Houston @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 1, 2017 ) Houston 5, LA Dodgers 1

Justin Verlander faces host Los Angeles' hitters on Friday for the first time since helping the Houston Astros defeat the Dodgers in last season's World Series. Verlander gave up five hits in 12 innings while losing one start and not factoring in the decision in the other during a highly competitive Fall Classic that Houston won in seven games.

Verlander is going through a rough stretch during which he has gone 1-4 while serving up 10 home runs in eight starts. The Dodgers displayed they are ready for the three-game series by trouncing Milwaukee 21-5 on Thursday, setting Dodger Stadium records for runs scored and homers (seven). Joc Pederson and Yasiel Puig both went deep twice while Cody Bellinger (grand slam), Brian Dozier and Justin Turner each hit one shot as Los Angeles totaled 18 hits. Houston was off Thursday after winning the final two contests of a three-game set in Seattle to end its season-worst five-game losing streak.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Justin Verlander (10-6, 2.24 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Alex Wood (7-5, 3.68)

Verlander gave up five runs and struck out 14 against two walks in the World Series, falling in Game 6 while having the chance to clinch the series. The 35-year-old lost to Texas in his last turn, when he allowed two runs and nine hits over five innings. Verlander is 2-0 with a 3.86 ERA and 0.71 WHIP in two career regular-season starts against the Dodgers.

Wood has won six straight decisions and is unbeaten over his last eight outings. The 27-year-old defeated Atlanta in his last turn, when he allowed one hit over 5 2/3 scoreless innings. Wood won his lone regular-season start against Houston, as he scattered three hits over seven scoreless frames on June 25, 2014 while with Atlanta, and settled for a no-decision in Game 4 of last year's World Series despite yielding just one run and one hit (George Springer's homer) in 7 2/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Dodgers activated Turner (groin) from the 10-day disabled list prior to Friday's game and placed 2B Chase Utley (wrist) on it.

2. Springer (shoulder), who was MVP of the 2017 World Series, is expected back in the starting lineup after sitting out Wednesday's series finale against Seattle.

3. Los Angeles has scored 10 or more runs on 10 occasions this season.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 5, Astros 4