HOUSTON – Dallas Keuchel figures he already has one advantage for his next World Series start — warming up, he will be able to spot his catcher.
The Houston Astros lefthander is set to start Game 5 against Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw on Sunday night with the World Series tied 2-2. It will be a rematch of the opener, when Kershaw dominated in a 3-1 victory.
It was 103 degrees in Los Angeles for the first pitch Tuesday. Keuchel felt the heat while he threw to catcher Brian McCann before the game.
"Physically, I felt great. The only thing that bothered me was the sun, it was literally in my face in the bullpen," he said. "I had never been at Dodger Stadium for a 5 [p.m.] game before. Couldn't even see McCann or the plate warming up."
Part of the home-field advantage, probably. While Keuchel loosened up in the sun, Kershaw was in the shade.
With the retractable roof closed at Minute Maid Park, the elements won't be an issue for Game 5.
Kershaw was in total control in the opener. He threw seven shutout innings, giving up three hits while striking out 11 without a walk. He has won all three of his starts this postseason.
Giles' troubles continue
This time, the Astros couldn't save Ken Giles. Houston's hard-throwing closer faltered again in Game 4, taking the loss in Los Angeles' 6-2 victory on Saturday night.