This World Series might have just been turned on its head. The Phillies overcame an early, nearly unsurmountable 5-0 deficit to win Game 1 in Houston and turn the World Series on its head after only one game.
The Astros may prove me wrong and win the next four games, but I think all of the momentum of this World Series has just been shifted into the Phillies’ corner. Not only have the Phillies just pulled off the biggest comeback of the postseason to date by coming back from 5-0 to win 6-5 in the 10th inning, but they also have just handed the Astros their first loss of the playoffs in humiliating fashion.
The Astros should have easily of won that game last night as they blitzed the Phillies and pitcher Aaron Nola early on, scoring five runs, Astros Kyle Tucker hit a three-run home run at the bottom of the 3rd, and Houston’s own pitchers were blanking the Phillies hitters.
Phillies manager Rob Thompson had to pull Nola after only 4.1 innings as the starting pitcher had a horrid 10.38 ERA, he gave up 6 hits, 5 runs, and 2 home runs. It was a truly awful night that I’m sure Nola won’t soon forget.
And, with the Houston crowd fired up after their home team scored 5 unanswered runs, it was almost impossible for the Astros to blow their lead. How could the Phillies ever come back?
Two words: Justin Verlander.
Even though the future Hall-of-Famer has had one of the best seasons among all pitchers and is probably going to win the AL Cy Young award at 39 years old, his age really showed in this game. His arm was worn out by the 4th inning, allowing the Phillies to pounce.
After silencing the Phillies for the first three innings, Verlander lost control of his mound as he gave up three runs and multiple hits in the 4th to kill all of the momentum the Astros had. And, just when it seemed like he had regained his poise going into the 5th, J.T. Realmuto had a 2-run RBI double that tied the game at 5.
It must have been heartbreaking for all Astros fans as if Dusty Baker had taken Verlander out for Bryan Abreu after the 4th inning disaster, the Astros would probably have won this game as Abreu had a perfect 0.00 ERA and 3 strikeouts in relief.
Anyway, the next four innings were pretty quiet as both teams would make some progress and get guys on base, only to then strikeout or hit a harmless flyball that would end the inning. Honestly, I thought that it was only a matter of time before the Astros would unleash on the Phillies as they just kept striking/fouling out. The Astros batting lineup was too strong for the Phillies if they kept blowing their chances,
And then J.T. Realmuto stepped up to the plate in the 10th inning.
With 0 outs and nobody on base, J.T. Realmuto blasted a homer just over the wall into the right field to give the Phillies the improbable 6-5 win in Houston. Realmuto had the game of his life as he not only hit the game-tying run, but he also had the game-winning home run in extra innings. A great performance from the catcher.
Of course, the Astros can still come back and win this series, but this Phillies win is reminding me a lot of the Braves-Astros World Series last year. Just like how the Astros were heavily favored over the Braves but managed to trip up, I feel like this loss may demoralize the Astros roster too. They had this game in their grasp to only then let it slip.
As for Philly, this was a bonus win if ever there was one. No one expected them to take a game off the Astros in Houston this early in the series, which is a testament to the character and fortitude Philly played with.
I guess we’ll have to wait and see tonight if the Astros can overcome this stunning loss and rebound for a much-needed win in the World Series, or if the Phillies can take a commanding 2-0 series lead.
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