What a game!
Astros epic Game 2 victory could be one of the most memorable in Houston sports history
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.
