"Had to have it; Huge performance from Framber", "Keep the train moving" - Houston Astros fans elated as team bounces back in Game 2 after being handed first postseason loss this year

In a must-win situation at home, the Houston Astros delivered a masterful performance on the mound to win Game 2 of the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Astros pitching shut down the high octane Phillies offense just a day after the latter handed them their first postseason loss in 2022. Houston fans were impressed by the 5-2 win in Game 2 but remained steadfast that the team shouldn't be complacent after tying the series.

Here are some of the best reactions to Houston's Game 2 win against Philadelphia:

Framber Valdez, as he has done all season long, produced another quality start for the Houston Astros and this time, they turned it into a win. The lefty gave up a sole run on four base hits and three walks while fanning out nine Phillies batters in 6 1/3 innings.

The Houston Astros bullpen then capped it off with Rafael Montero and Ryan Pressly combining for just one-run on two base hits in 2 2/3 innings. The Astros' pitching crew prevented the Phillies' offense from gaining momentum after stranding them. They forced Philly to go 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

Jose Altuve powered up, ending the game with three hits, including a double, while also recording a run scored. Yordan Alvarez and ALCS MVP Jeremy Peña both chipped in RBI doubles in the Astros' five runs.

Houston Astros' bizarre World Series record at home

Despite their recent success, the Houston Astros have a very peculiar record in their very own ballpark in the World Series. In all of their home games at Minute Maid Park, the Astros are 4-10 in their home field on the grandest stage of baseball.

The team had just won two of their last nine games at home. Their losses include their first defeat of the 2022 postseason at the hands of the Phillies in extra innings in Game 1. If this signifies anything, it's that Houston is more potent and dangerous away from their own backyard.

It remains to be seen, however, if they can prove their proficiency on the road against one of the toughest crowds in the MLB in Philadelphia.

About the author

Daniel Santiago is a journalist who has been reporting on baseball at Sportskeeda since 2022. He was drawn towards the sport after the underlying statistics and the analysis surrounding it grabbed his attention.

Daniel particularly enjoys furnishing reports about historic events in baseball and analyzing the game through a statistic-based outlook, based on Fangraphs and Baseball-Reference. This is in line with how he enjoyed watching baseball as a pastime. As a writer, he is very particular about cross-checking from reputable sources and doing his due diligence.

He became a lifelong Hideki Matsui fan after his exploits in the 2009 World Series for the New York Yankees. Among the current generation, Daniel's favorites include Shohei Ohtani and Jung Hoo Lee. Daniel is a huge follower of Asian baseball and both Ohtani and Lee have been in the top echelon of their respective leagues during their time with the NPB and KBO.

His favorite moment as a baseball fan was the final at-bat of the 2023 World Baseball Classic between Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout. He believes there aren't many words to fittingly describe the intensity of the moment.

As an avid sports fan, Daniel watches other sports and Esports when not writing about baseball.

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