Houston Astros: Five things Dodgers fans have to come to grips with

Reason #3 – George Springer

In Game one of the World Series, Springer went 0-4 with four strikeouts against Kershaw. Everyone was expecting that AJ Hinch was going to remove Springer from the leadoff spot in the lineup. After all, Springer was not having the best postseason. Coming off a .115 batting average in the ALCS, you would’ve figured that Springer needed to be moved down.

But over the six games, Springer suddenly came out of his shell. He batted .379 in the World Series with 11 hits and driving in seven RBI. Among his five hits were five home runs, which tied a World Series record with Reggie Jackson (1977, who also won the World Series MVP) and Chase Utley (2009). Springer also had three doubles and walked five times.

While much of the attention was going to be focused on Jose Altuve, who was having the postseason of his life, Springer would emerge as the superstar. The one thing the Astros have proven is that they’ve had a dangerous lineup that was being compared to some of the best Yankees teams. But what stands out is that whenever one player struggles, someone else steps up. One Astro player had to step up in order to help Houston win four games.

Why Not Springer?

Why not Springer? After all, he graced the cover of Sports Illustrated when the Astros were predicted to win the World Series in 2017. His story of overcoming a stuttering problem was a perfect background for him to shine on the biggest stage.

But to make it a coincidence, you had to talk the talk and walk the walk. Springer did just that.

Three reasons down, two to go. Time to head to reason #2.