Astros Game 6 Starter Has 1.42 ERA In Postseason

With a chance to close it out and win the World Series, the Houston Astros will send an All-Star to the mound for Game 6 on Saturday.

The Houston #Astros announce that Framber Valdez, as expected, is the Game 6 starter.
Zack Wheeler, whose start has already been pushed back two days with fatigue, remains tentatively listed as the #Philles Game 6 starter.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 3, 2022

Valdez has been a rock in the rotation for the Astros during the postseason, allowing just three earned runs in 19 innings for a 1.42 ERA. He has a 24:6 K/BB ratio. 

The 28-year-old's performance in Game 2 saved Houston from a nearly-impossible 0-2 deficit. He shut down the Phillies with his sinker and curveball, going 6.1 innings, allowing just one run and striking out nine, to tie the Series at a game apiece.

Phillies fans, though, took issue during that showing by Valdez, posting numerous videos that one could possibly consider showed that he was touching an area of his hand and/or face and rubbing something on the ball.

It seems like Framber Valdez is going to his right hand for a substance? #WorldSeries pic.twitter.com/ufIAM50D6Z

— Hard Rock Sportsbook (@HardRockSB) October 30, 2022

Afterwards, Valdez said those are just habits he has on the mound, to throw hitters off. 

No doubt those same followers will be keeping a close eye on that again in Game 6. But unless the Phillies batters can keep from getting 'thrown off' and can figure out how to solve Valdez, the Series could be over Saturday night. 

Photo: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports