Well, we finally found a team that could beat the Houston Astros and it’s the Houston Astros.
On their march to their second consecutive World Series championship, Houston had a problem with defense.
Gerrit Cole, who has been lights out pretty much all year, struggled from the beginning in this one. He gave up a leadoff double to Mookie Betts, who scored on a single from the next batter. From then on it was a constant struggle of maneuvering around men on base, made worse by his one-out throwing error that put runners at second and third. After a walk, the Red Sox got another single and it was 2-0.
After hit team took the lead 4-2 in the top of the third, Gerrit Cole couldn’t hold it. Falling behind hitters, leading the bases loaded with one out. He got Ian Kinsler to strike out. But Jackie Bradley Jr. hit a ball that ricocheted off the wall and then kept dancing on top of the padding on the left field foul line and wouldn’t come down. When it finally did, three runs had scored and the Red Sox retook the lead.
Cole settled down from there, making it to the seventh. It was 5-4 for the better part of the game until more sloppiness ensued.
In the bottom of the seventh the Red Sox scored a Little League run on a walk to Betts. A wild pitch moved him to second. A passed ball moved him to third. Another passed ball allowed him to score.
It was the proverbial nail in the coffin for the Astros.
They giftwrapped Game 2 and gave it to the Red Sox.
Now the series is tied 1-1. They go back to Houston. Houston fans hope the real Astros return.
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TODAY’S GAME:
(time listed is Eastern)