PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Philadelphia Phillies spotted the Houston Astros five runs on Friday night in Game 1 of the 2022 World Series before pulling off the greatest Fall Classic comeback in 20 years.
But on Saturday night, the Phillies were not so successful at a five-run comeback.
Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez kept the Phillies under wraps in his six and one-third innings on the mound, allowing just a run and four hits, while Houston relief pitchers did the rest to snag a 5-2 win and a split of the first two games of the World Series.
Philadelphia starting pitcher Zack Wheeler was rocked early on in his worst performance in more than two months. His night started with allowing three straight Houston doubles.
He gave up four earned runs and five total runs in five innings pitched, allowing six hits and three walks and striking out three batters.
Kyle Schwarber almost hit two home runs in a single at-bat in the eighth inning, either one of which would have slashed Houston’s 5-1 lead at the time in half. The first landed far up into the stands, but foul by mere feet.
The second landed just mere feet from the right field wall, and in the glove of Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker.
The loss extended Philadelphia’s streak to nine consecutive road losses in a postseason Game 2 after taking the first game of the series.
Game 3 comes Monday night at 8:03 p.m. from Citizens Bank Park in South Philadelphia. Manager Rob Thomson said that Noah Syndergaard will start on the mound that night for the Phillies. Lance McCullers Jr. will pitch for Houston.
Despite losing Saturday night, the Phillies would earn their third World Series title if they sweep Games 3, 4, and 5 in Philadelphia from Monday through Wednesday night.