Defense.

Even though former GM Jon Daniels was clueless when it came to pitching, and lost when it came to offense, he absolutely had no idea what defense was. Which is why he is watching the World Series with his resumé in hand.

Defense crushes rallies. Defense breaks hearts. Defense wins games.

Defense is why Houston is going home for Saturday’s Game 6 of the World Series with a three-games-to-two advantage. 

With one out in the bottom of the ninth inning, training by one run, Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto appeared to have a sure double, and maybe even a triple his line drive ricocheted off the wall. Then, suddenly, nothing.

Astros centerfielder Chas McCormick came out of nowhere, leaped high against the wall, snagged the ball, and the hopes and dreams of Phillies fans everywhere died in his glove. 

That followed the amazing snag an inning earlier, with the Phillies having just scored its second run of the game and having a runner on first and third. Phillies super clutch Kyle Schwarber scorched a ball down the first baseline that would have surely scored the runner at third and most likely the runner at first, putting Philadelphia in the lead. But that dream died in the glove of Astros first baseman Trey Mancini. 

The Phillies had plenty of chances. But they couldn’t get that big hit with runners in scoring positions.

Defense. It’s a beautiful thing when it’s your team. It’s a heartbreaker when it’s the other guys.