HOUSTON -- Game 1 of the World Series will be played tonight. You have questions about it. I have answers.
Can you answer me six questions in one?
Of course.
What? The 117th World Series.
Who? The Atlanta Braves vs. the Houston Astros.
Where? Games 1-2 and, if necessary, 6-7 at Minute Maid Park in Houston; Games 3, 4 and, if necessary, 5 at Truist Park in suburban Atlanta.
When? Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Nov. 2-3; all games broadcast live on Fox and ESPN Radio around 8:10 p.m. ET.
Why? Because it's important to crown a champion.
How? Well, that's a complicated one.
Complicated how?
Mainly in the different paths the teams took to get here. Houston reached its fifth consecutive American League Championship Series and won it for the third time in that stretch, putting it in historically excellent company and setting it up to win a World Series that would have far more resonance than an average title. Atlanta survived an injury-riddled regular season, won a legitimately terrible National League East with 88 wins and handily beat 97- and 106-win teams to earn its spot here.