3 Philadelphia Phillies most to blame for World Series Game 2 loss in Houston

Oct 29, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) leaves the field after pitching to the Houston Astros during the first inning during game two of the 2022 World Series at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) leaves the field after pitching to the Houston Astros during the first inning during game two of the 2022 World Series at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper
Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper against the Houston Astros. Photo by Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Bryce Harper

The reigning National League Most Valuable Player has had an incredible postseason, but proved to be human on Saturday in the Game 2 loss, going 0-for-4 and leaving five men on base, the most of any Phillies batter.

Harper certainly had a chance to make an impact in the eighth inning, coming to the plate with two on and two out. After the strange flip from Peña we discussed on the previous slide when talking about Realmuto’s evening, Harper came to the plate with a chance to make Houston pay for the mistake. However, a shaky Rafael Montero got Harper to pop up to Peña in short right field on a 2-1 pitch to end the Phillies best chance for a late-inning comeback.

Again, it was one bad game for Harper (and only the third time all postseason where Harper has been held without a hit). However, Harper will lead the Phillies back to the City of Brotherly Love for Game 3 slashing .392/.426/.804 in 13 postseason contests and will certainly be a key threat in front of the home faithful waiting for their first home World Series game since 2009.