The road to World Series Game 3: In Real Life

October 27th, 2017

The Astros outlasted the Dodgers in an epic, roller-coaster Game 2 on Wednesday, so the World Series presented by YouTube TV heads to Houston for Game 3 tonight tied at a game apiece.
World Series Gm 3: Tonight, 7:30 ET air time | 8 ET game time on FOX
Houston hasn't hosted a Fall Classic game since 2005, and MLB.com is on the scene in and around Minute Maid Park as the city catches World Series fever.
Gear up for the World Series:Astros | Dodgers
11:59 p.m. ET: Stage set for Game 3
Now that the Astros have evened things up with an epic, exhausting and exhilarating Game 2 at Dodger Stadium, there can be no denying that this Fall Classic has true classic potential. Preview >

10:49 p.m. ET: Dodgers arrive focused in Houston
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, at his off-day media session Thursday, said he's comfortable with the mood of his team after losing Game 2.
"Just seeing guys on the bus, on the plane, in the clubhouse right now, just kind of getting resettled here into the ballpark. But we're upbeat," Roberts said. "We knew that it was going to be a really great Series. So I think that 'focus' is probably the word. ... There's definitely no feeling sorry for ourselves. But I think it's still a very focused group."

9:59 p.m. ET: Houston ready for liftoff
A high-energy crowd is set to greet the Astros on Friday at Minute Maid Park, where the retractable roof will be closed and the building will be loud. The Astros are 6-0 at home this postseason and can win their first World Series championship with three straight wins at home.

9:29 p.m. ET: Kenley at the hot corner?
Dodgers closer moves in on third baseman 's territory during the team's off-day workout at Minute Maid Park.
Photo: kenley1280
8:58 p.m. ET: No bat for Yu
While the Dodgers mull the possibilities at DH, their Game 3 starting pitcher is glad to have the bat taken out of his hands.
"It's going to be a big advantage for me not to go out there and swing a bat," said , who spent the first 4 1/2 seasons of his career in the American League. "I don't have to run or anything like that. So I think it's a big advantage."

8:26 p.m. ET: Dodgers weigh DH options

"We haven't really decided yet," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Thursday. "I've got Joc [Pederson] in left field. Outside of that, there's a couple of guys that I'm thinking through on the DH spot, and just kind of really want to dig into it a little bit more. [Lance McCullers Jr.] with the curveball, both guys, him and [Charlie] Morton, are sort of reverse guys over a large sample. So, yeah, we'll kind of think through it a little bit more, but I got [Austin] Barnes catching, I know that."
Leach: Dodgers have intriguing DH options for G3
7:56 p.m. ET: Watt, Biggio on deck
The Astros will call on two heavy hitters to get Game 3 underway at Minute Maid Park. Houston Texans star J.J. Watt will deliver the ceremonial first pitch, and Hall of Famer Craig Biggio will present the game ball.

Photo: watt_biggio
7:05 p.m. ET: I love ya, tomorrow
Minute Maid Park is ready for Game 3. The only things missing are the fans and players.
Photo: mmp2_1280
6:53 p.m. ET: Astros at the podium
Manager A.J. Hinch, Game 3 starter and Game 2 heros and meet with the media.

5:20 p.m. ET: Car-rent events
It's all Astros, all the time outside Minute Maid Park.
Photo: car_1280
3:25 p.m. ET: Stage is set
The Minute Maid Park grounds crew erects a stage near second base for some pregame entertainment ahead of Game 3.
Photo: justice-mmp_1280
2:25 p.m. ET: Sun day
Minute Maid Park, with its field and dugouts newly emblazoned with the World Series logo, glitters in the Thursday afternoon sun.

1:12 p.m. ET: Houston, here we come

1:00 p.m. ET: Cast man standing
MLB.com columnists Richard Justice and Anthony Castrovince break down all twists and turns from Game 2 in the Morning Lineup podcast, which is released daily during the World Series. More >
Photo: podcast1280