Astros ambush Phillies, knot series

WASHINGTON (AFP) — Houston starting pitcher Framber Valdez struck out nine over 6 1/3 innings on Saturday, sparking the Astros over Philadelphia 5-2 to pull level in the World Series.

The 28-year-old Dominican left-hander, a 17-game winner in the regular season, allowed only one run on four hits with three walks to frustrate Phillies batters.

As a result, Houston equalized at 1-1 in Major League Baseball's best-of-seven championship final, which shifts to Philadelphia for Games 3, 4 and 5 from Monday through Wednesday.

The Astros, playing in their fourth World Series in six seasons, seek their first title since 2017 while the Phillies, in the playoffs after an 11-year absence, seek their first crown since 2008.

The Phillies became the first team in 20 years to rally from five runs down to win a World Series game in capturing the opener 6-5, ending the Astros' unbeaten run in this year's playoffs.

Houston leadoff hitter Jose Altuve, batting 4-for-37 in this year's playoffs, went 3-for-4 at the plate.

"My confidence and timing were there tonight and hopefully I'll keep going," Altuve said.

"I got a couple good pitches I could put a hit on and made some good ones."

Valdez struggled in last year's World Series against Atlanta, losing Game 1 and giving up a grand slam homer in the first inning of Game 5, which Houston rallied to win.

But he was more than equal to the task in a crucial game, mystifying Phillies batters with masterful command of his pitches.

"He was great," Astros manager Dusty Baker said of Valdez.

"His sinker was good. His breaking ball, once he got tired, was excellent. He was tough."

The Phillies went only 2-for-17 with runners on base.

Houston's first three batters — Altuve, Jeremy Pena and Yordan Alvarez — all doubled on only four total pitches from Phillies starter Zack Wheeler to provide the Astros a quick 2-0 lead.

"I was just trying to get my pitch and be on time, basically get a good pitch to hit and hit it hard," Altuve said.