Watch: Heroics from Nick Castellanos, J.T. Realmuto complete Phillies' comeback in Game 1
The Fall Classic began with an instant classic.
The Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros were tied 5-5 in the bottom in the ninth when it looked like the Astros would walk off with a base hit. Outfielder Nick Castellanos had other plans.
The first batter in extra innings, J.T. Realmuto, put the Phillies in front 6-5 with a go-ahead solo home run. The lead held up.
Realmuto talked to Fox Sports' Tom Verducci after the game and said of his game-winning home run: "All I was trying to do was get on base."
Houston appeared well on its way to an easy Game 1 victory after jumping out to a 5-0 lead through three innings and pitcher Justin Verlander being dominant the first time through the lineup.
Things began to turn with a three-run fourth inning for the Phillies, and the Astros were never able to build any more distance between the two teams.
The Phillies' comeback against Houston was the largest in their postseason history.
The loss snapped a seven-game postseason winning streak for Houston. The Astros were 29-0 entering Friday's game in the postseason when they had a lead of five or more. As unfamiliar as this is for the Astros, it's far too familiar a feeling to manager Dusty Baker.
The Astros lost their previous two World Series appearances, both to NL East teams. The Phillies are three wins away from extending Houston's misery.
Realmuto expressed confidence in his team going forward, while also praising the squad they're going against. "It should be a fun battle all series long," he said.
The first act will be a tough one to beat.
Game 2 is Saturday night. Framber Valdez (Houston) and Zack Wheeler (Philadelphia) will start.
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