Game 2 of the World Series was about the struggles of the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen, particularly closer Kenley Jansen. During Game 4, the script was flipped to afflict the Houston Astros, as closer Ken Giles struggled. With the score tied entering the ninth inning of Saturday night's pivotal game, Giles collapsed, surrendering all the ammunition necessary for the Dodgers to steal Game 4 and ensure the series would make its way back to Los Angeles after the weekend.
Giles falls apart
Giles had a decent regular season, including a spectacular September.
But he has struggled every time manager A.J. Hinch has turned to him in October. He received another chance on Saturday night, starting the ninth inning of a 1-1 game. First, he faced Corey Seager, who hit a single to right center field. Then, he walked Justin Turner, putting the go-ahead run on second base with dangerous rookie Cody Bellinger coming to the plate.
Bellinger didn't hit a home run, but he still managed to do the necessary damage. He smacked a double to center field, scoring Seager and moving Turner to third base. Just like that, Giles' night was over, without him recording a single out. As his candle burned out, so did any chance the Astros had at winning the World Series at home.
Joe Musgrove came in and temporarily stopped the bleeding, inducing a strikeout from Yasiel Puig. But a few batters later, Joc Pederson hit a three-run home run, giving the Dodgers a 6-1 lead and virtually ending the game. The Astros scored in the bottom of the ninth for a final score of 6-2. Giles was tagged with the loss.
How the Astros proceed in the World Series
Most of the time, a team wants to stick with the horse that got them to where they are - in this case, the World Series. But in seven postseason appearances this year, Giles has given up a run in six of them. In three of the last four appearances, he has been charged with at least two runs.
There's clearly something off with his command this month. It might be time to leave him off the field.
Brad Peacock and Will Harris have combined to give up just one hit in 5.2 innings so far this World Series, so those are reliable arms for Hinch to turn to when the going gets rough. Chris Devenski has also been solid. Besides, the Astros have Dallas Keuchel going in Game 5, so they hope they won't have to make a hard pivot to Giles or anyone else in the bullpen, should he improve on his performance from Game 1.
