Astros take 11-inning thriller
LOS ANGELES – The Houston Astros outdueled the Los Angeles Dodgers, 7-6, in an 11-inning thriller on Wednesday to level the World Series at one game apiece.
George Springer smashed a two-run homer in the top of the 11th to cap the Astros’ late charge.
It proved just enough as the teams combined for an astonishing five extrainning home runs – a record for a Major League Baseball post-season game.
“That’s an incredible game on so many levels, so many ranges of emotion,” said Astros manager A.J. Hinch. “That’s one of the most incredible games you’ll ever be a part of.”
With the win the Astros head home on level terms for games three, four and five on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Marwin Gonzalez homered for the Astros in the ninth to tie it at 3-3 after the Dodgers had seemingly been heading for victory.
Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa ripped back-to-back homers in the top of the 10th to put Houston up 5-3.
Undaunted, the Dodgers responded in the bottom of the 10th with a lead-off homer from Yasiel Puig.
With two outs in the 10th, Astros relief pitcher Ken Giles walked Logan Forsythe, who reached second on a passed ball and raced home when Enrique Hernandez belted a single to right field.
With the score at 5-5, Dodgers relief pitcher Brandon McCarthy surrendered a single to Cameron Maybin to open the 11th.
Springer followed to put the Astros ahead for good – although the Dodgers pulled within 7-6 with Charlie Culberson’s homer in the bottom of the 11th.
“It was an exciting baseball game,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “It was an emotional roller-coaster.”
Astros ace pitcher Justin Verlander pitched four-plus innings of no-hit ball.
But the two hits he surrendered in six innings were home runs to Corey Seager and Joc Pederson that gave the Dodgers the early advantage.