Phillies go deep 5 times, dominate Astros to take a 2-1 World Series lead

PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Phillies couldn’t have asked for a better opening two games in the World Series. 

Coming into the fall classic as heavy underdogs as they have been all postseason, splitting the opening set in Houston was a massive step in the right direction heading back to the city of brotherly love for the next three straight. 

Brycer Harper had been vocal about their want to play at home emphasizing the Phillies’ ability to overwhelm opponents. And tonight at Citizens Bank Park, they did exactly that to the Houston Astros. 

The Phillies lineup collected five round-trippers on the evening, all of which were surrendered by Astros starter Lance McCullers Jr. who was absolutely shelled. The Houston righty lasted just 4 1/3 innings in which he allowed seven runs on six hits, on his way to a World Series record five home runs allowed. 

Bryce Harper got things started off early when he tattooed a no-doubter over the wall in right field in the bottom of the first to get CB Park shaking. But it was Alec Bohm’s second inning home run that caught the attention of fans and commentators alike. Prior to his at bat, Harper pulled Bohm aside, whispering something in his ear. Bohm nodded, before heading to the plate for his at bat and taking the first offering from McCullers Jr. out for a solo shot.

The Phillies proceeded to tack on four more runs in the ensuing three innings to knock the righty out of the game. Following his exit, many began to speculate that McCullers Jr. had been tipping his pitches, which was what Harper had noticed before sharing the knowledge with his teammates. Kyle Schwarber, Brandon Marsh, and Rhys Hoskins all tallied a long ball on their stat line for the night. 

Not only did the offence dominate, Philadelphia’s defence completely shut down a typically potent Houston offence holding them to just five hits on the entire night. Ranger Suarez was on the mound for Philly as he delivered a strong five complete innings of shutout ball to tally a World Series win onto his stat line. 

The Houston Astros now find themselves in a position they don’t too often – down 2-1 in the World Series. 

The series stays in Philly for the next two games as the Phillies send Aaron Nola to the mound as the ‘Stros counter with Christian Javier.