Astros: José Urquidy, first Mexican-born pitcher with two World Series game wins

The Houston Astros took one on the chin on Tuesday night in Game 1. A stark reminder to Astros fans that this Atlanta Braves team is not messing around. The script was rewritten in Game 2 with Jose Urquidy coming off the rubber.

As predicted in my piece forecasting the starting pitchers through the first four games of the World Series, the Astros were going to need precision starter, Urquidy, to put some innings together and get the Astros back on track for Game 2.

He did just that. Urquidy threw 76 pitches before getting relieved after five solid innings. He only allowed six hits and two runs, while striking out seven batters and walking none.

Braves’ catcher Travis d’Arnaud hit a solo home run in the top of the second to account for one of the hits and runs, respectively.

Urquidy was credited with the win and now has a record of 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA in the World Series through three appearances in his career. But, Urquidy also made history with his win on Wednesday night.

Jose Urquidy became the first Mexican-born pitcher to be credited with multiple wins in the World Series.

Urquidy passed Fernando Valenzuela, Aurelio Lopez and Victor Gonzalez, who each have a single World Series game win on their record.

“I know there is a lot of Mexican people there in the stands supporting me,” Urquidy said in the postgame press conference for Game 2. “It makes me feel even more motivated and focused to do a good job, and it makes me proud to represent the country I am from.”

The Astros have a day off for travel before returning to action for Game 3 on Friday night against the Braves in Atlanta, which features starters Luis Garcia versus Ian Anderson. Urquidy is lining up to pitch Game 6 (if necessary) on Tuesday, Nov. 2 in Houston.