The Houston Astros defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 5 and are now a win away from their first World Series title. The Astros won in impressive fashion, walking off the field with a 13 to 12 victory in extra innings. Scoreboards like that have been a common feature throughout the entire series. They have combined for 22 home runs, a new World Series record. Just last Sunday, both teams combined hit 7 long balls. It is as awful as it is fun to watch.
Inefficient Is An Understatement
Some of us thought that the World Series was going to be a low scoring, tactical series. Little did we know that Game 1, with a 3-1 score, would be a one time only thing. In Game 2, George Springer homered off reliever Brandon McCarthy. Charlie Culberson did the same with Chris Devenski on the mound. For Game 4, the Dodgers made a mess out of the Houston bullpen, blowing the game up in the ninth inning with a three run home run with Joe Musgrove on the mound.
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Sunday was no different. Collin McHugh allowed a three run home run to Cody Bellinger in the fifth. Half an inning later, Jose Altuve did the same with Kenta Maeda throwing the baseball. Brad Peacock gave up a triple to put the Dodgers on top 8 to 7 in the seventh frame. Once again, half an inning later Springer tied the ballgame with a home run and Altuve took the lead with a double off Brandon Morrow. Long story short, they traded the lead of the game until Bregman walked off the field with the win. Neither Kenley Jansen nor Musgrove were able to close the game for the Astros.
It Has Been Fun
Despite the lack of efficiency out of the bullpen, it has been fun to watch. This Series alone has broken numerous records. Game 1 broke a heat record with a temperature of 103.. Both teams set the record for most home runs in a World Series. (22). Game 5 required 14 different pitchers to settle the score. Game 5 was also the second longest World Series Game in history, lasting 5 hours and 17 minutes. Yes, we can stay up all night talking about the awful relief pitching, but the fact of the matter is that the Series has been amazing to watch. It seems as if both teams either aim for the fences or strike out. There is nothing in between. It has been an action packed series and it promises to remain that way until the very last out.
At the end of the day, despite all the inconsistency and lack of efficiency, we have seen baseballs fly all over the skies.
What more can we ask for?