Braves @ Astros

Who will WIN this matchup?

Atlanta Braves (88-73)

@ Houston Astros (95-67)

Starting Pitchers:

Morton (ATL): 8-3; 3.06 ERA (road season stats)

Valdez (HOU) 5-2; 3.45 ERA (home season stats)

Current odds:

Atlanta Braves: (+120)

Houston Astros: (-130)

• The Houston Astros are regulars when it comes to recent appearances in the World Series, while the Atlanta Braves are back in the Fall Classic for the first time since 1999.The Astros aim to get off on the right foot in the best-of-seven series on Tuesday when they host Game 1 against the Braves. While Houston is making its third World Series appearance in five years, Astros manager Dusty Baker returns to the Fall Classic for the first time since his 2002 San Francisco Giants fell to the then-Anaheim Angels in seven games.

• The Astros have shown plenty of emotion and energy after their high-powered offense propelled them past the Chicago White Sox in the American League Division and Boston Red Sox in the AL Championship Series. Houston has erupted for 67 runs in its 10 postseason games.

• Leading the charge is Yordan Alvarez, who landed ALCS Most Valuable Player honors after finishing 12-for-23 (.522) with a homer, six RBIs and seven runs. He was 9-for-13 with five extra-base hits over the last three games, during which the Astros outscored the Red Sox by a 23-3 margin.

• Houston left-hander Framber Valdez will take the ball on Tuesday, pitching on regular rest. He is 1-0 with a 4.20 ERA in three 2021 postseason starts. Valdez, 27, would love to repeat his dominance from his last start. He allowed one run on three hits in eight innings to earn the win in a 9-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday.

• Valdez would be wise to tread carefully around Eddie Rosario, the MVP of the National League Championship Series. He went 14-for-25 (.560) with three home runs and nine RBIs in Atlanta’s six-game win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

• Atlanta will counter Tuesday with right-hander Charlie Morton, who forever will be tied with Houston. After all, he picked up the win for the Astros in Game 7 of the 2017 World Series against the Dodgers. Morton, 37, is pitching in his fifth straight postseason and owns a 7-4 record with a 3.45 ERA in 16 playoff appearances, including 15 starts. He recently admitted the drive to reach the baseball’s second season is what fuels him.

• Morton is 0-1 with a 3.77 ERA in three postseason starts this year. He received a no-decision on Oct. 19 in Game 3 of the NLCS after allowing two runs on three hits with six walks in five innings.

• The Astros announced Monday that right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. will be unable to pitch in the World Series due to a strained forearm muscle.

• The availability of Houston center fielder Jake Meyers was not immediately known as he continues to work his way back from a left shoulder injury.