And you just thought that Game 4 was the pivotal game of the 2017 World Series.
Enter Game 5, the most important game of the 2017 World Series. Win tonight’s game and the Astros are in the driver’s seat. Win tonight’s game and the Dodgers own the driver’s seat, the passenger’s seat, the entire back seat, and relegate the Astros to the back of the truck.
Yes, it’s important. And, you can bet Dallas Keuchel understands the ramifications, implications, complications and consquences.
Tonight’s game may define the short leash. Keuchel may get the benefit of the doubt, but A.J. Hinch will likely be on the top step of the dugout with any other pitcher tonight.
But perhaps more than a good game from Keuchel, the one thing that Houston may need more is for Jose Altuve to be Jose Altuve. When he hits, it electifies the team. Has LA figured him out or is he just in a slump that has him chasing — and missing — pitches?
Keuchel can throw a complete game, two-hitter and give up one run. However, if Houston doesn’t hit, it won’t matter. You gotta dance with what brung you here and that’s the best-hitting team in the majors.
There are several oddities in this World Series. For example:
- Houston has only one stolen base, but eight home runs.
- The AL batting champion (Jose Altuve) has three hits and one RBI.
- The two leadoff hitters (George Springer and Alex Bregman) have as many home runs (4) and RBI (7) together as the rest of the team combined.
- Evan Gattis has three walks and no Ks in eight plate appearances.
- The Astros have scored 15 runs in 4 games, but 12 of those runs have come in two games.
And, a couple of questions….
- With up to three games to go, do you really believe that Hinch won’t have to use Ken Giles, Luke Gregerson or Joe Musgrove or even Francisco Liriano?
- In a real tight, specific situation — and with a day off tomorrow — is Justin Verlander available for a hitter or an inning?
- What will be an early tip-off to you that Game 5 is or is not going well?
190 responses to “2017 World Series: Game 5 live blog”
Hold on to your hats folks. Here we go again.
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Ok 1-2-3 is out the window – pray that Harris gets two outs and nobody scores
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Amen from the choir loft.
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Amen Dan
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Crap on a cracker
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This might sound crazy, but I get Lance up now and Verlander for the 9th. And for the record, I would have left McHugh in there a bit longer, saving Peacock a bit longer.
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Not crazy. We need this game.
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Devo’s arm is gonna fall off.
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They’ve got all winter to re attach it.
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Folks, this is as close to Game 7 as you get…until Wednesday!
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Huge!!! Harris and Devo get us out.
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Out of the 8th
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Ok, give me a touchdown now for a bit of insurance. Who will be hanging around the pen in the 9th?
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See if they have video of Verlander trotting down to the pen when they come back! Won’t doubt it…Start the 9th with Devo, but have Verlander ready to jump up…
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LORD HAVE MERCY!!! I need to confess my sins…..I’ve said more than one cuss word tonight!!
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Put me in coach I’m ready to play.. today…
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Not me, Dan, I’m whooped! Exhausted!
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McCann – yes!!!!
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So…those folks complaining last winter (TCB) about trading for McCann…have they seen the light yet?
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McCann!
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And, if Hinch had only pitched McHugh last night…
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Spot on Chip.
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McCann is a *DUDE*!!!
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Yeah, I just can’t understand why Hinch continues to let that guy hit leadoff! Ugh!
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I liked how the announcers said the Dodgers bullpen was showing the wear and tear of the playoffs.
I wanted to say – no, they are getting the crap kicked out of them by the Astros after playing two short series against the DBacks and Cubs
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Crossing fingers toes and eyes
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Walks!!! The last thing you need to do
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I can’t believe this
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My 82-year-old mom is watching the game with me. She just said, “now, this has to be the 9th inning doesn’t it?”
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Time for Verlander!
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Yes!
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Never in my life have I been through something like this.
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I’m dying
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Do we have anybody in the bp to turn out the lights
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This is too much. 2 more outs.
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This is insane
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Trump should declare a holiday tomorrow. Nobody’s going to be able to work anyway!
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What is this work that you speak of
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Damn it
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This is awful
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I’m so hurt – I cannot believe this
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I’m out guys, gottta get up shortly
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If we go to the 10th, who pitches? Might as well go with Liriano.
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The answer to that question depends on if you want to win.
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So now what?
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Need to score and end this sucker
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“I don’t care how you do it, you must sink the Dodgers!” Churchill
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Hinch had better go for broke and bring in the best he has. JV
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But he didn’t.
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It’s Musgrove
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I don’t have a good feeling here (Musgrove)
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ONE MORE SIN HOLY HELL
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I mean win
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Astros win! Astros win!
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Yes!!!
One More Win!!! One More Win!!! One More Win!!!
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And I called us winning on a double. Oh my heart is beating fast
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Thank you Brady Aiken!
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YES!
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this is the best World Series I have ever watched
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one to go with verlander starting game 6!!!
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Greatest Win In Astros History. Congrats to everyone who survived this emotional ride.
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This is really real. Amazing. This team is legit. I knew early on this team was special, but never thought we’d be here. I can taste the series. Did I mention this was amazing?
And again, Hinch out managed Roberts.
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Dear Heavenly Father:
Please forgive me for what I said about Mr. Hinch and what I was going to do to him. Continue to bless this team, and give Mr. Hinch the wisdom to ignore my pleadings.
Humbly, an Astros Fan.
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