*Photo from SB Nation*
Series tied 2-2
Jose Urquidy pitched 5 dominant innings, Alex Bregman hit a grand slam, and the Houston Astros evened up the world series at 2 games apeice with a 8-1 win over the Washington Nationals. With the win, Houston ensured that there will be at least a game 6, which will take place in Houston. This world series has been all about the road teams. Urquidy, who hadn't pitched above Single A before this season, loved pitching in the world series. This seemed surreal.
The Astros took the lead in the first inning, when Bregman hit an RBI single. Later in the first, Yuli Gurriel hit an RBI infield single to make it 2-0 Houston. In the 4th, Robinson Chirinos hit his second homer in as many games, this one a two run shot to left. In the 6th, Juan Soto got Washington on the board with an RBI groundout. In the 7th, Bregman's slam opened up the game and secured the win.
Urquidy went 5 innings, giving up two hits and no runs to earn the win. Chris Devenski pitched the 9th to seal it up. Josh Reddick said that "I think tonight was really the first time we really did what the Houston Astros offense can do." Bregman said that "This is a beautiful thing. It's two teams battling it out. They've got great pitching, great offenses. It's been fun so far, and just want to keep it rolling." Manager AJ Hinch said of Urquidy's performance that ''From the very beginning I thought he was calm, I thought he was in control of his stuff, his fastball had a little extra life to it. It's had good life this postseason. And then he just came up with big pitch after big pitch."
Patrick Corbin went 6 innings for Washington, giving up 4 runs on 7 hits and two walks. He struck out 5 and took the loss, falling to a dismal 1-3 postseason record. Washington's best chance to come back was in the 6th, when they loaded the bases with one out. Will Harris slammed the door on them to end the inning. Trea Turner said of Urquidy's performance that ''Maybe he doesn't have the Max Scherzer, Gerrit Cole name, but he's got good stuff." Adam Eaton said that ''He flipped his percentages, he threw me three sliders my first at-bat - and he throws it like 10% of the time. So I was just like, going back, scratching my noggin.'' In the last two games, the Nats have gone just 1-19 with runners in scoring position.
Game 5 is on Sunday night, and Gerrit Cole will look to give the Astros a series lead. Max Scherzer was supposed to start, but he has been scratched due to spasms. He received a cortisone shot and hopes he can pitch in game 6 or a potential game 7. Joe Ross will start for Washington in Scherzer's place.
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