HOUSTON — Decided underdogs, the Phillies can win the World Series. The way they can do it is by getting length from starting pitchers Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler, hitting home runs with runners on and trusting José Alvarado and Seranthony Domínguez to get the highest-leverage outs, which won’t always be in the ninth.
But here’s their problem: that is the one path on paper in which they can win four times. The Astros are the much deeper team, with a more diverse offense and, most critically, a much deeper pitching staff. Across a seven-game series Houston has more ways to win four times.
“The Phillies have one path to victory,” says one rival manager. “The Astros have about four or five. Dusty [Baker] has a lot more options in high leverage spots.”
