HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Astros are in the World Series for the third time in five years.
They go into Game 1 against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night as the betting favorites in Las Vegas and sure to be cheered at home at Minute Maid Park. But everywhere else, they’re seen as villains, considered baseball’s biggest cheaters after using an illegal sign-stealing scheme on their way to winning the 2017 championship. Astros star Carlos Correa says the outside noise doesn’t motivate the team. There sure is a lot of it when they go on the road, where the team has been heckled, cursed and taunted all season.
In other Series news:
— Chris Conroy will be behind the plate for Tuesday night’s opener between Atlanta and Houston, one of three umpires working the World Series for the first time along with Dan Bellino and Mike Muchlinski. Crew chief Tom Hallion will be at first for the opener, Bellino at second, Ted Barrett at third, Muchlinksi in left and Alfonso Marquez in right. Ron Kulpa will be the reserve umpire as part of the seven-man crew.
