2022 World Series Preview: Astros Vs. Phillies
The 2022 World Series is officially here. This time around it will be the Houston Astros representing the American League and the Philadelphia Phillies representing the National League. Game 1 is set to begin on Friday at 8:03 p.m. in Houston. Let’s take a deeper look at the series and preview the potential pitching matchups, each team’s strengths and weaknesses, and then the potential winner.
World Series Schedule:
Game 1: Friday, Oct. 28. 8:03 p.m. Pitching Matchup: Justin Verlander vs. Aaron Nola
Game 2: Saturday, Oct. 29. 8:03 p.m. Pitching Matchup: Zack Wheeler vs. TBD
Game 3: Monday, Oct. 31. 8:03 p.m. Pitching Matchup: TBD
Game 4: Tuesday, Nov. 1, 8:03 p.m. Pitching Matchup: TBD
Game 5*: Wednesday, Nov. 2. 8:03 p.m. Pitching Matchup: TBD
Game 6*: Friday, Nov. 4. 8:03 p.m. Pitching Matchup: TBD
Game 7*: Saturday, Nov. 5. 8:03 p.m. Pitching Matchup: TBD
*If necessary
Houston Astros:
The American League champion Houston Astros come into the World Series as one of the hottest teams in baseball. The Astros have swept their way to their 4th World Series in the past 6 years. They have displayed nothing but dominance on their path to the fall classic. They swept the Mariners in the ALDS and then the Yankees in the ALCS. The Astros could become the first team in the wild-card-era to sweep the postseason.
Astros’ Strengths:
The Astros are a lineup full of strong factors that have led them here. The Astros have pitching that is some of the best in the majors. Their bullpen led the MLB in ERA during the regular season and has been no different in the postseason. Their bullpen proved their depth and dominance when the Astros defeated the Mariners in 18 innings in the ALDS. Their starting pitching is also solid, led by ace Justin Verlander. The Astros also have a few key bats in the lineup that have gotten them here. The Astros offense is led by key players such as Yordan Alvarez, Jose Altuve, Yuli Gurriel, and Alex Bregman.
Easily the biggest strength of all that will play a factor in this series for the Astros is their experience. The Astros are not a new face in the World Series. Their lineup has a mixture of both young talent and veterans who have been here before. Their team knows what it takes to win on this stage.
Astros’ Weaknesses:
The Astros are an excellent team with depth at almost all positions. There are not many weaknesses to point out in this team. However, while it does look on paper like the Astros are dominating the postseason, some may argue that is not exactly the case. The majority of the Astros wins this postseason have been in very tight games. While their offense is filled with stars and players that can make a lot of noise, they have failed to rise to the occasion. If their offense performs to the level they are capable of, there are virtually no weaknesses
Philadelphia Phillies
The surprise team of the postseason, the Phillies, is representing the National League in the World Series. The Phillies have undoubtedly been the most exciting team in baseball and deserve to be here. The Phillies are a team that may be overlooked going into this series. However, they truly have a chance to shock everyone and take down the juggernaut Astros.
Phillies’ Strengths:
The Phillies’ offense comes into the World Series red-hot. Bryce Harper is having one of the best postseason runs in recent memory hitting .419 with 5 home runs. That is not to mention players like Rhys Hoskins and Kyle Schwarber, who are also hot this postseason. If the Phillies’ offense can stay hot and generate runs early, they will put a lot of pressure on the Astros’ pitching staff
Another strength this Phillies team has to offer is just the pure confidence they bring into this series. The Phillies are a team that was not expected to be here. They are a team with nothing to lose and are playing that way. Their confidence will be at its peak to start this series and may give the Astros trouble.
Phillies’ Weaknesses:
One weakness in particular that the Phillies have is a lack of pitching depth. Their depth is nothing compared to what the Astros bring to the table in this series, and may give them some problems in later games. Their lack of depth may cause them to have tough situations against players like Yordan Alvarez late in games.
Another weakness of this Phillies team that the Astros excel in is experience. This Phillies team is not one that has World Series experience like the Astros do. Players like Jose Altuve have been here before and have excelled on this stage. The inexperience of the Phillies may result in some issues.
Series Prediction:
The Astros are a heavy favorite to win this series. If their offense is able to come to life, they will be almost unstoppable. However, people cannot help but notice the parallels this has to the 2019 World Series. In a similar situation, the Astros had a dominant team going up against an underdog Nationals team. In that series, the Astros were shocked and beaten in 7 games. While I do think the Phillies’ offense mixed with their high confidence will steal them a few games, I think the Astros are simply too powerful of a team. Prediction: Astros In 6
This year’s World Series is sure to be an exciting one. The Astros have the chance to make history. But the Phillies will not go down quietly. Can the Phillies shock the world and spoil the Astros’ season?
