Tag Archives: victory

Winners Win: How the Houston Astros Pulled Off A Second World Series Title

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The Golden Age of Astros Baseball

The Houston Astros are no strangers to postseason baseball, having made it to the postseason in every season since 2017, and to the World Series four times in six years. Since their first title win in 2017 and after falling short last year, the Houston Astros were chasing one thing this season: another World Series Championship. In a Game 6 against the Philadelphia Phillies, the Houston Astros won their second World Series title in six years, capping off an incredible season.

Road to the World Series

The Astros finished the regular season with a second-best franchise record of 106 wins, having already accomplished incredible feats such as pitching two immaculate innings in one game and throwing a combined-no hitter.

To start the postseason they swept the Seattle Mariners in the first three games of the American League Division Series (best-of-five), the first two games of which were defined by game winning home runs by Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez. The finale was a tense 18-inning game, a pitching dual from both teams that ended in a 1-0 win for the Astros in Game 3 thanks to a solo home run by Astros rookie shortstop Jeremy Peña. Then, in the American League Championship Series (best-of-seven) they swept their rival team the New York Yankees in four games, one of which was a complete game shutout, punching their ticket to a second straight World Series.

This October met an unlikely matchup in the final series of the season. The Phillies were the #6 seed team in the playoffs, a spot that didn’t even exist before the playoff bracket this year was expanded to include an additional Wild Card spot. The Phillies battled their way through opponents to face the #1 seed Astros in the 2022 Fall Classic. The stars aligned and the Houston Astros were set up for a chance at another World Series run.

Perfect Pitching

The success of this team can largely be attributed to what the team previously lacked: an all-around stellar pitching staff. The Houston Astros bullpen alone finished the playoffs with the lowest single postseason ERA with a stunning 0.83 ERA (earned run average), while the Astros starting pitching staff held their opponents through the postseason to a .172 batting average. In the World Series, Astros pitching got the Phillies to strike out a record-breaking 71 times.

Astros Aces:

Framber Valdez

Dominican-born left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez signed as an international free agent with the Astros at age 21, which is considered “old” for most international free agents. In 2022, he pitched dominantly and had considerably the best season of his career. Valdez relies heavily on his sinker and curveball pitch to record a high percentage of ground balls for outs. In the regular season he broke the record for the most consecutive quality starts, which is when a pitcher completes at least six innings allowing no more than three earned runs. He recorded a streak of 25 quality starts. In the postseason, he held a 1.44 ERA with 33 strikeouts, and was credited with three of the team’s wins during that span.

Cristian Javier

Another Dominic-born Astros pitcher, Christian Javier, was a 16 year old outfielder who decided to give pitching a try. Just shy of turning 18, again considered “old”, he signed a contract worth $10,000 with the Astros in 2015 and made his MLB debut in 2020. This season, he has proven himself to be a reliable ace for this team. Starting the year out as a bullpen pitcher, he soon became a key asset in the team’s starting rotation. While considered only the team’s number four starter, with his electric fastball he’s been nearly unhittable versus opponents. During the regular season he and the bullpen combined no-hit the New York Yankees. Later in the ALCS, the Yankees would see a complete game shutout pitched by none other than Javier and the Astros’ bullpen. Then, in the World Series, he gave the Phillies’ hitters the same treatment. In Game 4 of the World Series, Javier and the bullpen combined no-hit the Phillies, completing the first combined no-hitter in World Series history. He threw his fastball 70 out 97 pitches in this game. His plan was plain and simple: attack the strike zone and get ahead in counts. He finished the World Series credited with a win and a perfect 0.00 ERA.

Bryan Abreu

Yet another Dominican-born player Bryan Abreu, who signed with the Astros as an international free agent in 2013 and made his MLB debut in 2019, became the Astros’ secret weapon out of the bullpen this season. All year Abreu proved to be lights out and only continued this dominance throughout the postseason. In ten postseason games played this year, through 11.1 innings pitched (IP), he recorded 19 strikeouts while allowing zero runs.

Ryan Pressly

Astros closer Ryan Pressly had an incredible 2022 season. As a closer, it is generally the pitcher’s job to record the final outs of the game and preserve your team’s lead with the hopes of securing your team’s win. In this year’s postseason alone, Pressly had 6 saves out of 6 save opportunities (SVO) through 10 games and 11.1 IP. In that span, he recorded 13 strikeouts and a spotless 0.00 ERA.

Stepping Up to the Plate

With the loss of veteran shortstop Carlos Correa prior to the 2022 season, it was unclear if the Astros would be able to find a player of value to fill his shoes. But, rookie shortstop Jeremy Peña set off to make a name for himself in his first season as an Astro. He became the first rookie shortstop to win a Gold Glove, winning the award for his exceptional defense. In the regular season he lead all shortstops with 16 total defensive runs saved (DRS). Offensively he hit 22 home runs (HR), with 63 runs batted in (RBI). In Game 4 of the ALDS, he put an end to the Seattle Mariners season with a solo home run to snap a 17-inning scoreless game, completing the sweep and allowing the Astros to advance to the ALCS. After the Astros swept the Yankees, Peña was named MVP of the ALCS. Peña hit one home run during the World Series, becoming the first roookie shortstop to hit a home run in the World Series. His batting average through the World Series was .400 and his on-base percentage (OBP) was .423. He hit a total of four postseason home runs. As the Astros were crowned the 2023 World Series Champions, Peña was named MVP of the World Series, becoming just the third rookie, and first ever rookie position player to do so. If this is just the beginning of this 25 year old’s MLB career, the future is bright for this Astros star.


“Do it for Dusty!”

In 2020, Dusty Baker became the new manager of the Houston Astros. Prior to the 2022 World Series, 73 year old head coach Dusty Baker had managed the most MLB games without winning a World Series title. Both his 2002 San Francisco Giants and 2021 Houston Astros lost in the World Series. Since becoming manger of the Houston Astros, Baker has been successful in guiding his team to the postseason in each season he has managed, but his teams had just fallen short every time. That all changed when this year the Houston Astros prevailed against the Philadelphia Phillies and rewarded Baker with his first managerial World Series win.

H-town vs. Everyone

Ever since the Astros’ 2017 Championship was tarnished by scandal, this team has been fighting to put the past behind them and show everyone that they are a force to be reckoned with. On November 5th, after steamrolling their way through their two previous opponents, the Astros silenced the haters and in six games remarkably won the World Series trophy for the city of Houston. The final blow was executed by Astros power hitter, Yordan Alvarez, who hit a 450 ft. bomb to center field to put the Astros on top.

“Bury Me in the H”

I have followed this team all season long and never once doubted that this would be the outcome in the end; winners win. If this so-called “Golden Age” of Astros baseball and their postseason success is not to last for much longer, then I, as a true fan of my hometown Astros, call myself proud to be able to witness these days in which we can revel in the taste of sweet victory.

“The Thrill of Victory, the Agony of Defeat”

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As a young girl, thanks to my father’s expertise on the ins and outs of the game, I grew up a football fan. We never missed a televised game, even sometimes supporting our hometown team in the seats of their own stadium. No matter the outcome, we eagerly geared up to see which two teams would stay alive for two additional weeks, and tackle their way into the Super Bowl. After 17 weeks, those two teams were the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers. This matchup came unexpected, as the New England Patriots have made it to the Super Bowl for the past three years. For hardcore fans, this was a disappointing feat. For others, it was a refreshing sight to see two teams, who have worked their way up to being honored at such a major event in American culture, gain their rightful position in this year’s Super Bowl.

The 49ers defense is armed with Rookie of the Year, Nick Bosa. The Chiefs offense is dominated by quarterback Patrick Mahomes and players such as his go-to receiver, Sammy Watkins, or his star tight end, Travis Kelce. It is clear why these two teams were able to outshine the others. Before we discuss this matchup, we must not ignore the accomplishments of multiple teams from both the AFC and NFC division. I want to shine light upon the teams and notable players, whose chances of proceeding any further were cut short despite an amazing season.

1. Baltimore Ravens

It’s been expected for months, but Lamar Jackson is now officially an NFL MVP. (Nick Wass/AP)

This team entered the 2019-20 postseason with the highest scoring offense and defense. The Ravens have the star quarterback, Lamar Jackson, whose abilities were initially doubted by many. In 2018, he was the team’s last pick in the first round of the NFL draft. Two years later, he is now the third youngest winner for the MVP award, winning by a unanimous vote. The only other player to be chosen unanimously for MVP was Tom Brady. This season Jackson became the first player in league history to produce over 3,000 yards passing and 1,000 yards rushing. This star first caught the attention of football fans around the world in the season opener when he landed a touchdown strike to Marquise Brown with a phenomenal 83-yard pass. In this game, Jackson threw five touchdown passes and claimed a perfect passer rating of 158.3, ultimately leading his team to 59-10 victory. Seemingly unstoppable, he continued to prove why he deserved to be named this year’s MVP. But, in a 28-12 upset loss to the Tennessee Titans in the AFC divisional round, Baltimore’s dazzling prosperity came to a woeful end. The team’s outstanding season performance just wasn’t enough to lead them to victory. Still, the Ravens have great potential and I believe this won’t be the last time we see the levels to which Lamar Jackson can take his team.

2. Tennessee Titans

Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)

This year the Titans became a hot topic. Their 2019-20 season unfolded a story of perseverance that all starts with one person, Ryan Tannehill. He was traded in the 2019 draft from the Miami Dolphins to the Tennessee Titans, as a backup quarterback. Given a chance early in the season, Tannehill was able to drive his new team and personal career to newfound levels of success. With him, they only lost three of the next 10 games. Then, in a wild card game, the team made history. With CB Logan Ryan’s pick-six, they succeeded in dismantling the Patriots in a 20-13 feat. Then, despite being the suspected underdogs, Tennessee’s defense and RB Derrick Henry’s 195 rushing yards garnered the team a 20-13 win over the league’s top team. Going on to face the Chiefs, the Titans were one game away from playing in the Super Bowl. Unfortunately the team’s euphoric winning streak ceased. The Chief’s offense was indestructible and the game resulted in a disappointing 35-24 loss. In spite of this dismal end, many stars arose from this team. Derrick Henry, who has been with the Titans for his first four years in the league, finished the regular season with 446 rushing yards and was named Ground Player of the Year. Ryan Tannehill deservingly earned Comeback Player of the Year. Despite the heartbreaking loss, their hope never faltered.

3. Buffalo Bills

QB Josh Allen jumps over Minnesota Vikings defender Anthony Barr; Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Though they receive less spotlight, this team had many accomplishments in the 2019-20 season. Assisted by one of the best defenses in the league and an adept second-year quarterback, Josh Allen, the Bills were able to take their talents and run to new heights. In the 2019 NFL draft, the team picked up free agents WR John Brown and Cole Beasley, then rookie RB Devin Singletary in a third-round draft pick. The team’s new additions proved rewarding, each making propitious moves for the team. Brown had 1,060 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Beasley had 778 receiving yards as well as six touchdowns. Singletary accrued 775 rushing yards. The team showed major improvement from years prior and surpassed many milestones. For the first time in three years, the Bills clinched their spot in the playoffs with a 17–10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in week 15. Once the playoffs began, they were only able to survive for one round, before ultimately being defeated by the Texans in a close-scoring wild card game; the final score was 22-19. Nevertheless this team is packed with talent. By the end of the season, the team had 10 wins, which is the most in franchise history since winning 11 in 1999. This team will continue to display their adroitness on the field. For fans, the Bills forthcoming seasons will be highly anticipated and, for now, seem promising.

4. Houston Texans

Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson; Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

I speak unbiased when I say the Houston Texans had an excellent 2019-20 season. For the second year in a row, they won first in their AFC division. The absence of defensive end J.J. Watt for eight games seemed to hinder the team’s defensive performance. Where the defense lineup lacked, quarterback Deshaun Watson stepped up. With his overall extraordinary passing rate, he is a dominant force behind a majority of the team’s success. First-year running backs, Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson, both surpassed career-highs in yards this season. Carlos Hyde amassed 1070 yards while Duke Johnson reached 410 yards. Another great addition to the team was WR Kenny Stills. In only his first season with the Texans, he had caught 40 passes for 561 yards. WR DeAndre Hopkins, per usual, was a prominent pawn in each game. Perhaps the team’s biggest feat, came early in the season when they shockingly beat the Patriots 28-22. They were able to make it past the wild card round and into the divisional round of the playoffs. This game set up a rematch between the Texans and The Chiefs, whom they defeated earlier in the season. At first, it seemed that the Texans had secured a game win, when they were up 24-0 at halftime. Unfortunately, in a record-breaking comeback, the Chiefs put up 51 points on the board, allowing them to advance. Despite this devastating loss, there’s no denying the Texans are praiseworthy. With a few adjustments and further training, this team can set their sights on a Super Bowl in the near future.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium, Feb. 2, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla.

February 2nd, 2020, the Kansas City Chiefs faced the San Francisco 49ers in the 54th NFL Super Bowl. Prior to the game, the Chiefs seemed to be the fan favorite and projected winner. After the game kicked off, it seemed like this may not be the case. The 49ers defense had certainly put pressure on QB Mahomes, and at halftime the score was only tied 10-10. This was thanks to 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk’s 15-yard touchdown. With this play he became the first player that attended Harvard to score a TD in the Super Bowl. It was also the first touchdown scored by a fullback in the Super Bowl in 17 years. QB Jimmy Garrapolo aided his team in putting another ten points on the board and fans cheered for what seemed like a promising win. But, when the ball landed back in the hands of Mahomes, the game took a turn. With plenty of time left, the Chiefs offense shut down the 49ers defense. The team climbed back on top by adding 21 points to their score in the fourth quarter. The Chiefs had won 31-20 and were crowned the Super Bowl champions. So the game goes, as in life, there are those who get to feel the thrill of victory while others must endure the agony of defeat.

MIAMI GARDENS, FL – FEBRUARY 2: San Francisco 49ers’ Joe Staley (74) walks off the field after being defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020. The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 31-20. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)