Verlander gets World Series win, Astros lead Phillies 3-2

The Houston Astros celebrated the 244-game winner like a fresh-faced rookie, and Justin Verlander grinned like a rookie in the big leagues.

He added, “They just drenched me with all kinds of chemicals, rolled me in the shower and put me in the cart. And that was one of my career’s finest feelings.

Verlander has achieved his elusive first World Series victory after 16 years of trying.

The Astros defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 3-2 on Thursday night to take a 3-2 Series lead home. Justin Verlander, who was predicted to win his third Cy Young Award this month, overcame an early setback, while rookie Jeremy Pea blasted a game-winning home drive and drove in two runs.

Verlander said, “I can say I got one.”

The Astros, who previously won a scandal-tainted crown in 2017 and 2018, respectively, were propelled to the verge of their second championship by defensive standouts from Trey Mancini in the eighth inning and Chas McCormick in the ninth. At Minute Maid Park on Saturday night, they can finish off the Phillies.

Dusty Baker of Houston, 73, who is one victory away from winning his first championship in 25 seasons as a manager in the major leagues, predicted that “there will be a lot of enthusiasm in our stadium.”