LEADING OFF: Greinke-Tanaka in ALCS opener, Scherzer in StL

A look at what's happening around the majors Saturday:

SHOWTIME

Zack Greinke is set to throw the first pitch in the hugely hyped AL Championship Series — Yankees-Astros, starting at Minute Maid Park.

"It's the matchup that everybody wants to watch. It's must-see TV right there," Houston shortstop Carlos Correa said.

Jose Altuve, George Springer and a dominant rotation helped Houston lead the majors with a franchise-record 107 wins. Gleyber Torres, Aaron Judge and a strong bullpen sent New York toward 103 victories.

Greinke pitches the opener, to be followed by Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole as the Astros lined up their aces on regular rest. Masahiro Tanaka starts Game 1 for the Yankees, with James Paxton and Luis Severino up next.

HOMETOWN KID

Washington ace Max Scherzer starts Game 2 of the NL Championship Series in his hometown of St. Louis. Scherzer also played college ball at the University of Missouri, but he had no interest in reliving old times.

"Yeah, grew up here, but at this point in time really doesn't mean anything because I got a bigger task at hand and that's to go out here and win it for the Nats," he said Friday. "So that's where my mind's at."

Scherzer was terrific in the Division Series against the Dodgers, striking out 10 while pitching eight innings of one-run ball. Adam Wainwright pitches for the Cardinals in his first game since he threw 7 2/3 scoreless innings in Game 3 of the NLDS against Atlanta.

OH BABY!

The Nationals will see whether reliever Daniel Hudson is back on the roster for Game 2. He was put on the postseason paternity list before the NLCS opener — Hudson and his wife welcomed a baby girl Friday. Washington manager Dave Martinez said everyone is healthy.

"He's going to try to get back here possibly tomorrow," Martinez said....

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/LEADING-OFF-Greinke-Tanaka-in-ALCS-opener-14515990.php