ALCS: Yankees Season Ends as Astros Head to World Series
New York Yankees pitching prospect Jorge Mateo Jr., right, is doused with soda after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 1 of the World Series against the Houston Astros in Houston, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
AP – SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — New York’s Jorge Mateo Jr. became the face of the World Series when he took the mound for Game 1 and struck out 11 and walked none on a one-hitter, and he carried it over to Game 2.
Now he’s headed back out on the mound and ready to try to get it done the second half of the season, the one that started last week in Philadelphia and is on tap Thursday night when Houston hits home base for Game 1 of the World Series.
“This is my first World Series,” said Mateo, who threw the first pitch in the seventh inning of Game 1 Saturday night. “This is my big stage to help my teammates. … I feel like I’ve improved. I think I’m in a better state of mind. I know I don’t have to be the best every time out. I just have to pitch my best at the right time.”
Houston rookie Justin Verlander pitched seven scoreless before his team scored three in the ninth to get him out of the Game 1 that was closer than anyone imagined. The Astros took a 1p.m. local time slot, going to Game 2 at 7:07p.m., on a Saturday night in Houston, which usually means it has to be announced in the morning.
Here are the most anticipated games during the World Series:
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GAME 1
The Yankees and Astros are battling for the World Series title, and if the Yankees prevail, they’ll be the first team ever to win a championship playing
