Best 2022 World Series games: Astros eclipse Phillies in Game 5

The Houston Astros outlasted the Philadelphia Phillies 3-2 Thursday in Game 5 of the 2022 World Series to take a 3-2 series lead going into Game 6.

Justin Verlander made his fourth playoff start and second in the World Series for the Astros. He finished with six strikeouts in five innings pitched, allowing only four hits and one run – a first homer.

On the other side, Noah Syndergaard made his second start (fourth appearance) of the playoffs for the Phillies. He was out after three innings after allowing three hits and two runs, including a home run.

Here are the best match 5 games.

Astros 3, Phillies 2 (HOU leads the series 3-2)

Start with a bang!

The Astros quickly took a 1-0 lead in the first inning, thanks to back-to-back big hits from José Altuve and Jeremy Peña. First, Altuve crushed Syndergaard’s lead in right field and made it to third base after an error by Phillies center fielder Brandon Marsh.

Then Peña smashed an RBI single down the middle to bring Altuve in and put Houston on the board first.

Catch and tag

The Astros tried something risky early on, but their plan was foiled when Peña was ejected at second base.

return the favor

The Phillies tied things up late in the first inning, thanks to a perfect home run from Kyle Schwarber.

It was the Phillies’ 18th playoff home run at Citizens Bank Park, tying the Astros’ 2017 record for most homers hit at a stadium in a single postseason.

Pitchers take center stage

Both teams were relentless on the mound. Syndergaard had a huge run for the Phillies in the second…

… while Verlander’s slider pulled the Astros out of a jam with the bases loaded late in the second inning.

Not so fast!

Peña reminded baseball fans why he was the first rookie shortstop to win a Gold Glove after coming up with a massive play for Houston in the third inning on what was likely to be a big hit from Nick Castellanos.

star power

With momentum on his side, Peña hit a solo home run in the fourth inning to give the Astros a 2-1 lead.

What can’t he do?

Peña followed that up with a smooth game late in the fourth set, knocking out Jean Segura first.

make history

Bryce Harper crushed Verlander’s four-seam fastball in the fifth inning, good for the hardest-hit ball of the year. The Astros were able to emerge from the inning unscathed, however, as it remained 2-1.

Pickle!

After hitting a double and reaching third base on a crazy pitch from Seranthony Domínguez – the Phillies’ fourth pitcher of the night – Yuli Gurriel was tagged at home after a clash with Rhys Hoskins.

move away

The Astros added to their lead in the top of the eighth inning, thanks to a big hit from Yordan Alvarez that allowed Altuve to score and sent Peña to second base after Hoskins popped the ball to first base.

At hand

Astros pitcher Ryan Pressly walked Castellanos and Bryson Stott in the bottom of the eighth inning. Then Segura hit a right single, allowing Castellanos to score and close the gap, 3-2.

Refuse!

Astros outfielder Trey Mancini offered a clutch play when it mattered most when he landed an all-important third out with the Phillies runners at first and third.

Closure hour

The Phillies fought until the very end, highlighted by a very strong ninth inning that made the Astros sweat.

What could have been

JT Realmuto was so close to potentially tie things up late in the ninth, but Chas McCormick had other plans. In the end, the home team failed to come back, and things ended there, 3-2.

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