Phillies' Bats Called Out for Missed Chances in World Series Game 5 Loss to Astros
Nov 4, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies' Kyle Schwarber reacts after grounding out to end the sixth inning in Game 5 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
The downhill portion of the roller coaster that is the Philadelphia Phillies' offense continued at the worst possible time for the National League champions.
Philadelphia appeared ready to ride its powerful bats to a World Series crown when it blasted five home runs off Houston Astros starter Lance McCullers Jr. in Game 3. Then it looked like the worst offense in the world during a combined no-hitter for Houston pitchers in Game 4.
And it didn't look much better while missing countless opportunities during a 3-2 loss in Thursday's Game 5 at Citizens Bank Park, which gave the Astros a 3-2 lead in the series and the chance to close things out at home in Game 6 or 7.
It seemed like the Phillies' offense from Game 3 returned when Kyle Schwarber launched a leadoff home run off Justin Verlander in the bottom of the first inning, but that was the end of the scoring until the eighth for the home team.
Even that one-run inning was defined by a missed chance, as Trey Mancini robbed Schwarber of a potential extra-base hit with two runners on base. Just for good measure, the heartbreak theme continued when Chas McCormick made an incredible leaping catch at the wall on a deep drive by J.T. Realmuto in the ninth.
Social media reacted to all the close calls and offensive letdowns from the NL representatives:
Runs figured to be at a premium against Verlander, who could be on his way to a third career Cy Young this season. The only way Philadelphia was going to win was by taking advantage of its chances, and it did the exact opposite of that as the future Hall of Famer battled out of jams throughout his five innings.
Verlander struck out Rhys Hoskins with the bases loaded in the second inning, retired Bryson Stott with a fly out with two runners on in the third inning and induced a fly out from Nick Castellanos with a runner on second in the fifth inning.
That pattern continued against the bullpen when Schwarber grounded out with two runners on in the sixth and eighth innings. Both were hard-hit balls, but the slugger ended up with nothing to show for it.
It simply wasn't enough run support for Noah Syndergaard, who had the unenviable task of going up against Verlander and was driven out of the game in the fourth after giving up an RBI single and solo homer to Jeremy PeƱa.
If the offense isn't better in Game 6 on Saturday, the Phillies' magical run will come to an end.
Phillies' Kyle Schwarber: 'I Really Don't Give a S--t' About Being No-Hit in Game 4
Nov 3, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 02: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after striking out in the third inning during Game 4 of the 2022 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Phillies were on the wrong side of history after the Houston Astros' combined no-hitter in Wednesday's 5-0 World Series Game 4 loss.
After the game, Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber told reporters the players are not concerned about their place in history, and they're already putting the disappointing showing behind them.
"I really don't give a s--t. Nope. Move on to tomorrow," Schwarber said. "We'll be in the history books, I guess."
The Phillies had an offensive outburst in Tuesday's Game 3 victory, hitting five home runs off Astros starter Lance McCullers Jr. on their way to a 7-0 win.
Wednesday's game was the complete opposite, as Philadelphia's batters were shut down by Houston right-hander Cristian Javier, who threw six no-hit innings with nine strikeouts. Astros relievers Bryan Abreu, Rafael Montero and Ryan Pressly completed the historic pitching performance.
In their first home loss of the 2022 postseason, the Phillies managed just three baserunners the entire game. They struck out 14 times and failed to capitalize off the momentum from Tuesday's big win.
Philadelphia had the opportunity to take a 3-1 series advantage, but instead, it is now tied 2-2, with the series guaranteed to return to Houston for at least one more game.
While Schwarber might have been peeved while speaking to reporters, he has the right attitude of quickly moving on from Wednesday's loss. The Phillies will have to refocus for Thursday's Game 5 at Citizens Bank Park.
Twitter Stunned By Phillies' Silent Bats in Game 4 Loss vs. Astros
Nov 3, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 02: Cristian Javier #53 of the Houston Astros pitches to Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies in the first inning during Game 4 of the 2022 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brian Garfinkel/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
The magic of baseball is things can drastically change in the span of a single day.
In the Philadelphia Phillies' case, that magic turned into a nightmare Wednesday.
The National League champions put on an absolute show by launching five home runs off Houston Astros starter Lance McCullers Jr. in Game 3 of the 2022 World Series. Then they were completely flummoxed by Cristian Javier and didn't record a single hit a mere 24 hours later in a 5-0 loss in Game 4.
Houston tied the series at two apiece with the combined no-hitter and handed the Phillies their first home loss in eight games at Citizens Bank Park in these playoffs.
Javier was brilliant while striking out nine in six hitless innings of work. While he may have been given the chance to chase a no-hitter in the regular season, he handed the ball to a bullpen trio of Bryan Abreu, Rafael Montero and Ryan Pressly that was ready to slam the door shut and finish the task.
Social media had no shortage of reactions to quite the turnabout for Philadelphia's offense:
you go from one game everything you hit is a home run to the next game you donāt get even one single hit the whole game being a phillies fan must be a wild as hell experience lol
ā¢ signed for $10,000 as international free agent ā¢ started season in Astros bullpen ā¢ earned spot in starting rotation ā¢ started combined no-hitter against Yankees in June ā¢ 6 no-hit innings in Game 4 of the World Series pic.twitter.com/X2t1SxNBjC
Some no-hit efforts have incredible defensive plays and lucky breaks for pitchers, but that was far from the case for Javier. He breezed through Philadelphia's red-hot lineup by striking out five in a row in the fourth and fifth innings and inducing weak and non-threatening contact when the home team finally did get the bat on the ball.
It was the type of showing the Phillies were hoping to get from Aaron Nola, but the right-hander failed to bounce back from his poor showing in Game 1. He escaped multiple early jams, but his momentum ended in the five-run fifth when he left with the bases loaded and nobody out and was charged with three earned runs when Jose Alvarado struggled in relief.
Yet the pitching won't matter for Philadelphia if the offense can't get a hit again in Thursday's Game 5.
Bryce Harper 'the Most Underpaid $330 Million Man Alive,' Phillies Owner Says
Nov 2, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 01: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates after hitting a two-run home run against the Houston Astros during the first inning in Game Three of the 2022 World Series at Citizens Bank Park on November 01, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies owner John Middleton believes Bryce Harper is worth every penny of his 13-year, $330 million contract.
"He's the most underpaid $330 million man alive," Middleton said of Harper, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today. "He really is. What he's doing is unbelievable. Heās a special player. A very special player.
"He's showing everybody what he is this postseason. He's a multi-generational talent. He's doing everything he can to help us get that World Series trophy."
Harper's two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning kicked off the scoring in Tuesday's 7-0 win for the Phillies in Game 3, giving the team a 2-1 lead over the Houston Astros in the World Series.
Over 14 playoff games, Harper is hitting .382 with six home runs and a 1.232 OPS. He was named NLCS MVP after hitting .400 (8-for-20) with two home runs in five games.
It's helped bring the Phillies two wins away from their first title since 2008.
There had been criticism surrounding Harper in his first few years in Philadelphia, with the team failing to reach the postseason despite spending big in free agency. It only got louder when the Washington Nationals won the title in 2019, the first year after letting the outfielder leave in free agency.
Harper still came through with an outstanding 2021 season individually, winning the NL MVP award with a .309 average and 35 home runs.
With the latest postseason run, the 30-year-old has become a legend in Philadelphia.
There are still nine more years remaining on Harper's contract, but there doesn't seem to be any regrets about the high-priced deal.
Twitter in Awe of Phillies' Home Run Barrage in Blowout Game 3 Win vs. Astros
Nov 2, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 01: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run in the first inning during Game 3 of the 2022 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Welcome to the home run derby, Lance McCullers Jr.
The Houston Astros starter became the first pitcher in MLB history to give up five home runs in a single playoff game as the Philadelphia Phillies cruised to a 7-0 victory in Game 3 of the 2022 World Series on Tuesday.
Philadelphia seized a 2-1 lead in the series and remains undefeated at Citizens Bank Park in the postseason. If that pattern continues, the Phillies are two games away from winning their first World Series since the 2008 campaign.
BRYCE HARPER 2-RUN HOMER AND PHILLY IS LOSING IT š¤Æ @BRWalkoff
The offensive fireworks started right away when Bryce Harper continued his red-hot playoffs by launching a two-run homer in the first inning. His sixth home run of the postseason sent the crowd into an absolute frenzy and was a sign of things to come.
Alec Bohm and Brandon Marsh kept things rolling with long balls in the second inning, and Kyle Schwarber and Rhys Hoskins went back-to-back in the fifth. The game was essentially over at that point, and social media had nothing but praise for the offensive juggernaut:
BACK-TO-BACK IN PHILLY!!!! WHAT IS HAPPENING!!! #WorldSeries
Interesting that the Phillies' three home runs have come on three different pitches from McCullers -- curve (Harper), sinker (Bohm), slider (Marsh). That is... not good news for the Astros!
The last two pitches Bryce Harper has seen at Citizens Bank Park went for home runs that won the Phillies the National League pennant and gave them the lead in their first home World Series game in 13 yeras.
It wasn't all the offense, as Ranger SuƔrez threw five shutout innings as Philadelphia's starter.
While Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler draw the most headlines in the team's rotation, SuƔrez entered Tuesday's contest with a 1.86 ERA in four playoff appearances and continued to be an under-the-radar hero in the team's playoff run.
SuƔrez escaped a jam with runners on the corners in the second inning by striking out Chas McCormick and induced a pop out from Jose Altuve to end the fifth inning with two runners on base.
The bullpen took things from there, and the Phillies will look to keep things rolling at home in Wednesday's Game 4.
Philadelphia Pizzeria Refuses to Serve Astros Ahead of World Series G3 vs. Phillies
Nov 1, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 20: A general view of Citizens Bank Ballpark and the Philadelphia skyline prior to the first inning of the Major League Baseball game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Toronto Blue Jays on September 20, 2020 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
There is a reason the Philadelphia Phillies have had an immense home-field advantage in the 2022 postseason, and it isn't only because the team's fans aren't particularly friendly to opposing teams.
They also made it harder for the Houston Astros to get a meal ahead of Tuesday's Game 3 of the World Series. Angelo's Pizzeria in South Philadelphia, an institution in the city, downright refused to provide catering for the team:
The #Astros tried to order catering for their team and staff from the famous Angeloās Pizzeria in South Philly, the store owner declined to serve them. pic.twitter.com/aN5FUjA0Qm
According to Adam Hermann of NBC Sports, Philadelphia's Mike's BBQ also refused a request to cater for the Astros.
And that is just some good old-fashioned Philadelphia hospitality. If the Phillies go on to win the World Series, there won't be a player on the team that has to pay for a drink in the city ever again.
But if you enter as the member of an opposing team, well, good luck getting a slice.
The 2022 World Series is now a best-of-five. The Philadelphia Phillies rallied from a five-run deficit to swipe Game 1 in extra innings on J.T. Realmuto's 10th...
Astros vs. Phillies: Which Team Gains an Edge With World Series Game 3 Rainout?
Nov 1, 2022
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 29: Zack Wheeler #45 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros hit a 3-run home run during the 5th inning of Game Two of the 2022 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 29, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
There was no World Series Game 3 on Monday night because of the weather in Philadelphia. While everything remains tied 1-1, there is a chain reaction to the rain.
The Astros, with perhaps the deepest pitching staff in all of baseball, remain on schedule to start Lance McCullers Jr. in Game 3 and Cristian Javier in Game 4.
They have two ace-caliber starters in Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola. Ranger SuƔrez is a complementary No. 3, but from there the back end of the rotation gets thin with a diminished Noah Syndergaard and Kyle Gibson.
The updated #WorldSeries pitching matchups for the games in Philly ā¾ļø
Game 3: McCullers vs. SuƔrez Game 4: Javier vs. Nola Game 5: Verlander vs. Syndergaard pic.twitter.com/RaAqLYkqSr
Here is how Monday's postponement impacts both teams and who gets the edge because of it.
Phillies delay bullpen game, get much-needed extra rest for Wheeler
Originally, Phillies manager Rob Thomson planned to have Syndergaard pitch Game 3 and SuƔrez for Game 4. But with the rain pushing things back a day, SuƔrez can pitch Game 3 and Nola, who started Game 1 last Friday, can pitch Game 4.
What happens in those two games presents an interesting hypothetical for Thomson and the Phillies. He said Monday night that Wheeler would get extra rest and the plan for Game 5 is to start either Syndergaard, if they don't use him in the next couple of days, or Gibson.
That would, in effect, be a bullpen game. But what if the Astros win the next two and the Phillies are facing elimination at home in Game 5?
It's hard to imagine they wouldn't give the ball to Wheeler in their final home game, with the season on the line.
Wheeler's dip in velocity was a talking point after his Game 2 performance, when he gave up five runs (four earned) on six hits, including a homer, and struck out three.
Still, Wheeler sitting in the dugout while you lose the World Series would be gross mismanagement.
Verlander gets more rest as postponement plays to Astros' depth
Arguably the Astros' most important pitchers will benefit from the extra rest. That includes 39-year-old Justin Verlander, who squandered a 5-0 lead through the first three innings of Game 1.
They also rest their best relievers. Closer Ryan Pressly threw a combined 33 pitches in the first two games, while Rafael Montero threw 41 pitches in those games, including 33 in Game 2.
Getting two full days of rest should reset the clock on both of them.
The interesting question for Houston is how best to use Verlander if Philadelphia wins Game 3. It's likely the Astros stick to their plan, but having Verlander pitch Game 4 to avoid an elimination scenario at Citizens Bank Park would make sense.
Also worth asking is whether Framber Valdez, based on recent performance, would be the Astros' best option in an elimination game.
Valdez has a 1.42 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in his three postseason starts this year, compared to Verlander's 7.20 ERA and 1.59 WHIP. Verlander was rough in Game 1 of the ALDS against the Seattle Mariners, giving up six runs on 10 hits before a furious Astros comeback, highlighted by an improbable Yordan Ćlvarez three-run walk-off homer, bailed him out.
Verlander was better against the Yankees in the ALCS but struggled with command against the Phillies in Game 1 of the World Series.
Advantage goes to Astros
While it benefits the Phillies to have more flexibility in how they use Wheeler, their best pitcher, that still doesn't say much for the matchup against the Astros.
Just look at what the Astros were able to do to him in Game 2. They scored five runs (four earned) on six hits in five innings pitched by Wheeler.
Thomson called Wheeler's stuff "a little bit light" and noted his location was off but said he expects both Wheeler and Nola to be ready for the next time.
The rain delay makes it interesting for Thomson to decide when that is, exactly. If the Phillies lose both games, or win both games, ideally it's Wheeler pitching in the elimination or closeout situation.
Meanwhile, the Astros have no need to adjust their plans at all.
They have a wealth of pitching depth that can only benefit from the extra rest. And their lineup has shown it can produce against Philly's best hurlers in Wheeler and Nola.
SuĆ”rez pitched just three innings the last time he started against Houston on Oct. 4, just before the regular season ended. The Astros scored six runs on seven hits, including homers by Jeremy PeƱa, Kyle Tucker and MartĆn Maldonado.
The Astros have good reason to be confident in their rotation as is, and that their lineup matches up well against anyone Philly puts on the mound.
Phillies, Astros Set World Series Pitching Matchups After Game 3 Postponement
Oct 31, 2022
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 11: Ranger Suarez #55 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates striking out Travis d'Arnaud #16 of the Atlanta Braves while the bases are loaded during the third inning in game one of the National League Division Series at Truist Park on October 11, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros set their starting rotations after Game 3 of the 2022 World Series was postponed until Tuesday.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson confirmed Ranger SuƔrez will take the bump in the next game, with Aaron Nola and Noah Syndergaard to follow in Games 4 and 5, respectively. Syndergaard was originally slated for Game 3.
Astros manager Dusty Baker, on the other hand, is sticking with Lance McCullers Jr., while Cristian Javier will "probably" get Game 4 duties. Some wondered whether that honor would go to Justin Verlander instead with the postponement giving all of the players an extra day off.
A postponement tonight would create a real fascinating Game 4 decision for Dusty Baker and Josh Miller. Justin Verlander would be on regular rest Wednesday. Cristian Javier would be available, presuming they keep Lance McCullers Jr pitching Game 3 tomorrow.
Thomson added he could use Syndergaard as a reliever in Game 3 or 4 if needed, in which case Kyle Gibson would become the Game 5 starter. He won't be tempted to go with Zack Wheeler there because he prefers to allow the 2021 All-Star to rest up as much as he can.
Wheeler was tagged for five runs on six hits in five innings of work in a 5-2 Game 2 defeat. More concerning, MLB.com's Todd Zolecki noted his fastball averaged 96.2 mph in the first inning of that contest after hitting 98.3 mph when he opened his earlier playoff appearances.
Zack Wheeler talks about what went wrong in the first inning and the fact that his velocity was slightly down: pic.twitter.com/6uDarN0RXC
Baker appears to have similar concerns with moving Verlander's start up following the rainout.
The two-time Cy Young Award winner continues to be snakebitten in the Fall Classic after allowing five earned runs in Houston's 6-5 Game 1 loss. The slightly longer turnaround before his next appearance could help the right-hander get back to his best.
Astros vs. Phillies World Series Game 3 Postponed Due to Rain, Will Be Played Tuesday
Oct 31, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 31: Rhys Hoskins #17, Nick Maton #29, Alec Bohm #28 and Nick Castellanos #8 of the Philadelphia Phillies look on during batting practice prior to Game 3 of the 2022 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Monday, October 31, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies fans will have to wait one more day to see their team's World Series home opener.
MLB announced that Monday's Game 3 at Citizens Bank Park has been postponed due to rain, per USA Today's Bob Nightengale. The game has been rescheduled to Tuesday, causing the rest of the series to be pushed back.
Game 4 will now be held on Wednesday, followed by Game 5 on Thursday. Friday will be a travel day, with Games 6 and 7 set for Saturday and Sunday, if necessary.
Game 3 of the #WorldSeries has officially been postponed. Here is an updated look at the Series schedule: - Game 3: Tuesday - Game 4: Wednesday - Game 5: Thursday - Travel Day: Friday - Game 6 (If Necessary): Saturday - Game 7 (If Necessary): Sunday pic.twitter.com/a61nzKUBM5
After stealing a 6-5 win in Houston in Game 1, the Phillies are looking to bounce back from a 5-2 loss in Game 2. The Astros were led by a nine-strikeout performance by starting pitcher Framber Valdez to even the series at 1-1.
Despite the loss, Philadelphia is still in a good spot, as the next three games will be in its home ballpark. The Phillies are 5-0 at home this postseason, which helped them get past the Atlanta Braves and San Diego Padres on their way to a surprising World Series berth.
For their part, the Astros have had no issues performing in hostile environments. Houston is 3-0 on the road in the playoffs, having closed out both the ALDS and ALCS against the Seattle Mariners and New York Yankees, respectively, in front of opposing fans.
Following the postponement, Houston will stick with Lance McCullers Jr. as the starter for Game 3, while Philadelphia has pivoted from Noah Syndergaard to Ranger SuƔrez. Syndergaard will now take the hill for Game 5.
