Framber Valdez Dominates, Astros take Game 2

After the Houston Astros’ inexplicable meltdown in Game 1, Framber Valdez was left with no choice but to be dominant last night.

Dominate is precisely what he did. The Astros ended up winning Game 2 to tie the series up at 1-1, heading to Philadelphia for three games.

The Phillies lineup from top to bottom is a challenge for opposing pitchers. Every batter fights until the last pitch, which drives a pitch count way up. Framber Valdez looked very comfortable throughout the game, helping him cruise through this Phillies offense.

Valdez didn’t get into much trouble in the game until the 6th inning where he gave up a leadoff walk and then a base hit to have two runners on with no outs. Valdez went on to strike out JT Realmuto and force Bryce Harper to ground into a double play. Getting through the top of the order in that scenario saved the Astros from blowing another lead.

Then in the 7th inning, Valdez gave up a leadoff double to Nicholas Castellanos. One batter later, Alec Bohm hit into a fielders choice that brought the runner to third. Dusty Baker came out to the mound to take Valdez out of the game, sending the ace pitcher out to a standing ovation from the Astros crowd.

Framber Valdez’s final line on the night was: 6.1 IP, 1 ER, 9 K, 3 BB

This superior start shouldn’t shock anyone, because he’s been doing this throughout the entire postseason. Before his start tonight, in his two other starts this postseason Valdez has a 1.42 ERA, 15 K, and 3 BB in 12.2 innings pitched. That includes his terrific start in the ALCS against the New York Yankees, throwing a shutout game.

The Astros needed Framber Valdez to show up tonight and that’s exactly what he did. Dusty Baker should highly consider saving Valdez for Game 7 if this series ends up getting to that point.