3 Houston Astros most to blame for World Series Game 1 loss
By Kevin Henry
The Houston Astros learned a lesson on Friday night that three other National League teams had already soaked up this postseason: Never count out the Philadelphia Phillies.
In Game 1 of the 2022 World Series on Friday, the Houston Astros jumped out to a 5-0 lead through three innings, then watched as the Philadelphia Phillies stormed back to win 6-5 in 10 innings. J.T. Realmuto provided the difference in the 10th inning with a solo blast, completing the Phillies comeback.
Game 2 is set for Saturday in Houston, with first pitch slated for 8:03 p.m. (Eastern). The game, along with all World Series contests, will be televised by FOX.
3 Houston Astros most to blame for World Series Game 1 loss
3. Justin Verlander
By allowing five runs over five innings on Friday night, Verlander’s World Series ERA in eight career starts sits at 6.07, the highest for any pitcher with more than 30 innings thrown in the Fall Classic.
Perfect through three innings, the final two were a nightmare for Verlander and the Astros as the Phillies found their groove and erased Houston’s early momentum. The 39-year-old right-hander surrendered six hits and two walks over those final two innings.
“My team gave me a five-run lead, and I wasn’t able to hold it,” Verlander said after the game. “I feel really confident that 99 percent of the time that I’m able to hold that lead, and unfortunately today, I wasn’t.”
Verlander will get his chance for redemption, likely starting Game 5 in Philadelphia unless the Phillies end the series in four. However, this postseason, Verlander has a 7.20 ERA in three starts, looking anything like the AL Cy Young Award favorite.