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2015 World Series Game 1: Odds, TV, Start Time, Probables

By Ryan Cole |

New York Mets at Kansas City Royals 

Location: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO

First Pitch: 8:07 p.m.

Over/Under: 7.5

TV: FOX (Joe Buck, Harold Reynolds and Tom Verducci)

Radio: ESPN (Dan Shulman and Aaron Boone)

Starting Lineups: TBA

Starting Pitchers:

New York: Matt Harvey

Kansas City: Edinson Volquez

On Tuesday evening, the 2015 Major League Baseball Fall Classic will get underway from Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Kansas City Royals will get a shot at a World Championship for the second straight year and it at all starts at home, thanks to the American League winning the All-Star Game and clinching home field advantage in the World Series. Both of these teams have taken different routes to get to this point in the season, but recently, the Royals had to get through a six game ALCS with the Toronto Blue Jays while the New York Mets swept the Chicago Cubs in the NLCS.

KEYS TO THE GAME: NEW YORK METS

One of the big keys for the Mets in game one of this series and likely the entire series will be the hot bat of second baseman Daniel Murphy. He is on a streak of six straight postseason games with a home run hit. They will need him to continue his clutch hitting in game one for sure to help set the tone for the series.

Proven veteran Curtis Granderson was a huge part of the sweep of the Chicago Cubs. He got on base consistently to start games and during the games as well. If he can get on base to start game one against Volquez, that very well could jump start the offense and cause problems for the Royals from the get go.

“The Dark Knight” Matt Harvey was lights out in game one of the NLCS and manager of the year candidate Terry Collins turns to him in what could be the biggest start of his life on Tuesday night. If he can go out and get a quick three and out to start the game, that will be huge for him and calming his nerves against a proven Royals squad.

KEYS TO THE GAME: KANSAS CITY ROYALS

The Royals need to use their speed to their advantage. American League Championship Series, MVP Alcides Escobar needs to lead this team on the bases. If he, fellow veteran Alex Rios and company can get things moving on the base pathes, that could cause problems for the Mets young pitchers.

Royals manager Ned Yost has had some issues managing his bullpen in the playoffs. He needs to do a better job of doing so in the World Series and it all starts in game one. If they have a lead going to the eighth inning, there should be no question that he puts in Wade Davis to get the final six outs. He has proven he is capable of it, so why change it?

Mets pitcher Matt Harvey throws a fastball that is at least 95 miles per hour. This season, the Kansas City Royals led the Major Leagues with a .300 batting average against pitchers who throw 95 miles per hour or faster. Look for them to swing early and often to try to get on base and make Harvey uncomfortable.

IMPACT PLAYER: NEW YORK METS

As Daniel Murphy would be the obvious choice for the impact player for game one for the Mets considering the hot streak he’s been on, there are plenty of others to keep an eye on for this team heading into game one. Until game four of the NLCS, Lucas Duda had been pretty non existent, then he exploded for three hits in four at-bats including a double, a three run home run and five RBI’s. I like Lucas Duda to carry that moment into Game 1 of the World Series against Volquez.

IMPACT PLAYER: KANSAS CITY ROYALS

Despite hitting on .222 during the postseason so far, Eric Hosmer has come up with some big hits in his postseason career dating back to last season. He had a big RBI in the Royals game six, ALCS clinching win against the Blue Jays and I think he’s going to have a big impact against Matt Harvey in game one of the Series.

PREDICTION:

The World Series should be one for the ages. Kansas City hasn’t won since 1985 and the Mets haven’t won since 1986. The Mets have great young pitching and a lethal offense, while the Royals aren’t all about the home run and strive playing small ball and going for the extra run. That style of ball could go a long way against this New York ball club. The Royals win a close game one and go up one game to none in the series.

KANSAS CITY – 4, NEW YORK – 3

Next: Torii Hunter retires

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