Realmouth, Phillies beat Astros in 10 to open World Series | Sport

HOUSTON — Jay T. Realmuto homered in the 10th inning and the Philadelphia Phillies, saved by a sliding catch by right fielder Nick Castellanos, beat the Houston Astros 6-5 on Friday night in the World Series opener .

In a 5-0 loss against Astros ace Justin Verlander, the Phillies became the first team in 20 years to overcome a five-run deficit to win a game in the World Series.

They can thank Castellanos for the opportunity. Known far more for his bat than his glove, rushed to make a stunning catch on Jeremy Peña’s bum with two outs in the ninth inning and a runner on second.

Realmuto, who hit a two-run double in the fifth off Verlander, completed the comeback when he led off the 10th by sending a fastball from Luis Garcia into the seats in right field.

Kyle Tucker had a double in the game for the Astros, who were 7-0 this postseason.

Houston had a chance in the 10th when Alex Bregman doubled with one out. After Yuli Gurriel had two outs, David Robertson made a wild pitch that put runners on second and third.

Pinch-hitter Aledmys Diaz was hit by David Robertson on a 2-0 pitch, but umpire James Hoy ruled that Diaz had bent toward the pitch and prevented him from going to first to load the bases.

Diaz struck out 3-1 to end it.

The last team to go up 5-0 in the World Series was the 2002 San Francisco Giants, who blew a chance in Game 6 to shut out the Angels and win the title under manager Dusty Baker.

Baker saw it happen again this time as the manager of the Astros.

Philadelphia’s Zach Wheeler takes on Framber Valdez as the series resumes Saturday night.