The Houston Astros open their playoff season later on this afternoon, beginning their drive to what fans hope will be back to back World Series Championships.
Game One against the Cleveland Indians set to get underway at Minute Maid Park after 1 o'clock, but Astros President of Business Operations Reid Ryan says the party starts long before that.
“Gates will open at 10am. We are going to have a street fest,” Ryan said, adding that every fan will get a rally towel. The team also wants you to wear orange to Minute Maid.
The Astros have now made the playoffs in three of the last four seasons, but Ryan says there is a simply goal this October.
“We want to win multiple titles. We feel like we have built an organization that has a great shot to do it this year,” Ryan stated.
As for the series against the Indians, Astros radio analyst Steve Sparks says this series may go the five game distance.
“I don’t think there can be two more teams in the playoffs more evenly matched than these two,” Sparks told KTRH.
These teams played six games this year, with each winning three times. Justin Verlander starts for the 'Stros today. The Indians counter with Corey Kluber.