Astros take 3-2 series Lead over Phillies
Philadelphia : Justin Verlander took the hill last night hoping to redeem himself of his game one and world series woes. And he did with five innings of struggle that the Phillies just couldn't capitalize on. Verlander finally got his first Fall Classic victory in nine attempts.
Verlander's command wasn't on point. Kyle Schwarber led off the bottom of the first with a solo shot. Then the Cy young winner started his battle.
Pitching on Extra rest the 16 year vet gave up just one run on five hits over five rocky innings where he walked four on the night and struck out six batters. After going down two games to one Verlander and the Astros took game five 3-2 and head home to Houston up three games to two.
In the past 47 world series that were tied 2-2 the winner of game five has gone on to take the series 31 times. But don't lose hope Philadelphia the Stros choked in 2017 to the Nationals dropping both games six and seven, At home.
Jeremy Pena got the scoring going in the first for the Astros driving in Jose Altuve who doubled and moved over to third on an error by Marsh. and then for some STUPID reason the Phillies pulled their infield in and Pena shot a ball up the middle. Then in the fourth inning The rookie took THOR deep with a solo shot to left field that Kyle Schwarber could just watch leave the park. again Pena was clutch in the eighth as he followed up an Altuve base on balls with a single to right moving Jose over to third he scored on an alverez ground out to first.
The Phillies threatened multiple times during the game including in the bottom of the eighth when they plated their second run, and in the ninth when JT Realmuto sent a shot to the wall in center showing their never give up attitude. But Chaz McCormick robbed him of hero status. in the end they couldn't get closer than 3-2 in the game.