Which is why everybody picked the Astros in 4 or 5. It was probably not realistic to expect 2-0; but the opportunity was there. What's weird is they come home 1-1 having gotten no advantage whatsoever from their 1-2 starters. We're lucky the same was true of Verlander but Valdez did his job.
Remember when "who's our #3 starter" was a constant topic of conversation? Ranger was shaky for a bit. Gibson was obviously too inconsistent even before he cratered. If this team had really thought it could win the World Series on July 31 they might have given up the prospects for someone better than Thor, who was recognizably a #4 or 5 even then, and has barely been that. But maybe he's got a miracle in him.
And who's to say Ranger still won't pitch in Game 3? I mean, yes, then you've really got a situation for Game 4, but I could easily see the Game 1 scenario repeating itself if the Phillies have a decent lead.
How many innings could Eflin go on either day if he only pitches once?
