Series Preview (52 of 52): Astros Visit the Rock 'n' Roll Capital of the World (and the Guardians)

The final three games of the regular season are here.

The Guardians welcome the Astros to Progressive Field for a three-game set starting Friday night at 6:10 p.m. CT.

Playing times and starting players
Friday, 6:10 p.m. CT: Ronel Blanco (12-6, 2.88) vs. Joey Cantillo (2-3, 4.63)
Saturday, 5:10 p.m. CT: Justin Verlander (4-6, 5.55) vs. Ben Lively (13-9, 3.80)
Sunday, 2:10 p.m. CT: TBD vs. TBD

The dreaded TBD is just around the corner both teams on Sunday.

This is the final series of the regular season for both teams and the second of the year between Houston and Cleveland. In the first set, a three-game set between April 30 and May 2, Houston won the first and last games with a loss in the middle.

In the finale on May 2, the 10-20 Astros defeated the 20-10 Guardians 8-2. Jose Altuve led the offense with three singles, while Jon Singleton (2) collected a single and a home run. Jeremy Peña added a single and a triple. Spencer Arrighetti failed to make a decision, scoring six out of five goals ²⁄₃ innings. He allowed two runs on four hits and three walks while Tayler Scott (1-1, 1.98) got the win in relief.

It was my chance and I try to make the most of it every day. – Singleton

The Astros just finished their final home series of the year, losing twice to the Seattle Mariners with a single win in the middle game of the set, a 4-3 victory on Tuesday that Framber Valdez (15-7, 2.91) secured the win , despite allowing eight goals in five games ²⁄₃ innings, and Josh Hader earned his 34th save. Alex Bregman (26), Kyle Tucker (23) and Jason Heyward (10) each hit one out of the park for the Astros, who secured the AL West with the win.

I never lost hope. I knew we would be able to compete and win the West. – Joe Espada

The Guardians have just played two home games against the Cincinnati Reds, including a 5-2 win on Wednesday. Hunter Gaddis (6-3, 1.59) got the win in relief. Emmanuel Clase made his 47th save of the campaign. Steven Kwan (14) and Jose Ramírez (38) hit home runs.

We couldn't ask for anything better than what this bullpen has done for us this year, and we saw once again how great they were tonight. – Stephen Vogt on the seven pitchers used in the nine-inning game – none over two innings

*It should be noted that the probability of Houston and Cleveland meeting in the Division Series is over 60 percent and the probability that they end up meeting in the ALCS is 10 percent.