After a grueling 162 regular season games plus divisional playoffs, it is time for the 2022 baseball season to end with the World Series, also known as the Fall Classic. The 118th edition of the World Series is a best-of-seven series that pits the American League champion Houston Astros against the National League champion Philadelphia Phillies.

The Houston Astros have been to the World Series a total of four times, taking away the trophy in 2017 and capturing their first ever World Series championship. The Astros moved to the American League in 2013 after spending 52 seasons in the National League. Their 2017 Championship did not come without any scrutiny though; a cheating scandal accused the Astros of incorporating an electronic sign stealing system to gain a competitive, albeit unfair advantage. Apparently, they had a system in place wherein the team would essentially bang a drum to indicate to their batters that a fastball was coming. By the batter knowing what pitch was coming allowed them to focus on that specific pitch and eliminate either a curveball, slider, changeup, or cutter. Regardless, they still needed to hit it, but the probability increases significantly if you know what is coming. Major League Baseball launched an investigation in 2019 and found the allegations to be true. The fallout from the scandal caused the teams managers (Hinch and Luhnow) to be suspended for a season. In addition, the Astros had to forfeit their first and second round draft picks in 2020 and 2021 plus pay a $5 million fine. 

The Philadelphia Phillies began in 1883, being one of the first professional sports teams ever. They have won two World Series Championships in their long and distinguished history. The first in 1980 by defeating the Kansas City Royals. Several years later, in 2008, they captured their second crown after taking down the Tampa Bay Rays. A proud franchise, they have made a total of 15 playoff appearances throughout the years to go along with 32 players being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame located in Cooperstown, New York. The Phillies had their own scandal as well. Back in 2010, Mick Billmyer was caught on camera using binoculars from a bullpen bench watching the Colorado Rockies catcher. Not being the first accusation, the New York Mets claimed the Phillies were stealing signs through a camera in 2007 and the Boston Red Sox leveled similar charges in 2008. 

With the World Series already underway, a brief summary of the games that have been completed. Game one was held on October 28th with the Astros hosting, The Astros have home field advantage by virtue of finishing the regular season with a better overall record than the Phillies. The Astros jumped out to an early 5-0 lead. The never say die Phillies clawed their way back to tie the game 5-5 and force extra innings. A J.T. Realmuto home run in the top of the tenth inning propelled the Phillies to an unexpected victory allowing them to steal home field advantage. Five Philadelphia relief pitchers combined to throw five scoreless innings and allow the Phillies to hang around.  

 Game two was played the following day with the Astros taking care of business winning 5-2. Pitcher Framber Valdez went six strong innings allowing only one run and was allowed to get some rest.  The Phillies had an opportunity to come back but failed. 

The series then shifted to Citizens Bank Park, home field of the Philidelphia Phillies, for game three.  The Phillies jumped out to a 4-0 lead after 2 innings courtesy of a Bryce Harper home run. Not to be outdone, Kyle Schwarber and Rhys Hoskins added more homers in the fifth to extend the lead. According to ESPN Stats, the Phillies became the first team to hit five home runs in the first five innings of a World Series game. Astros pitcher Lance McCullers, Jr had a rough outing lasting only four innings. He unfortunately now has the dubious record of being tied for allowing the most home runs in a single World Series game. 

In game four the Astros produced the first combined no-hitter in World Series history. Cristian Javier pitched six outstanding innings striking out nine batters while only walking two. Three other Astro pitchers each pitched an inning on this historic evening to close it out. The Series is now tied 2 games apiece as they head to game 5 in Philadelphia. Former Detroit Tiger Justin Verlander toes the rubber for Houston and is opposed by Noah Syndergaard.

Having the home field advantage for the Phillies but having faith on Astro’s side as this game goes on. Jeremy Pena became the first rookie shortstop in MLB history hitting in five straight World Series games including his fourth inning homer. Players must rest for game 6 on November 5th, at Minute Maid Park.