Author: Gabe Lacques, USA TODAY

Perhaps McCullers and the Astros would feel much better about his unprecedentedly futile World Series outcome if he did, in fact, tip his pitches.

McCullers, pitching in his first World Series game since 2017, became the first pitcher in postseason history to give up five home runs in a game.

J.T. Realmuto’s home run in the 10th inning lifted the Phillies over the Astros in Game 1 of the World Series.

Justin Verlander remains 0-6 in eight starts and saw his World Series ERA balloon to 6.07 – the worst mark in the history of the Fall Classic.

Philadelphia’s catcher hit a go-ahead solo home run in the top of the 10th after his team had rallied out of an early 5-0 deficit.

Houston’s dominance has survived two front office regimes, the departure of superstar players, a franchise-rattling scandal and a managerial change.

The Astros’ Trey Mancini reflected on his journey to the World Series, which included a battle with colon cancer in 2020.