Christian Javier and Houston’s bullpen combined for just the second no-hitter in World Series history, silencing a powerful lineup and raucous ballpark as the Houston Astros blanked the Philadelphia Phillies 5-0 on Wednesday night to even the series at two games apiece.
In 1956, Don Larsen of the New York Yankees pitched a no-hitter against the Brooklyn Dodgers. This was the only no-hitter in World Series history.
Javier and three relievers came close to being flawless. Javier, the starting pitcher in a joint no-hitter against the New York Yankees in June, was removed from the game with a no-hitter in progress after 97 pitches this time.
Each of Bryan Abreu, Rafael Montero, and Ryan Pressly then pitched a scoreless inning, guaranteeing that this year’s title would be determined at Minute Maid Park this weekend.
Moments after the game, the four pitchers posed with catcher Christian Vazquez near the visiting dugout, each with a hand on the game ball.
Game 5 is scheduled for Thursday evening in Philadelphia. When he faces Noah Syndergaard, the Astros’ ace Justin Verlander will attempt to capture his first World Series title.
They can only aspire to throw as effectively as Javier
By the time the 25-year-old Dominican right-hander left the game, the only Philadelphia batter to appear on the scoreboard was Bruce Springsteen, pictured flanked by Phillies supporters.
As fans began leaving Citizens Bank Park a few innings later, there were actual boos for postseason star Bryce Harper and the Phillies. Jill Biden, an avid fan of the Philadelphia Phillies, was among the 45,693 spectators who had little to cheer about.
Alex Bregman delivered the hit Houston desperately needed, a two-run double in the fifth inning, and that was enough for the Astros to secure the victory.
Javier was in complete control as he struck out nine, walked two, and barely allowed loud contact. He subdued a club that had been undefeated at home during the postseason, going 6-0, with 17 home runs, including a Series record-tying five in Game 3.
Amid the Phillies’ storm, Javier carved out his peaceful place on the mound by being very motionless. He moved at his own pace, reversing into the grass, fixing his headgear, stroking the ball, and taking long breaths.
Next year, Javier will no longer be able to work in this manner. Major League Baseball is introducing a pitch clock that allows pitchers 15 seconds to throw with the bases empty and 20 seconds with a runner on base. Javier frequently exceeded these boundaries this evening, bringing boos from the action-hungry audience.
In any case, it worked initially.
It was no minor effort for Javier to hold the Phillies scoreless through the first three innings. In this park’s bouncy postseason, no visiting pitcher has ever accomplished this feat.
During the AL Championship Series, Javier threw five and one-third innings in the Bronx while allowing only one hit against the Yankees.
This performance by Javier occurred a year after Ian Anderson of Atlanta was removed from his start against Houston after five scoreless innings.
