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The 2022 World Series began Friday night when the Philadelphia Phillies stunned the Houston Astros with a comeback victory in Game 1. The Phillies erased an early five-run deficit against Justin Verlander and won on the home run of JT Realmuto in the 10th inning. Philadelphia is now three wins away from its third World Series title in franchise history (also 1980 and 2008). Houston, meanwhile, will try to even the series at home on Saturday night.
Historically, the teams that win the first game of a best-of-seven have won the series 64 percent of the time, although the winner of the first game has won the last four World Series and 13 of the last 16 World Series. The series is far from over, but the Phillies put themselves in a good spot by stealing Game 1 despite losing 5-0 to Verlander.
You can check out the full postseason schedule by clicking here and here’s the playoff blog for 2022. Now, let’s get down to the big stuff for Game 2.
How to look
Date: Saturday 29 October | Time: 8:03 pm ET Location: Minute Maid Park (Houston, Texas) TV Channel: Fox | Live Stream: fuboTV (Free Trial) Odds: 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 destiny vibes continued in Game 1 with a five-run, game-saving comeback from Nick Castellanos, one of the worst defensive outfielders in the sport. Really, though, the Game 1 win showed just how dangerous the Phillies are. His lineup is loaded with hit tools, and manager Ron Thomson has pushed all the right buttons in the bullpen this October. The Astros were the better team during the long 162 game season, although the better team doesn’t always win a short postseason series. Houston has lost home field advantage in the series and is down a game behind the team’s ace. A win in Game 2 to avoid a 2-0 series deficit back in Philadelphia seems imperative.
prediction
All signs point to the Phillies in Game 2. They have their ace on the mound in Wheeler and the offense was much more productive against lefties than righties during the regular season. That said, Valdez is no ordinary lefty, and I find it hard to believe these Astros are going to lose two games in a row at home. Houston is the second game pick.
Pick: Astros 5, Phillies 3