World Series: Astros strike back with huge win in Philadelphia in Game 4

The Houston Astros tied the World Series on Wednesday thanks to stellar pitching and a five-run fifth inning in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - The Houston Astros tied the World Series on Wednesday thanks to stellar pitching and a five-run fifth inning in Philadelphia.

From l. to r.: Houston Astros relief pitcher Rafael Montero, relief pitcher Bryan Abreu, starting pitcher Cristian Javier, catcher Christian Vazquez, and relief pitcher Ryan Pressly threw a combined no-hitter in a victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 4 of the 2022 World Series at Citizens Bank Park.
From l. to r.: Houston Astros relief pitcher Rafael Montero, relief pitcher Bryan Abreu, starting pitcher Cristian Javier, catcher Christian Vazquez, and relief pitcher Ryan Pressly threw a combined no-hitter in a victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 4 of the 2022 World Series at Citizens Bank Park.  © REUTERS

The Astros completed the first-ever combined no-hitter in the Major League Baseball playoffs as they defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 5-0 at home and brought the score back to 2-2 in the best-of-seven series.

The favorites Astros dominated the Phillies a day after the hosts set a World Series record with five home runs in Game 3.

This was the second ever no-hitter in the playoffs in MLB history – after pitcher Don Larsen threw a perfect game for the New York Yankees against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1956 – and the first combined one.

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Cristian Javier started in the combined no-hitter, pitching six innings before being followed by relievers Bryan Abreu, Rafael Montero, and Ryan Pressly.

This is the Astros' fourth World Series appearance in the past six years. The Houston side defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017, but the title was marred by a cheating scandal.

The Phillies are playing for the title for the first time since 2009.

Cover photo: REUTERS

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