T.M. Selection: Houston Astros

I like the Houston Astros to win this game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday. With a long break in between games, both teams will come into this game well rested. Houston has not lost a game this playoffs so far after sweeping both the Mariners and the Yankees in the ALDS and ALCS. Now, they'll face a Philadelphia team that has been red hot at the plate. Justin Verlander will get the start for Houston this Friday. He will join superstar Roger Clemens as one of two pitchers to ever start a World Series game in three separate decades. In his last meeting against the Phillies, Verlander was nearly perfect. He went 5 innings, gave up no hits, walked just one, while striking out 10 in a win. Now, he'll face them again in the biggest series of baseball. The Phillies will lean to Aaron Nola, a 29 year old who's been lights out all season long. Even though his postseason numbers still look sharp, the righty was picked apart by the Braves in his last start. He went just 4.2 innings, while giving up six earned runs in a loss. I expect Verlander to dominate and for the Astros to win the first game of the World Series of 2022.

T.M. Prediction: 6-1 Astros.