The 2022 World Series will be returning to Houston regardless of tonight’s result.
The Houston Astros made sure that was the case after they won Game 4 in convincing fashion on Wednesday night, with a 5-0 score and by no-hitting the formidable Philadelphia Phillies offense.
The Phillies had taken Game 3 on Tuesday, so the series is knotted at 2-2 as we head to Thursday’s pivotal Game 5.
Noah Syndergaard will be on the mound for tonight’s affair for the Phils, while Justin Verlander will try to improve his 6.07 lifetime World Series era and give the Astros a much-needed victory.
The two teams will travel to Houston on Friday to resume the Fall Classic there, on Saturday.
Everything indicates Zack Wheeler will get the ball for the Phillies on Saturday.
An Excellent Pitcher Will Be Taking The Ball On Saturday
Astros manager Dusty Baker, meanwhile, officialized Saturday’s pitcher: it will be left-hander Framber Valdez.
Astros will start Framber Valdez in Game 6
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) November 3, 2022
Valdez has been brilliant all year, including both the regular season and the playoffs.
Most importantly, he was untouchable on Game 2 of the World Series last Saturday in Houston.
That day, he limited the Phillies to a single run in 6.1 innings, with four hits, three walks, and nine strikeouts.
His curveball has been on point during the whole playoff run, and it has given him a legit swing-and-miss weapon.
In 19 postseason innings, Valdez has a sparkling 1.42 ERA, with 24 strikeouts.
After last year’s World Series fiasco (he conceded a whopping 10 runs in 4.2 innings against the Atlanta Braves) he has been more calm and composed on the mound.
His mental approach has been the difference, as he has always had the stuff to dominate.
Can he replicate his Game 2 performance in a crucial Game 6 that could decide the World Series winner?