Astros On the Brink

11/04/2022 Astros On the Brink

By: Jeff Yoder

Houston Wins Game 5 (3-2) Behind Peña’s Bat & Verlander’s Arm to Take 3-2 Lead in World Series

Houston, we have a Peña. The Astros flipped the momentum in the World Series with a Game 4 no-hitter, but Game 5 was won with a combination of rookie Jeremy Peña’s bat and Justin Verlander’s gem. Verlander and Phillies ace Noah Syndergaard were locked in a pitching duel that led to a 1-1 game until Peña’s 4th-inning home run. Houston added another run in the 8th inning, and the Astros’ defense came up clutch every time the Phillies threatened.

 

In the 9th inning, Chas McCormick made an incredible catch at the wall to rob J.T. Realmuto of an extra-base hit. Closer Ryan Pressly walked Bryce Harper before getting Nick Castellanos to ground out and end the game.

 

Astros Top Performers

Jeremy Pena3-for-4, HR, 2 RBIs

Justin Verlander: 5 IP, 6 Ks, 4 Hits, 1 ER

 

Verlander Gets 1st WS Win: The elusive World Series win finally came for Verlander in Game 5. Previously, he was 0-6 in eight World Series starts with a 6.07 ERA. He watched Kyle Schwarber smash a home run in the 1st inning before settling in and relying on the slider.

 

Watch: Verlander Gets 1st World Series Win in Game 5 (3-2)

 

How Pitching Flipped the Fall Classic

The Astros trailed in the series (2-1) before dominant pitching in Games 4 and 5. Houston gave up just six hits and two runs in the last two games to retake the advantage in the Fall Classic (3-2). Games 6 and 7 are back at home.

 

Remaining World Series Schedule

Gm 6: Phillies at Astros (Sat. 8:00 pm ET)

Gm 7: Phillies at Astros (Sun. 8:00 pm ET)

 

Additional Storylines

SI: 3 Thoughts as Astros Outlast Phillies in World Series Game 5

MLB: Verlander Collects Elusive WS Win: ‘It Wasn’t Easy’

USA Today: Nailbiter: Astros Survive in Game 5 to Take Control of World Series

 

Photo: Elsa / Getty Images