Justin Verlander finally got his first World Series victory, Jeremy Peña carried the offense and Houston has Philadelphia on the ropes as it heads home for Game 6.
Jose Altuve, Yuli Gurriel and Alex Bregman have reached the A.L.C.S. in six straight seasons. Through triumph and scandal, they have taught a rotating cast of teammates how to win.
Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon are back on the field for the Angels, and Justin Verlander is expected back for the Astros. All are hoping their health issues are behind them.
“Can I do that? Yeah,” Verlander said, matter-of-factly, when asked about reaching 300 wins. An “aberration” among modern pitchers, it is unwise to bet against him.