The Houston Astros made World Series history on Wednesday night with a dominant 5-0 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. Considering Philly’s home run barrage in Game 3, it was exceptionally impressive.
The series is now tied 2-2, and the Phillies have one more game to host before heading back to Houston, where the World Series will be decided.
Here are the best moments and takeaways from Game 4.
Game 4 Takeaways
Dan Larson isn’t the only hitter in World Series history.
The Astros combined to hold the Philadelphia Phillies winless in Game 4, riding six dominant innings. Christian Xavier and a coordinated relief effort Brian Abreu, Rafael Montero And Ryan Presley. The Phillies only managed two base runners Bryce Harbor And Brandon Marsh, each leaving Javier. Javier finished the night with six innings pitched while striking out nine batters, throwing 97 pitches and 63 strikes, relying on a combination of a four-seam fastball and a slider.
It was the 19th combined no-hitter in MLB history and the first in the playoffs, according to ESPN Stats and Information. The Astros’ last combined regular-season no-no came on June 25 of this season against the New York Yankees — Javier started that game as well. Going back to Game 3, they have now thrown 11 straight hitless innings, tying the 1939 Yankees for the longest postseason streak.
Meanwhile, the Astros offense came alive after being shut out in Game 3. Houston scored five runs without a long ball. Yordan Alvarez, Alex Bregman, Kyle Tucker And Yuli Kuriel All Reserve Banks. Phillies starter Aaron Nola Looked strong through the first four innings, but made a few mistakes in the fifth, when Houston scored all of its runs. Nola finished the night with an unremarkable line, allowing three runs on seven hits and striking out four over four innings. — June Lee
Javier’s big night
Pure dominance. Absolute dirt.
The Phillies had no answer against the Houston Astros starter Christian XavierHe held Philadelphia hitless during his six innings in Game 4. Javier finished the night after 97 pitches.
The World Series opener marked the continuation of an incredible postseason run by Javier, who allowed just one run in 6 2/3 innings pitched in two appearances in the American League Division and Championship Series.
Javier relied primarily on his fastball and his slider throughout the evening, throwing his four-seamer 72 percent of the time and his slider 26 percent. The Phillies struggled to make hard contact all night, with two balls hitting 90 mph and both landing in the sixth. Brandon Marsh And Kyle Schwarber. The offensive struggles for Philadelphia contrasted dramatically with its performance in Game 3, when it allowed seven runs on five homers.
Javier was replaced by Astros manager Dusty Baker Brian AbreuHe continued his no-hit bid with a scoreless seventh inning with a side out. — Lee
He is that jaw. pic.twitter.com/EL4uFHD56W
— Houston Astros (@astros) November 3, 2022
Houston is heating up
Phillies starter Aaron Nola The Astros were held scoreless through four innings, but in the fifth inning, the dam broke.
Houston scored five runs in the fifth as the Astros took a 5-0 lead with the opener Christian Xavier carried a no-hitter through four innings.
Keep fighting. pic.twitter.com/FpNFS95cug
— Houston Astros (@astros) November 3, 2022
Got 5 out of it. pic.twitter.com/CEKGTOwque
— Houston Astros (@astros) November 3, 2022
The offensive began Chas McCormick Nola’s single off, followed by two more singles by the Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and short stop Jeremy Pena. With the bases loaded and no outs, Phillies manager Rob Thompson removed Nola from the game and brought in a lefty fireballing reliever. Jose Alvarado.
But Alvarado immediately hit a rough start Yordan Alvarez With a pitch, McCormick scored to give Houston its first run of the night. Things got worse for Philadelphia as the Astros third baseman Alex Bregman A double to right field scored Altuve and Pena to extend Houston’s lead to 3-0.
With both runners scored, Nola’s final pitching sequence was four innings pitched with three earned runs on seven hits, walks and four strikeouts.
But the damage didn’t end with Bregman. Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker A sacrifice fly was knocked to center field, scoring Alvarez and moving Bregman to third base. Yuli Kuriel Bregman followed with a single into left field to score and extend Houston’s lead to 5-0. As Alvarado leaves Christian Vasquez And Altemis Diaz To end the innings, the damage was done. — June Lee
Jaime Hoskins buys more beer for fans
Beer is in the Hoskins family.
Before Game 4 of the World Series, Jaime Hoskins, wife of Phillies first baseman Rice, invited fans to join them for a beer at Citizens Bank Park.
If you know anything about baseball, if it’s weird, you know where the beer is
— Jaime (@JaimeHoskins) November 2, 2022
Fans responded Hoskins Junction And Getting some drinks For the game.
Haskins’ move followed Game 3 Bought a case 50 beer for fans. — Lee
Pregame fashion
Ready to go to work pic.twitter.com/YurcI0908i
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) November 2, 2022
Hi guys 👋 pic.twitter.com/i0Sg6Tvwup
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) November 2, 2022