The Phillies made history in Game 1 on Friday and look to carry that momentum into Game 2 tonight in Houston at Minute Maid Park behind ace Zack Wheeler, who has been spectacular this postseason.
The Astros counter with All-Star left-hander Framber Valdez.
The Phillies overcame a five-run deficit in Game 1, with J.T. Realmuto delivering a game-winning solo homer in the 10th to give the Phillies a 6-5 victory and a 1-0 series lead.
Wheeler is 1-1 with a 1.78 ERA this postseason over four starts. His 0.51 WHIP is the lowest by any pitcher over four starts in a single postseason. Tonight he'll become just the third pitcher in franchise history to make five starts in a postseason, joining Cliff Lee in 2009 and Cole Hamels in 2008.
Valdez faced the Phillies in the final series of the regular season in Houston and was spectacular, tossing five scoreless innings while scattering just two hits; he whiffed ten.
Wheeler has never faced the Astros, and only Trey Mancini, Christian Vazquez, and Martin Maldonado have at-bats against him.
"I don't think it really differs all that much," Wheeler said. "I rely a lot on J.T. (Realmuto). I ask my questions to (pitching coach Caleb Cotham) and J.T. in our pregame meetings about certain things that I like to know personally. So I'll ask those, and I'll pitch to my strengths and let J.T. kind of lead me."
The Phillies were able to give Wheeler an extra day of rest because of clinching the NLCS in five games. That extra day of rest has played a role in his success this year; he's posted a 2.02 ERA when given extra rest and just a 3.66 ERA on regular rest.
Did You Know
The Phillies are 10-2 this postseason and are just the eighth team in Major League history to reach ten postseason wins in 12 games or fewer.
Harper Remains Hot
The NLCS MVP singled in the 4th inning last night and has reached base in all 12 games this postseason while hitting safely in 11 straight, beginning with Game 2 of the Wild Card Series at Saint Louis. His 20 hits are the most in a single postseason in Phillies history, extending his lead over Shane Victorino (17) in 2009 and Jayson Werth (17) in 2008.
History Lesson
In World Series history, the Game 1 winner has won the Fall Classic 63.8 pct. (74 of 116) of the time. The Game 1 winner has won the last four World Series, 16 of 19 since 2003, 21 of 25 since 1997, 23 of 28 since 1993 and 28 of 34 since 1987.
Starting Lineup
Schwarber 7
Hoskins 3
Realmuto 2
Harper DH
Castellanos 9
Bohm 5
Segura 4
Vierling 8
Sosa 6
Wheeler RHP
