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

2. Dusty Baker

Knowing the World Series will be played on three consecutive nights in Philadelphia this week, it makes sense to some degree why Houston’s manager wouldn’t go to the bullpen early in Game 3 when McCullers was struggling to keep the ball in Citizens Bank Park. However, there is also a question why Baker didn’t pull McCullers after the first two innings when Philadelphia jumped out to a 4-0 lead on the strength of three home runs.

Baker has stuck with his pitchers for perhaps too long throughout the postseason, including a pair of starts from Justin Verlander (in the ALDS against Seattle and Game 1 of the World Series against the Phillies) where it was clear his veteran pitcher didn’t have his best stuff. The Astros were able to rally against the Mariners in Verlander’s first questionable start, but Houston hasn’t been able to do the same in either struggling start in the World Series.

It’s well known that Baker is searching for his first World Series trophy as a manager in his 12th attempt. However, without successful length coming from two of his pitchers so far and Baker not having the quick hook, Houston has had to play from behind against a tough Phillies offense that can keep adding runs. So far, advantage Philadelphia.