What a game!

Astros epic Game 2 victory could be one of the most memorable in Houston sports history

Astros epic Game 2 victory could be one of the most memorable in Houston sports history
Both Alex Bregman an Jose Altuve came up big Wednesday night. Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Mario Elie’s “Kiss of Death.” Billy Hatcher’s home run against the Mets. The Oilers leading 35-3. Stagger Lee. The touchdown that wasn't in Pittsburgh.

Houston sports history is littered with memorable moments, both good and bad. Wednesday’s 7-6 win over the Dodgers in Game 2 of the World Series ranks right up there.

If the Astros win this series, this will be the game everyone remembers, because it did not go the way anyone thought.

Justin Verlander, unbeaten as an Astro, left the game trailing 3-1. It felt just like Game 1 as the Dodgers’ seemingly unhittable bullpen took over.

But that’s why games played on paper mean nothing.

The Astros scratched out runs against the Dodgers amazing closer, Kenley Jansen, to tie the game.

Houston took a lead in the 10th, only to see Ken Giles give it back trying to work a second inning.

Then George Springer -- the same George Springer everyone wanted to see moved out of the leadoff spot -- came up with the biggest hit of the night in the 11th, and Chris Devenski -- despite giving a run back -- closed it out.

It was simply epic.

This is what sports is all about. Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, Springer, Marwin Gonzalez...Your best players making plays when it counts the most. This is why we go to the park, why we stay up all night; for these moments.

The unhittable Dodgers bullpen? Pounded, much like the unhittable Aroldis Chapman and Craig Kimbrel in the prior two series. The Astros bats, so dormant in Game 1 and for most of Game 2, woke up in a big way when it counted most.

The series now shifts to Minute Maid Park, and the Astros could conceivably close things out at home. While that is unlikely to happen, they now have a real shot to win the World Series for the first time in franchise history, all because of an epic, unforgettable night at Dodger Stadium.

The Astros have tied the series at 1-1. On the surface, that does not tell the story. The real story is the Astros won a game that won’t soon be forgotten. And if they go on to win the series, it is one that will stand up as one of the great moments in Houston sports lore.

The Astros have given this storm-ravaged city so many memorable moments. Wednesday they gave us one of the most amazing memories in the history of this city when it comes to sports. At least so far. Do we doubt there will be more?

A lot remains to be done. And in the end, it might not matter. But if they do win it all, this will be a game we never forget.

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The Astros beat the Phillies, 2-1. Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images.

Cam Smith hit an RBI single in the eighth inning to give the Houston Astros a 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday.

The rookie's second hit of the game came off Orion Kerkering (5-3) and gave the Astros their fourth straight win.

Brandon Marsh tied the game on a sacrifice fly in the top of the inning to end the Phillies' 26-inning scoreless streak.

The Astros took a 1-0 lead on Yainer Diaz’s RBI single in the second inning. They only managed three more hits off Phillies starter Christopher Sanchez, who struck out 11 with zero walks over six innings. Sanchez has not issued a walk in three straight starts.

Hunter Brown lowered his league best ERA to 1.74 by scattering three singles over seven shutout innings, with nine strikeouts. He did not allow a runner to reach second base.

Bryan Abreu (3-3) struck out Trea Turner to end the eighth, and then struck out Kyle Schwarber, Alec Bohm, and Nick Castellanos in the ninth.

Abreu joined Julia Morales after the game and talked about his impressive performance!

Rafael Marchán had two of the Phillies' four hits. Bryson Stott reached base twice and scored the Phillies' lone run.

Key moment

Smith’s RBI.

Key stat

Brown’s 1.74 ERA is the fourth best in Astros history through 16 starts and the best since Justin Verlander posted a 1.60 ERA through 16 starts in 2018.

Up next

The Astros open a three-game series against the Cubs on Friday with LHP Brandon Walter (0-1 3.80 ERA) on the mound.

The Phillies open a three-game series at the Braves on Friday with RHP Mick Abel (2-1 3.47 ERA) against Atlanta RHP Bryce Elder (2-4 4.77).

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