throws to a Texas Rangers batter during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, July 24, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) (Michael Wyke)HOUSTON — (AP) — The Houston Astros lost their combined no-hit bid in the eighth when Isiah Kiner-Falefa singled to start the inning for the Texas Rangers. The Rangers, who have lost a season-high 10 straight, did not hit a ball in the air through six innings. Trevino hit a sharp ground ball with one out in the fifth that looked like it might get by Correa, but he spun to grab it. ___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2021 The Associated Press.

Rangers Astros Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez throws to a Texas Rangers batter during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, July 24, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) (Michael Wyke)HOUSTON — (AP) — The Houston Astros are pitching a combined no-hitter through seven innings against the Texas Rangers. Framber Valdez needed 99 pitches to get through six innings and Bryan Abreu took over for the seventh. The Rangers, who have lost a season-high 10 straight, did not hit a ball in the air through six innings. ___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2021 The Associated Press.

Angels Athletics Baseball Los Angeles Angels' Shohei Ohtani warms up before the team's baseball game against the Oakland Athletics in Oakland, Calif., Thursday, May 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (Jeff Chiu)A look at what's happening around the majors Friday:___OHTANI ON DELAYShohei Ohtani is set to pitch for the Angels in Oakland — assuming he can get to the ballpark on time. The team bus carrying Ohtani wasn't able to get through, and Ohtani experienced another delay when he tried to take a Bay Area Rapid Transit train. The Japanese sensation entered Thursday hitting .270 with 15 homers and is 1-0 with a 2.37 ERA over six starts. The 30-year-old is as sharp as ever, striking out 92 and walking just eight this season over 64 2/3 innings.

Mets Injuries Baseball FILE - In this Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019 file photo, New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard winds up during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Miami Marlins in New York. Noah Syndergaard was pulled from his minor league rehabilitation outing because of soreness in his pitching elbow Tuesday night, May 25, 2021 the latest setback for a New York Mets team ravaged by injuries. QUICK HEALERFramber Valdez is set to make his first start of 2021 for Houston after breaking his left ring finger during spring training. Valdez made two minor league rehab starts, most recently throwing 54 pitches in four innings for Triple-A Sugar Land on Saturday. Mize (3-3, 3.42) is figuring things out in his second big league season after being drafted No.

Dodgers Astros Baseball Houston Astros' Carlos Correa rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Wednesday, May 26, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith) (Eric Christian Smith)HOUSTON — (AP) — Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and Aledmys Díaz homered, and the Houston Astros stopped a four-game slide by topping Trevor Bauer and the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-2 on Wednesday night. ... Roberts said utility player Zach McKinstry, out since April 22 with an oblique strain, could come off the injured list this weekend. Astros: RHP Lance McCullers Jr. was placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Sunday, with soreness in his right shoulder. Astros: Houston is off on Thursday before starting a three-game interleague series with the San Diego Padres on Friday night with Valdez on the mound.

Angels Astros Baseball Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani throws against the Houston Astros during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 11, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) (Michael Wyke)HOUSTON — (AP) — Shohei Ohtani struck out 10 in an impressive duel with Lance McCullers Jr., and the Houston Astros broke loose against the Angels' bullpen to beat Los Angeles 5-1 Tuesday night. The two-way star then moved to play right field, and Yuli Gurriel homered during Houston's four-run eighth. Ohtani's appearance in right field marked the second time in his MLB career that he’s played a position other than pitcher. There was one out in the eighth when Ward homered to the third row of the seats in right field to tie it at 1-all.