MLB: World Series after Game 2: A touch of Hollywood

The Houston Astros have won Match 2 of the World Series 2017 and thus equalized the series. They were on the brink of defeat, but in spite of the Los Angeles Dodger’s tenacious resistance, they turned the game around and are now back home in good spirits. How it came to this was almost Hollywood-ready.

More than just a hint of Hollywood went through the Dodger Stadium in Chavez Ravine, when the legendary TV and radio commentator of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Vin Scully, stepped up to the ceremonial first pitch on the mound before the game. And of course he had a microphone in his hand to comment on his own first pitch.

“Do you know what I’m thinking? Somewhere up there in heaven, Duke Snider, Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella and Gil Hodges are laughing their heads off. Look at who’s throwing the first pitch in the World Series right now,”Sully said ironically.

First of all, of course, he needed a catcher:”I need a catcher. Is there a catcher somewhere around here?”, Scully asked. And lo and behold, one of them offered himself: Steve Yeager, the MVP of the 1981 World Series, set off for the Home Plate.

But Scully suddenly “complained” about shoulder problems:”Wait, I think I have injured myself on the rotator cuff. I can’t do that. I’m really sorry. So I have to fall back on the bull pen. And Scully was heard, because Fernando Valenzuela showed up and pitched the first pitch to Yeager. The Mexican won the World Series with the Dodgers in 1981 and 1988. But then Scully opened the evening with his famous saying,”It’s Time for Dodgers Baseball!”

A perfect staging, which only slightly shifted the planned starting time from 5:16 p. m. local time. What followed, however, was by no means perfect from the point of view of the hosts.

The Dodgers needed up to the fifth inning to score a hit against superstar pitcher Justin Verlander. But this was a direct homerun – another Homer even put the hosts in the lead. Many homeruns – even against superstar-Closer Kenley Jansen – later on the Astros were the winners. 1-1 instead of 2-0 it’s now 1-1 after two games in Los Angeles.

It was almost Hollywood-ready, especially from the eighth inning onwards. The Astros managed to equalise and took the lead. Then the Dodgers fought back dramatically, but then immediately trailing behind. Charlie Culberson shortened again by a long ball, but more heroic deeds were not possible for the hosts.

This second episode of a possible saga really had everything that makes a good Hollywood thriller. Including a scapegoat who became a hero. We are talking about Center Fielder George Springer, who was still the flop of the game in Game 1. As lead-off hitter he won the “Golden Sombrero”, four strikes and was not a factor. In game 2, however, he opened the match directly with a walk and finally put the lid on his 2-run-jacket. What a story!

What the Dodgers seem to be able to cope with is something like a livelihood for the Astros. If they had also lost game 2, which made it look like the ninth inning, it would have been tight! Houston had only won game 4 of the Boston ALDS in southern California until this evening. A return to Texas with empty-handedness might have been discouraging. However, in view of one’s own strength at home, the series could ideally be closed down on Monday night in Match 5 (live from 1am on DAZN).

Based on the first two games, however, it seems dared to assume a three-game home sweep of the Astros. This series seems too narrow. A few better pitches from Jansen and it would be 2-0. A few better pitches from Keuchel and the Astros would be 2-0 up front. The differences are in the details.

As a rule, it is said that the sequel is no better than the original. But in this case, Hollywood is likely to make an exception. Episode 2 was definitely better than Episode 1 – with more action and more drama. Who knows what Episode 3 brings? It’s going to be exciting – premiere is on Saturday night at 2 a. m. – in the LIVESTREAM FOR FREE at SPOX.

This article was published without prior view by the Major League Baseball.