Where were you last night? If you are a true baseball fan, you will remember where you were for years to come. The four pitchers that toed the rubber for the Houston Astros at Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday night accomplished something special. Throwing the first combined no-hitter in World Series history, recording the second no-hitter in World Series history (Don Larson, Perfect Game 1956), and only the third ever in postseason play. What happened is particularly unimaginable when the events that happened a mere 24 hours prior are taken into account. I was in awe as an Astros fan watching the events unfold especially when FOX decided to make everyone aware in the bottom of the 5th with a subtle line added to their score bug in the bottom right-hand corner for the nation to see.
Late on Tuesday night, the Astros were laughed out of the stadium as a result of a 7-0 defeat in which the Philadelphia Phillies hit five home runs off of starter Lance McCullers Jr. to take a 2-1 series lead in the best-of-seven format of the World Series. The stadium was so loud that it registered twice on a meter for seismic activity. An environment that even had beloved Mattress Mack dropping f-bombs defending the “H”. The environment on social media regarding the Astros since 2017 has been one of the die-hard fans that love the team and those who can't enjoy it enough when they fail, especially on a national stage. After Tuesday, the detractors and haters were out in full force. Even amongst the most loyal Astros fans, things were beginning to get uncomfortable in a World Series that the Astros came into as the favorites to win.
Then something cool happened… the Astros got up off the mat refusing to lose, looking like Rocky, and beginning to make themselves at home in Philadelphia. Christian Javier and the rest of the pitchers involved toed the rubber and not only silenced the loud bats of the Philadelphia Phillies but had Phillies fans racing for the exits in the 8th inning. The Astros lineup finally got going with 8 of the 9 batters recording a hit and exploding for five runs in the pivotal 5th inning that put the game on ice. I would say as a fan of this organization we have been spoiled with how great this group of players has been. Especially with their ability to turn the page, regroup, get back out there and respond appropriately. Put me down as someone who thinks we had two of the best playoff hitters EVER on these teams in Altuve and Bregman.
What’s next? The presumed Cy-Young award winner for the American League will take the bump for the Houston Astros in a high-pressure situation. He will be looking to exercise his demons from past World Series appearances, including Game 1 where he squandered a five run lead. Many questions loom going forward for Justin Verlander… Will this be his last start in an Astros uniform? Can he be the best version of himself on the game's biggest stage? Can the Astros take a stranglehold of this series heading back home for game six and a possible game seven?
One thing I can honestly say for me is I think this World Series means more. For the taste of 2017 to ever go away, the Astros need to win another one. Us Astros fans deep down inside know this to be true. I got the privilege of watching the game last night with my family while celebrating my mom’s birthday. My family means so much to me and I will forever have a baseball memory with them. As for Game 5, I can’t wait for the theater to unfold tonight in Philadelphia. I’m hoping the Astros come back to the “H” up 3-2 in this series looking to close it out at home but until then I will be drinking an Old Fashioned and on the edge of my seat with every pitch. One last thing… Go ‘Stros!
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