World Series 2022: Top Storylines for Phillies vs. Astros Game 2
Zack Wheeler will take the mound for the Philadelphia Phillies as they attempt to take a 2-0 lead on the Houston Astros in Game 2 of the 2022 World Series.
Philadelphia pulled off a surprising win on Friday night, recovering from an early five-run deficit to win 6-5. Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto ripped a game-winning homer in the 10th inning, shocking a hometown crowd that hoped Kyle Tucker's two homers would hold up.
Houston will counter with left-hander Framber Valdez in the second game of the Fall Classic, while the Phillies will start Zack Wheeler.
Every game is critical. That should be obvious, even as the idea of a "must-win" game is popular at this time. But it's certainly not easy to climb out of a 2-0 hole in any playoff round and especially the World Series.
Game 2 Info
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2022 World Series Game 2 Info
When: Saturday, Oct. 29
Where: Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas
Time: 8:03 p.m. ET
TV: Fox
Live stream: Fox Sports Go
Series: Phillies lead 1-0
Wheeler vs. Valdez
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As always, the spotlight shines on the pitching matchup.
Philadelphia will trot out Zack Wheeler, who's surrendered five runs in 25.1 innings this postseason. Last time out against the San Diego Padres, he yielded two runs with eight strikeouts in six innings. This will be Wheeler's fourth road start in five playoff appearances.
When the teams met in the final series of the regular season, Wheeler did not throw. Valdez, however, capped his breakout year with a gem opposite a rest-altered Philly lineup.
He blanked the Phils in five innings of work, ceding only two hits while racking up 10 strikeouts in that early October clash. Valdez notched a 17-6 record and 2.82 ERA overall in 2022.
Notably absent from the lineup that night? Bryce Harper. But he'll be headlining Philly's offense against Valdez on Saturday.
Guess Who's the Favorite Now?
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The plucky underdogs can't be called that anymore.
Houston opened the World Series as the betting favorite. Because of Philadelphia's win in Game 1, though, the Phillies have become a slight series favorite on DraftKings.
Now, the Phils will not relinquish the underdog role. They landed the National League's final playoff spot and have opened all four postseason series on the road. On the other hand, Houston posted an American League-best 106-56 record and made the World Series last year.
But the feeling around the Fall Classic has changed.
Houston, the undisputed front-runner, finds itself in immense need of a victory. Philadelphia wasn't supposed to be here, yet the Phillies, at least for now, have greater control of the series.
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