We’re all even after a masterful pitching performance by the Houston Astros, led by starter Cristian Javier who fired six innings of no-hit baseball against the Phillies — who exploded for seven runs on five home runs the previous night — and picked up by three no-hit innings from the Houston bullpen.
Javier’s sterling start and the equally impressive work by the bullpen evened the series at two-a-piece and made the series a best of three that starts tonight in the final game at Citizens Bank Ballpark. For the Phillies, tonight is a must-win. It’s the last game in Philadelphia, and going into Houston needing one win instead of two is much more of a realistic opportunity for them.
Houston knows that, and they’re sending Justin Verlander to the mound to take a commanding lead over the Phillies tonight. If Houston wins and sends this series back to Houston needing just one win in two tries at home, things will look pretty grave for the Phillies.
Broadcast Info
First Pitch: 7:03 PM (CT)
TV: FOX
Radio: ESPN Radio
Starting Pitching Matchup
Justin Verlander (RHP) – Postseason: 1-0, 7.20 ERA, 19 K
vs.
Noah Syndergaard (RHP) – Postseason: 0-0, 1.69 ERA, 4 K
Houston Astros
1. Jose Altuve, 2B
2. Jeremy Pena, SS
3. Yordan Alvarez, LF
4. Alex Bregman, 3B
5. Kyle Tucker, RF
6. Yuli Gurriel, 1B
7. David Hensley, DH
8. Chas McCormick, CF
9. Martin Maldonado, C
Philadelphia Phillies
1. Kyle Schwarber, LF
2. Rhys Hoskins, 1B
3. J.T. Realmuto, C
4. Bryce Harper, DH
5. Nick Castellanos, RF
6. Alec Bohm, 3B
7. Bryson Stott, SS
8. Jean Segura, 2B
9. Brandon Marsh, CF