MLB Postseason Wrap-Up: October 23, 2022 – Elimination Day
The conclusion to the weekend brought the potential for two teams to clinch a World Series berth, one at home and the other on the road.
Reviled US senator Ted Cruz was in attendance at Yankee Stadium to watch his Astros win the pennant. He was welcomed with special Bronx cheers from the home fans.
The Texas senator got a real New York welcome during his visit to Yankee stadium. https://t.co/DFfmTvqCxw
— BuzzFeed (@BuzzFeed) October 24, 2022
Philadelphia wins series 4-1
WP: José Alvarado
LP: Robert Suarez
This game was a see-saw affair with drama befitting a potential series clincher. The Phillies took an early lead with Rhys Hoskins‘ 5th postseason home run in the 3rd inning.
San Diego tied the game on Josh Bell‘s RBI double in the 7th inning. The go-ahead run scored when Seranthony DomÃnguez threw a wild pitch later in the inning.
In the bottom of the 8th, Bryce Harper clubbed a 99 mph Alvarado sinker ball into the left center field bleachers, retaking the lead for Philadelphia.
After David Robertson issued two one-out walks in the 9th inning, Ranger Suárez was called to finish the save for Philly. He retired Trent Grisham and Austin Nola to end the game, securing Philadelphia’s ticket to the World Series for the first time in 13 years.
Harper’s heroics earned him the series MVP award.
Houston wins series 4-0
WP: Héctor Neris
S: Ryan Pressly
The start of this game was delayed by rain for about 90 minutes.
New York gained an early three-run advantage thanks to overdue production from the 3-4-5 slots.
Houston was determined to finish their business in New York, tying the game on Jeremy Peña‘s three-run bomb in the 3rd inning.
Yuli Gurriel drove in the go-ahead run with a single to right field.
In the bottom of the 6th, New York regained the lead behind Harrison Bader‘s fifth postseason homer.
Harrison Bader for the lead! That's his 5th home run of the #postseason! pic.twitter.com/4WzjazoqOB
— MLB (@MLB) October 24, 2022
In the 7th, Houston capitalized on Yankees defensive miscues to take a 6-5 advantage.
After watching the replay a few times, Gleyber Torres' feed wasn't good, but Isiah Kiner-Falefa didn't seem ready to catch the ball either. The error goes to Torres.
Anyway, the game is now tied after Yordan Alvarez's RBI single.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) October 24, 2022
The #postseason of Alex Bregman. pic.twitter.com/b5XjExUDTe
— MLB (@MLB) October 24, 2022
Pressly struck out the side in the 9th, and the Astros claimed another American League Pennant. This will be their fourth World Series appearance in the last six years.
Peña was the American League Championship Series MVP honoree. He is the first Dominican-born player to win a League Championship Series MVP award as a rookie.
The 2022 World Series matchup is now set. Houston will host games 1 and 2 at Minute Maid Park on Friday and Saturday. Start times are TBD. Can the Phillies complete their Cinderella run with a World Series title?
Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies batting on August 13, 2019 by Ian D’Andrea from Philadelphia, PA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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