The Philadelphia Phillies dominated the Houston Astros by a final of 7-0 in Game 3 of the World Series on Tuesday night.
Astros starter Lance McCullers conceded three home runs in the first two innings, yet remained in the game.
That might not have been a solid call by manager Dusty Baker, but given that he appeared to settle for a couple of innings after that, it was at least understandable.
When Brandon Marsh (who had already homered in the game) singled against McCullers, Baker should have acted.
He left McCullers and Kyle Schwarber hit the ball a mile to center field for a two-run shot.
Baker, again, should have acted.
Rhys Hoskins, the next hitter, hit the fifth homer of the night for the Phillies.
Only at that moment Baker acted, and removed McCullers in favor of Ryne Stanek.
The Astros Had The Personnel To Make The Right Call
The most baffling part is that the Astros had not one, but two guys capable of going long for this exact type of situation.
“The Astros have two long relievers in Urquidy and Garcia that are there for these situations. That’s a luxury this time of year. It took 5 homers to get McCullers out of the game,” The Athletic’s Sam Blum tweeted.
The Astros have two long relievers in Urquidy and Garcia that are there for these situations. That’s a luxury this time of year. It took 5 homers to get McCullers out of the game.
— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) November 2, 2022
It’s not the same mental burden for the Astros offense to try to come back from a three or four-run deficit than doing it from a 7-0 score.
Urquidy should have entered the game much, much earlier; him or Garcia.
Now, the Astros are down 2-1, with two games remaining in Philadelphia and with the Phillies potentially throwing their two best arms, Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler, for Games 4 and 5.
To make matters worse, the Phillies bullpen is well rested.
It’s still too early to tell, but Baker should have shown more urgency on Tuesday.
