A Volatile Third Inning
The game’s momentum shifted dramatically in the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. Houston took an early lead when Alvarez doubled to center, allowing Smith to score. The Astros extended their advantage when Paredes launched a 409-foot home run to left center, bringing in Alvarez for two runs. Philadelphia responded immediately; Diaz singled to center to score Altuve, giving the home team a 4-1 lead. However, the inning remained back-and-forth. Turner singled to right to score Realmuto, narrowing the gap to 4-3. Harper then singled to right, but a throwing error by right fielder Smith allowed De La Cruz and Turner to score, tying the game at 4-4. Arraez singled to center to score Harper, leaving the Astros up 5-4 entering the fourth.
Phillies Reclaim the Lead
Houston maintained its lead until the fourth inning when Smith hit a 416-foot home run to center, scoring Varsho and making it 6-4. The Astros answered in the fifth when Turner homered to right center for a 6-5 lead. The sixth inning proved decisive for Philadelphia. Sosa singled to right to score Arraez, tying the game at 6-6. De La Cruz walked to score Stott, giving Houston a 7-6 lead. Then, Kyle Schwarber delivered the game-winning blow, homering to right for 408 feet. Sosa, Crawford, and De La Cruz all scored, extending the Phillies' lead to 11-7. Paredes singled to center in the seventh to score Peña, but the damage was already done.
