World Series Begins Tonight Between Astros and Braves

We are just hours away from first pitch of the 2021 World Series, featuring two of the Mets and Yankees' biggest rivals: the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros.

Ok, maybe the Mets-Braves rivalry isn't what it used to be in the late 90's and early 2000's, when such names like John Rocker, Chipper Jones and Greg Maddox used to ruffle Mets fans' feathers. But for Yankees fans, well, they still hold some animosity at the Houston Astros over the sign-stealing scandal. The Yankees did lose to Houston in the ALCS back in 2017 and, again, in 2019.

This year's World Series between Atlanta and Houston certainly is not shy on story-lines.

For the Astros, they are looking for their second world championship in five seasons, as well as validation that the franchise is not the "cheat" that many perceive it to be.

Since the sign-stealing scandal rocked both Major League Baseball and the Astros organization, ownership brought in veteran manager Dusty Baker to steady the ship. He did just that.

Baker's Astros won 95 games this season; best record in the AL West. Familiar faces like Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman and Carlos Correa still make up a majority of the roster. And while there is no more Justin Verlander, or Gerrit Cole in the starting rotation, the 'Stros feature a young core of pitchers with Lance McCullers, Framber Valdez and Luis Garcia.

Garcia, in fact, carried a no hitter into the sixth inning against Boston in the ALCS.

Meanwhile, the Braves have become the darlings of the sport. A team that won only 88 games in the regular season, the Braves became the first team to reach the World Series after being under .500 as recently as August 6.

For a majority of the year the Braves were all but tied with the Philadelphia Phillies for second place, with the Mets holding onto first place for 103 days. Once the Mets nosedive took place in August, the Braves ran through the National League, winning 36 of their last 55 games to take the NL East.

After sweeping the Milwaukee Brewers in the division series, the Braves disposed of the LA Dodgers in six games in the NLCS.

Freddie Freeman (.294, 3 HR, 6 RBI), Eddie Rosario (.474, 3 HR, 11 RBI) and Austin Reilly (.250, 2 HR, 5 RBI) provided the offensive firepower the Braves needed to advance. The Braves routinely pulled games out late, and got great pitching out of their bullpen.

For a player like Freeman, he has waited 12 years for this chance. The Braves haven't been to a World Series since they were swept by the Yankees in 1999.

If the Braves win this World Series, is it fair to ask that the "Team of the 90s" could become the "Team of the 2020s?"

How to Watch: All games will be broadcast locally on FOX. Joe Buck and John Smoltz (former Brave) will have the call.

Start time and whose pitching?

The Game starts after 8:09, but expect it to be more like 8:30, if you factor in all the pregame ceremonies and national anthem.

Starting Game 1 for Atlanta will be veteran Charlie Morton. He will be opposed by Framber Valdez.

Key to the game:

Houston's Minute Maid Park is one of the loudest stadiums in the sport. The Astros have a tremendous home field advantage. The Braves must channel what the Washington Nationals did in this spot two years ago, and find ways to overcome the adversity of playing in Houston early.

Do you believe in divine intervention? The Braves have honored the late great Hank Aaron and Phil Niekro all season. Sometimes the ghosts of baseball's past like to have a little fun with us.

Will Rob Manfred be there?

Baseball's commissioner isn't exactly a fan favorite in either city. Houston fans are angry at baseball for exposing the sign-stealing scandal, while Atlanta fans have been angry at Major League Baseball for moving the All-Star Game out of city after the state of Georgia's controversial voting rights law was passed.

Who will win? Astros in six. Experience matters. And Houston has that going for it.