Down to the wire
Even the powder blue uniforms weren’t enough to cook up a Philadelphia Phillies’ win on Thursday. Since breaking the single-game home run record in a World Series game on Tuesday, the Phillies’ bats have gone quiet. They lost the past two games at home, including being a no-hit in Game 4, and will now need to win both games in Houston in order to bring home a World Series title. It might seem improbable, but the Phillies have overcome adversity all year long. There is no reason they can’t do the same now. —Leo Morgenstern, Inside the Phillies
Pitching performances:
PHI Noah Syndergaard: 3.0 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 4 K
HOU Justin Verlander: 5.0 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 6 K
Standout bats:
PHI Kyle Schwarber: 1-for-4, HR, RBI, K
PHI Jean Segura: 2-for-4, RBI, K
HOU Jeremy Peña: 3-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, K
HOU Jose Altuve: 2-for-4, BB
Suárez available out of bullpen for Game 6
All plans go out the window in an elimination game. For the Phillies, they were forced into that corner after a crushing World Series Game 5 defeat.
Zack Wheeler is scheduled to start Game 6 against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on Saturday. But after suffering a mild injury taking a ball off the knee during NLCS Game 5, Wheeler's velocity has dipped. He may not be entirely effective against a vaunted Houston lineup.
If Wheeler struggles, Manager Rob Thomson and the Phillies won't hesitate to empty the bullpen. During a game in which losing means an end to the season, defeat is not an option, everyone must be available.
Thus, Game 7's scheduled starter Ranger Suárez may pitch in relief. If that does occur, Aaron Nola will get the ball to start Game 7 on short rest. —Ben Silver, Inside the Phillies
It all comes down to this
There are only two games left in the Phillies’ season—one if they don’t win Game 6. It will be a challenge to win both games in Houston, but it wouldn’t be the first time an NL East team has gotten the best of the Astros on their home field to win a championship. The 2019 Washington Nationals won Games 6 and 7 on the road to clinch a title. The Phillies’ chances aren’t dead yet. —Lauren Amour, Inside the Phillies
Game 6:
PHI starter: Zack Wheeler
HOU starter: Framber Valdez
First pitch: November 5, 8:03 p.m. EST
FOX/94.1 WIP
Game 7*:
PHI starter: Ranger Suárez/Aaron Nola
HOU starter: Cristian Javier
First pitch: November 6, 8:03 p.m. EST
FOX/94.1 WIP
*if necessary
Two Phillies prospects named Fall Stars
While the Phillies have been on their playoff run, seven of their prospects have been participating in the Arizona Fall League. Among them is outfielder Johan Rojas and pitcher Cristian Hernandez of the Surprise Saguaros. Rojas and Hernandez have been named to the 2022 Fall Stars Game as part of the National League roster.
Rojas has continued what he started during the 2022 Minor League season, stealing 13 bags in 12 games in the Fall League, and has yet to be caught. Between High-A Jersey Shore and Double-A Reading in 2022, Rojas stole a whopping 62 bases.
Hernandez, a 22-year-old right-hander out of Venezuela, has pitched to an impressive 0.90 ERA in seven appearances in the AFL. He's walked just one batter and struck out 10 in 10 innings of work. With Jersey Shore in 2022, he posted a 4.70 across 74.2 innings. Perhaps the AFL has helped him to break out.
On the coaching side is Jake Elmore, who will serve in the Fall Stars Game with the American League. Elmore was hired by the Phillies in Feb. 2022 as a hitting coach with the Low-A Clearwater Threshers. A former major leaguer, this past season was the 35-year-old's first year coaching. —Lauren Amour, Inside the Phillies
MORE: Phillies' prospect Ortiz to participate in AFL's Home Run Derby —Lauren Amour, Inside the Phillies