Heroics from Realmuto, Castellanos seal Phillies' comeback

Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto rounds the bases after hitting the game-winning home run during the 10th inning against the Houston Astros in Game 1 of the 2022 World Series. Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Heroics from Nick Castellanos, J.T. Realmuto complete Phillies' comeback in Game 1

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 10/29/22

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.

Castellanos saves the day!!

We are going to extras! pic.twitter.com/ZUMzHapDf6
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 29, 2022

NICK CASTELLANOS OH MY GOD WHAT A CATCH
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) October 29, 2022

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.

THOSE FIGHTINS! #WorldSeries pic.twitter.com/tBnyeldpbU
— MLB (@MLB) October 29, 2022

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.

Phillies comeback from 5-0 deficit. Biggest comeback in Phils playoff history

They have come from behind the last 3 postseason games

Phillies have won Game 1 on the road in all 4 playoff series pic.twitter.com/pvH9njRp8A
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) October 29, 2022

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 Houston Astros were 29-0 in postseason history when leading by 5+ runs.

They're now 29-1 pic.twitter.com/2ihcxLPOXj
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) October 29, 2022

The Astros are the first team to lose a World Series game when leading by 5+ runs since the 2002 San Francisco Giants

They were also managed by Dusty Baker pic.twitter.com/hbDkVs5UR8
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 29, 2022

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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