HOUSTON -- This being Texas, it was only fitting that Game 1 of the World Series boiled down to a duel. On the pitcher's mound stood Gerrit Cole, who isn't a Texan but sure could pass for one: tall, strong, bearded, long hair, bit of a snarl, fastball that touches 100. His weapon was a baseball. Standing 60 feet, 6 inches away was Juan Soto, the perfect foil, a baby-faced 20-year-old from out east, a charismatic, charming, hip-swiveling boo magnet. His weapon was a bat.
Three times they faced off Tuesday night, and all three distilled baseball in 2019 to its most delectable essence.