W.S.: 'STROS UP 3-2; GOING BACK TO HOUSTON, HOUSTON...

 

Special to El Rrun-Rrun

By eking out a 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday in Game 5 of the 2022 World Series, the Astros took a three-games-to-two advantage in this best-of-seven series and sit one win away from adding the championship .

They now have two shots at home to claim one more victory and the ultimate prize.

Although unsteady at times on Thursday, the Astros’ ace right-hander Justin Verlander tossed five solid innings and finally earned the first World Series win of his decorated career. Fresh off its dominant performance in Game 4’s combined no-hitter, Houston’s bullpen, led by right-handed relievers Bryan Abreu and Ryan Pressly, preserved the slim margin.

Rookie shortstop Jeremy Peña, the Most Valuable Player in the A.L.C.S., delivered with a run-scoring single and a solo home run. And Trey Mancini – a replacement at first base for Yuli Gurriel, who injured his right knee in a rundown in the seventh inning – saved at least one run and the game with his glove with runners on the corners in the eighth.

And in the ninth inning of a one-run game, Astros center fielder Chas McCormick made a jumping catch at the wall to rob Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto of an extra-base hit.

The World Series now shifts to Houston Minute Maid Park. 

Game 6 this year will be thereon Saturday with a starting pitching matchup that is a rematch of Game 2: Houston’s left-hander Framber Valdez, who tossed a gem in the win, will go up against Philadelphia’s right-hander Zack Wheeler.