World Series 2017: 5 takeaways from Astros-Dodgers Game 5

The Houston Astros pulled off a thrilling 13-12 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Here are 5 takeaways from this nailbiter.

It cannot be said that Game 5 of the 2017 World Series was Houston’s for the taking. Though the Dodgers lost an early lead fairly quickly, the Astros faced a battle of the bats with the Dodgers that lasted through the last moments of the 10th inning. It was Alex Bregman’s RBI single that scored the tie-breaking run and gave the Astros a 13-12 win.

And so, at the end of a very long night, the Astros who pulled off the win. Here are 5 takeaways from Game 5.

1. Keuchel, Kershaw cracked

As soon as fans got done pointing fingers at the four runs Keuchel gave up in the first inning, Clayton Kershaw gave up six earned runs over the course of his 4.2 innings of work. Neither pitcher had good nights despite impressive postseason numbers up until this point.

Whether it was nerves or aggression from either team to claim the series lead, the fact is that both starting pitchers were rattled tonight and they were no match for this battle of the offenses.

The big takeaway from this game is that starters are important, but middle relief is even more important. Five hours into the game and the bats were still hot for both teams as the bullpens were depleted. Justin Verlander and Rich Hill have the start in Game 6, and both the Astros and the Dodgers will hope to get more from their starters to take the pressure off late innings.