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Houston Astros: Top 10 Astros Games of All-Time

By Kenneth Cline

HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 13: A.J. Hinch and SiriusXM radio host Mike Ferrin attend SiriusXM Town Hall With Houston Astros World Series Manager A.J. Hinch on January 13, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 13: A.J. Hinch and SiriusXM radio host Mike Ferrin attend SiriusXM Town Hall With Houston Astros World Series Manager A.J. Hinch on January 13, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images for SiriusXM) /
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HOUSTON – OCTOBER 18: Jeff Kent
HOUSTON – OCTOBER 18: Jeff Kent /

#10 2004 NLCS Game 5 – Houston Astros 3, St. Louis Cardinals 0

Perhaps one of the most lovable teams of all-time, the 2004 Houston Astros added Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte to join the squad for perhaps the best two-year stretch in franchise history. They also added Carlos Beltran to the mix and he was our superstar for a half a season.  But what is often forgotten is that the Astros had to make a manager change in firing Jimmy Williams and hiring Phil Garner to take over. It’s also noted that Houston was still considered out of the playoff hunt.

Fortunately, a 36-10 record in the final forty-six games would help the Astros clinch the wild-card spot. It got even better when after previous playoff disappointments, Houston finally defeated the Atlanta Braves to win their first ever playoff series. But they were soon dealt another blow when the St. Louis Cardinals jumped out to a 2-0 lead. The Astros returned home and would even the series at two apiece. This would set up a pivotal game five. It was a pitcher’s duel as both Brandon Backe and Woody Williams held the other side to just one hit.

Then came the bottom of the ninth inning. After a leadoff single and stolen base by Beltran, Lance Berkman was walked intentionally. Up came the Astros superman in Jeff Kent and it was one pitch that put the Astros on the verge of achieving immortality.

This Jeff Kent Walk-off Homer put the Astros up 3-2 and it seemed like destiny beckoned them. Unfortunately, the Cardinals would have the last laugh putting an end to a remarkable series with two gut-wrenching victories over the Astros. But it was a sign that the Astros future would be brighter.

LOS ANGELES, CA – 1986: Pitcher Nolan Ryan
LOS ANGELES, CA – 1986: Pitcher Nolan Ryan /

#9 1980 NLCS Game 5 – Philadelphia Phillies 8, Houston Astros 7 (10 innings)

In what was dubbed as the greatest LCS ever, four of the five games between the Astros and the Philadelphia Phillies would go to extra innings. Houston led 2-1 before Philadelphia tied the series with a game four win. Game five started promising for the Astros as they went up 5-2 going to the eighth inning with Nolan Ryan on the mound.

But in a span of five pitches, the momentum turned as the Phillies loaded the bases before scoring five runs to lead 7-5. Not to be outdone, the Astros fought back to tie the score at 7-7. The game went into extra innings as Philadelphia used a two-out double by Garry Maddox to lead 8-7. Houston went down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the tenth inning as the Astros first chance of reaching the Fall Classic ended with sheer heartbreak.

 

Geoff Blum of Chicago crosses the plate after hitting a home run in the 14th inning during action in game 3 of the World Series between the Chicago White Sox and the Houston Astros in Houston, Texas on October 25, 2005. Chicago won 7-5. (Photo by G. N. Lowrance/Getty Images)
Geoff Blum of Chicago crosses the plate after hitting a home run in the 14th inning during action in game 3 of the World Series between the Chicago White Sox and the Houston Astros in Houston, Texas on October 25, 2005. Chicago won 7-5. (Photo by G. N. Lowrance/Getty Images) /

#8 2005 World Series Game 3 – White Sox 7, Astros 5 (14 Innings)

Of course, with every great win, there’s a great loss. This was a must-win game for the Astros, who trailed 2-0 to the White Sox in the series. The Astros jumped ahead to a 4-0 lead through four innings and victory was secured with Roy Oswalt on the mound.

But the White Sox had other ideas as they broke through for five runs in the fifth inning. Houston would tie the game in the eighth inning and had a chance to win it in the ninth. But they were unable to drive in the run.

It would be five innings before a former Astro (Yes Geoff Blum, we know!) would eliminate our chances to win the World Series with a home run to win the longest World Series game in history.

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