Philadelphia Phillies vs Houston Astros Game 2 of the World Series: reactions and takeaways
After a come-from-behind victory by the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 1, the Houston Astros bounced back in Game 2 to level the 2022 MLB World Series.
The Houston Astros leveled the best-of-seven World Series, 1-1, after a convincing win over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 2. Just like in their first matchup, Astros started strong with a 5-0 lead, but this time they protected that margin and won 5-2.
Here are some takeaways from Houston’s victory.
Valuable Valdez
Lefty Framber Valdez had an unremarkable performance at the World Series last year, but he has more than made up for it this season. He has one of the deadliest curveballs in the league, striking out Bryce Harper with one. The 28-year-old allowed four hits and three walks, but destroyed the Phillies’ 4-5-6 hitters.
However, the internet was abuzz with insinuations after the game that Valdez used a sticky substance prior to pitching, an allegation which he denied.
Houston hitters makes history
Jose Altuve hit a double off Zack Wheeler’s first pitch, then Jeremy Pena achieved the same right after. Yordan Alvarez then delivered a double of his own in the second pitch. With this triple performance, the Astros are now the only team to start a World Series game with three consecutive extra-base hits.
Rest may have not helped Wheeler
The Phillies started Aaron Nola in Game 1, allowing Wheeler to get an extra day of rest. However, the 32-year-old did not have the best start in Game 2, giving up three extra-base hits in one inning for the fifth time in his career. It was the first time for Wheeler to have done this in the first inning.
After two exciting games in Houston, the Astros and Phillies travel to Philadelphia to play the next three games of the World Series. Game 3 of the World Series will be at Citizens Bank Park this Monday, October 31 and is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT and 5 p.m. PT).