After his World Series got off to a rocky start with an 0-for-4 showing in Game 1, Houston Astros’ center fielder George Springer has been on fire. Springer was nine-for-24 entering Wednesday’s Game 7, hitting .375/.483/.958, and he’s since upped the ante even further, starting the game with a double and then hitting a two-run home run in the second. That’s given him a couple of World Series records, and very impressive ones. But first, here’s the home run:
And a replay:
This led to quite the reaction from Springer’s sister Lena:
https://twitter.com/LenaSpringer/status/925892914617733120
https://twitter.com/LenaSpringer/status/925894173168893952
https://twitter.com/LenaSpringer/status/925898127105843200
Fox broadcasters Joe Buck and John Smoltz later discussed all the history Springer has made:
So, the most home runs in a World Series from the leadoff spot, the first player to ever hit home runs in four straight World Series games, the most total bases all time in a World Series, the first player with extra-base hits in six straight World Series games, and a tie for the most home runs in a World Series? Not bad at all. Smoltz went on to talk about another remarkable stat: Springer’s home runs in three straight World Series road games, something only previously done by Barry Bonds, Ryan Klesko and Hank Bauer.
Springer also has six postseason home runs overall, tying Lenny Dykstra’s record for playoff home runs by a leadoff hitter. But it’s his five World Series home runs that really stand out; he’s contributed a third of the Astros’ World Series record 15 home runs. That’s a remarkable showing from Springer, and one that should have him in strong contention for World Series MVP. He was already a favorite even before this, but this may put him over the top. And he’s certainly made an impressive amount of history here.
[ESPN]