WORLD SERIES

Astros just need one more bit of magic to close out a memorable run

Astros just need one more bit of magic to close out a memorable run
The Astros were magical last night. Can they do it one more time? Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

There is only one word to describe Game 5 of the World Series.

Epic.

In the Astros’ 13-12, instant classic victory, one player after another stood up when it counted. Yuli Gurriel’s homer to tie it at 4. Jose Altuve’s to tie it at 7. George Springer’s to tie it at 8.

The Brian McCann gave Houston a 12-9 lead headed to the ninth, and it appeared the Astros would hold on.

They didn’t. The Dodgers, equally resilient, tied it up in the top of the inning.

But Alex Bregman came up with a clutch single in the 10th off of one of the most feared relievers in baseball, and the Astros are now one game away from their first ever World Series title. The scene returns to LA for Game 6 with the Astros leading three games to two, and the ride is nearly over.

And what a ride it has been. These two teams are so evenly matched that you could expect almost any outcome. Certainly having Justin Verlander on the mound for Game 6 should be an advantage for the Astros; this is, after all, why they brought him in. But who would have thought Dallas Keuchel and Clayton Kershaw would not make it past the fifth inning in Game 5?

Houston fans should appreciate what they are seeing. This is one of those sports moments that might never be duplicated. It’s certainly unprecedented in Astros history.

So what happens next? The Astros will need Verlander to be at his very best. The bullpen is strained and ineffective, so the Astros will ride their ace as long as they can. And the Astros need to get to Rich Hill early, so the Dodgers equally taxed bullpen has to decide the game.

If it gets to a Game 7, the Dodgers would have a distinct advantage, so the best chance at the first-ever title might be Tuesday night, with Verlander on the mound.

We have seen so much magic during this amazing run to this point. The Astros just need one more bit of magic. One more win. One more heroic effort.

And that would be the most epic result yet.

 

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Astros turn it on late in gutsy win over Tigers

Has Christian Walker finally turned the corner? Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.

The Houston Astros return to Daikin Park on Tuesday night looking to keep their momentum going as they host the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers. First pitch is set for 8:10 p.m. ET, with Ryan Gusto (3-1, 2.78 ERA) on the mound for Houston against Detroit’s Reese Olson (3-1, 3.29 ERA).

Winners of seven of their last ten, the Astros (15-13) have found their rhythm after a rocky start to the season. Their recent surge has been fueled by dominant pitching — a 2.35 ERA over the last 10 games — and improved production at the plate, including a .264 team batting average over that span. Houston has also outscored opponents by 18 runs during that stretch and boasts a solid 10-6 record at home.

While the offense has yet to fully catch fire, signs of life are emerging. Jeremy Peña continues to be a steady presence with five doubles and three homers, while Christian Walker has driven in six runs over his last 10 games, including three long balls. The Astros’ bats will be tested against a Tigers staff that leads the American League with a 2.86 ERA.

Houston’s Tuesday starter, Ryan Gusto, has been sharp through his first five outings, posting a 1.10 WHIP and 23 strikeouts. He’ll look to keep Detroit’s bats quiet, especially red-hot Zach McKinstry, who’s hitting .406 over his last 10 games, and slugger Spencer Torkelson, who already has eight homers this season.

The Tigers (18-11) may sit atop their division, but they’ve struggled away from home, going just 5-8 on the road. The Astros will look to capitalize and even the season series in their second matchup with Detroit.

With the offense trending upward and the pitching staff in a groove, Houston has a prime opportunity to keep building momentum in front of the home crowd.

Here's a sneak peek at the Astros lineup. Altuve is once again batting second after asking manager Joe Espada to move him down in the batting order. Zach Dezenzo is playing right field with Cam Smith getting the night off. Jake Meyers is back in center field and Mauricio Dubon is starting at second base.

Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot

A big test awaits

It appears the Astros may have tipped their hand regarding tomorrow's starting pitcher. Chandler Rome is reporting AJ Blubaugh is at Daikin Park today.

Following Tuesday night's game, Blubaugh has been officially announced as the starter.

Espada said Hayden Wesneski is not injured but needs more time to recover from his last start.

*ChatGPT assisted.

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