The Astros and Royals inch closer to first MLB World Series meeting

The Houston Astros and Kansas City Royals are one step closer to meeting in the World Series for the first time in Major League Baseball history.

The Astros clinched the American League Championship Series with a 6-1 win over the New York Yankees on Saturday, while the Royals clinched the National League Championship Series with a 4-3 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday.

The two teams will now face off in the World Series, which begins on Tuesday, October 27. The Astros will have home-field advantage, having finished with a better regular-season record than the Royals.

The Astros are making their second World Series appearance in three years, while the Royals are making their first appearance since 1985.

The Astros are the favorites to win the World Series, according to most oddsmakers. However, the Royals have a history of surprising people, so they should not be counted out.

Here is a look at some of the key storylines to watch in the World Series:

• Can the Astros' offense continue to produce? The Astros have been one of the most productive offenses in baseball all season long, and they will need to continue to produce in the World Series against a tough Royals pitching staff.
• Will the Royals' bullpen be able to hold leads? The Royals have a strong starting rotation, but their bullpen has been a bit shaky at times this season. They will need to be able to hold leads in order to win the World Series.
• Who will win the battle of the bullpens? Both the Astros and Royals have strong bullpens, so the team that can win the battle of the bullpens will have a major advantage.
• Can the Astros' young players step up? The Astros have a number of young players who have played a key role in their success this season. These players will need to continue to step up in the World Series.
• Will the Royals' experience be a factor? The Royals have a number of players who have played in the World Series before, and their experience could be a factor in the series.

The World Series is sure to be a close and exciting series. The Astros are the favorites, but the Royals are a dangerous team that should not be counted out.