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The 2022 World Series began Friday night when the Philadelphia Phillies stunned the Houston Astros with a comeback win in Game 1. The Phillies evened an early five-run deficit against Justin Verlander, winning with JT Realmuto’s homer in the 10th inning. Philadelphia is now three wins away from its third World Series title in franchise history (also in 1980 and 2008). Houston, meanwhile, will try to even the streak at home on Saturday night.
Historically, teams that win Game 1 of a best-of-seven have won the series 64 percent of the time, even though the Game 1 winner has won the last four World Series and 13 of the last 16 World Series. The streak is far from over, but the Phillies put themselves in a good position by stealing Game 1 despite trailing 5-0 to Verlander.
You can view the full postseason schedule by clicking here, and here’s the 2022 playoff bracket. Now let’s get to the important stuff for Game 2.
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date: Saturday 29 Oct | time: 8:03 p.m. ET
location: Minute Maid Park (Houston, Texas)
TV channel: fox | Live broadcast: fuboTV (try for free)
Opportunities: HOU -145; PHI +122; O/U: 7 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Starting pitchers: LHP Framber Valdez (17-6, 2.82 ERA) vs. RHP Zack Wheeler (12-7, 2.82 ERA)
Featured Game | Houston Astros vs Philadelphia Phillies
preview
Philadelphia’s Team of Destiny Vibes continued in Game 1 with a five-run comeback and a game-saving catch from Nick Castellanos, one of the sport’s worst defensive fielders. But really, winning Game 1 showed just how dangerous the Phillies are. Their lineup is packed with plus hit tool guys and manager Ron Thomson pushed all the right bullpen buttons this October. The Astros were the better team throughout the long 162-game season, although the better team doesn’t always win a short postseason streak. Houston has lost home field advantage in the series, dropping a game behind the team’s ace. A Game 2 win to avoid a 2-0 series deficit returning to Philadelphia is essential.
forecast
All signs point to the Phillies in Game 2. They have their ace on the hill in Wheeler and the offense has been far more productive against lefties than righties during the regular season. Still, Valdez is no ordinary left-hander, and I have a hard time believing these Astros will lose two games in a row at home. Houston is the pick in Game 2.
Choose: Astros 5, Phillies 3