Smith: Astros, Dusty Baker need to wake up unless they want a repeat of 2019 and 2021

PHILADELPHIA — Dusty Baker kept allowing Lance McCullers Jr. to get hammered.

Home run, home run, home run. Two more huge ones followed, and Game 3 was officially toast, with Citizens Bank Park celebrating like the wild-card Phillies had just won it all in one glorious night.

As another big-name Astros starting arm was pummeled in this World Series, the past and present stared Baker’s suddenly struggling club in the face.

Wake up, Astros.

Before it’s again too late.

Remember Washington in 2019?

Atlanta in 2021?

It’s happening again to the “better” team.

Two more defeats, and the Astros will be World Series losers to a better National League East squad in a third consecutive Fall (un) Classic.

It was 2-0 Philadelphia in the first inning Tuesday night. It was 4-0 Bryce Harper’s crew after the second.

Move on from the clearly struggling McCullers and try to string together rested bullpen arms, building a modern road to victory like Phillies manager Rob Thomson did in Game 1?

Not in a horrific fifth on Tuesday, as Baker kept McCullers on the mound and two more huge Philly blasts followed.

The end: 7-0 Phillies, as the National League’s best club swung the Fall Classic and grabbed a 2-1 series lead with pure power.

“They hit a lot of solid pitches,” said McCullers, who allowed six hits and seven runs in 4⅓  losing innings. “But at the end of the day, we got beat pretty bad and I got beat up pretty bad.”

McCullers kept emphasizing that there were no excuses.

Alex Bregman, who went 0-for-3 with a walk, said the same. The Astros’ offense only recorded five hits, left eight on base and was shut out for the first time in the playoffs while Ranger Suárez rolled through five scoreless frames.

After burning through its initial two postseason series with a combined 7-0 sweep, the Astros are being beaten by a still-hot Philly team that fought back to take Game 1 on the road in 10 tense innings and absolutely dominated Citizens Bank Park in Game 3.

“Whatever happened before, we’re down 2-1 right now,” Bregman said. “Let’s come back (Wednesday), compete, ready to go, and put together some better at-bats offensively and give our pitchers some run support.”

Thomson’s slugging crew feasted on McCullers’ off-speed offerings. After almost 48 hours of World Series inaction — a travel day was followed by a rainout — it was all Philly through three innings and the pressing question became how long McCullers would stay in the game.

The next Q: Was McCullers tipping his pitches and unintentionally giving the Phillies an early look at what would soon drift across the plate?

“I think guys have conversations all the time before at-bats and before innings and things like that,” McCullers said. “So I’m not going to sit here and say anything like that. I got whupped. End of story.”

Whupped is a professional way of putting it.

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1of116Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña, center, sits in the dugout in the ninth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 2of116Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) reacts after giving up a 2-run home run to Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper for a 2-0 lead in the first inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 3of116Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) reacts after giving up a 2-run home run to Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper for a 2-0 lead in the first inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 4of116Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) reacts after giving up a 2-run home run to Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper for a 2-0 lead in the first inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 5of116Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper (3) celebrates with Philadelphia Phillies Nick Castellanos (8) after hitting a 2-run home run off Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. in the first inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 6of116Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) reacts as Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper runs the bases after giving up a 2-run home run in the first inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 7of116Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) reacts as Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper runs the bases after giving up a 2-run home run in the first inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Jon Shapley/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 8of116Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper (3) hits a 2-run home run off Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. in the first inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Jon Shapley/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 9of116Houston Astros catcher Martin Maldonado (15) fields a pop fly by Philadelphia Phillies J.T. Realmuto in the first inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Jon Shapley/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 10of116Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) makes a face while facing Philadelphia Phillies J.T. Realmuto in the first inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 11of116Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) reacts after walking Philadelphia Phillies Kyle Schwarber in the first inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 12of116Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) delivers in the first inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 13of116Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) delivers in the first inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 14of116Philadelphia Phillies fans cheer after starting pitcher Ranger Suarez strikes out Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez to end the top of the first inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Jon Shapley/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 15of116Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Ranger Suarez (55) delivers in the first inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 16of116Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins (17) fields the throw to shortstop Bryson Stott to get out Houston Astros Jeremy Peña (3) in the first inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Jon Shapley/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 17of116Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Nick Castellanos (8) shows his glove after making a catch on Houston Astros Jose Altuve’s line drive in the first inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 18of116Houston Astros Jose Altuve (27) recasts after Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Nick Castellanos caught his line drive in the first inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Jon Shapley/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 19of116Philadelphia Phillies fans hold a sign in reference to the Houston Astros’ 2017 sign stealing scandal before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 20of116Houston Astros Jeremy Peña (3) reacts after grounding out to Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm in the third inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 21of116A Philadelphia Phillies fan holds up a sign referencing the Astros’ 2017 sign stealing scandal as Jose Altuve waits to bat in the third inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 22of116Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) reacts after getting Philadelphia Phillies Kyle Schwarber to ground out to end the second inning after giving up a pair of solo home runs during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 23of116Houston Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel (10) fields a ground ball by Philadelphia Phillies Kyle Schwarber in the second inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 24of116Philadelphia Phillies fans stretch out to catch Brandon Marsh’s solo home run over the head go Houston Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker in the second inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 25of116in the second inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Jon Shapley/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 26of116Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) is seen after giving up a solo home run to Philadelphia Phillies Brandon Marsh in the second inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 27of116Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) reacts after giving up a solo home run to Philadelphia Phillies Alec Bohm in the second inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 28of116Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) reacts after giving up a solo home run to Philadelphia Phillies Alec Bohm in the second inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 29of116Philadelphia Phillies Alec Bohm, right, gets a fist-bump from Bryson Stott after hitting a solo home run off Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. in the second inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 30of116Philadelphia Phillies Alec Bohm (28) gets a high-five from third base coach Dusty Wathan (62) after hitting a solo home run off Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. in the second inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 31of116Houston Astros left fielder Yordan Alvarez (44) watches Philadelphia Phillies fans reach for Alec Bohm’s solo home run off starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. in the second inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 32of116Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) reacts after Philadelphia Phillies Alec Bohm’s solo home run in the second inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Jon Shapley/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 33of116Houston Astros Chas McCormick (20) reacts after striking out against Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Ranger Suarez to end the top of the second inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 34of116Houston Astros Chas McCormick (20) reacts after striking out against Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Ranger Suarez to end the top of the second inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 35of116Houston Astros designated hitter David Hensley (17) hits a single off Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Ranger Suarez in the second inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 36of116Houston Astros designated hitter David Hensley (17) hits a single off Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Ranger Suarez in the second inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Jon Shapley/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 37of116Houston Astros Kyle Tucker (30) hits a single off Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Ranger Suarez in the second inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 38of116Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper (3) hits a 2-run home run over Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. to take a 2-0 lead in the first inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 39of116Houston Astros relief pitcher Jose Urquidy (65) delivers in the sixth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 40of116Houston Astros relief pitcher Jose Urquidy (65) delivers in the sixth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 41of116Houston Astros relief pitcher Jose Urquidy (65) delivers in the sixth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 42of116Houston Astros Jeremy Peña (3) hits a single in the sixth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 43of116Houston Astros relief pitcher Ryne Stanek (45) delivers in the fifth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 44of116Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker Jr. (12) visits with starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) in the fifth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 45of116Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker Jr. (12) motions to the dugout to pull starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. in the fifth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 46of116Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) hides his face with his glove after giving up a solo home run to Philadelphia Phillies Rhys Hoskins in the fifth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 47of116Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) reacts after giving up a solo home run to Philadelphia Phillies Rhys Hoskins in the fifth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Jon Shapley/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 48of116Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) reacts after giving up a solo home run to Philadelphia Phillies Kyle Schwarber in the fifth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 49of116Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) reacts after giving up a solo home run to Philadelphia Phillies Kyle Schwarber in the fifth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 50of116Philadelphia Phillies Kyle Schwarber (12) celebrates after hitting a solo home run off Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. in the fifth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 51of116Philadelphia Phillies Brandon Marsh reacts after hitting a single off Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. in the fifth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 52of116Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman (2) throws out Philadelphia Phillies Jean Segura at first in the fifth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 53of116Houston Astros Jose Altuve (27) reacts after hitting a pop fly to Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto to end the top of the fifth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 54of116Houston Astros Martin Maldonado (15) hits a single off Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Ranger Suarez in the fifth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 55of116Houston Astros Chas McCormick (20) draws a walk against Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Ranger Suarez in the fifth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 56of116Houston Astros designated hitter David Hensley (17) reacts after striking out against Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Ranger Suarez in the fifth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 57of116Houston Astros pitching coach Joshua Miller (36) pats starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. on the way to the dugout after getting Philadelphia Phillies Bryson Stott to ground out to end the fourth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 58of116Houston Astros center fielder Chas McCormick (20) catches Philadelphia Phillies Alec Bohm’s fly ball in the fourth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 59of116Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña (3) throws to first to get out Philadelphia Phillies Nick Castellanos in the fourth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 60of116Houston Astros Kyle Tucker (30) is seen after grounding out to Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins to end the top of the fourth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 61of116Philadelphia Phillies fans and mascot the Phillie Phanatic cheer in the seventh inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Jon Shapley/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 62of116Houston Astros relief pitcher Jose Urquidy (65) point out Philadelphia Phillies Rhys Hoskins’ fly ball in the seventh inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 63of116The cleats of Houston Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel are seen in the seventh inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 64of116Houston Astros relief pitcher Jose Urquidy (65) walks back to the mound after striking out Philadelphia Phillies Kyle Schwarber in the seventh inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Jon Shapley/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 65of116Houston Astros relief pitcher Jose Urquidy (65) delivers in the seventh inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 66of116Houston Astros Chas McCormick (20) hits a single in the seventh inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 67of116A Philadelphia Phillies fan dressed a the team mascot, The Phillie Phanatic, in the sixth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 68of116A base is seen in the sixth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 69of116Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña (3) catches Philadelphia Phillies Jean Segura’s pop fly in the sixth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 70of116Houston Astros relief pitcher Jose Urquidy (65) is seen in the sixth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 71of116Houston Astros relief pitcher Jose Urquidy (65) talks with catcher Martin Maldonado (15) in the sixth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 72of116Houston Astros relief pitcher Jose Urquidy (65) adjust his cap in the sixth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 73of116Houston Astros relief pitcher Jose Urquidy (65) talks with catcher Martin Maldonado (15) in the sixth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 74of116Houston Astros Kyle Tucker, center, is seen in the dugout beside Houston Astros Alex Bregman, left, in the ninth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 75of116Houston Astros relief pitcher Jose Urquidy (65) signal after the final out of the the eighth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 76of116The cleats of Houston Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel are seen in the eighth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 77of116Houston Astros Alex Bregman (2) draws a walk against Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Kyle Gibson in the eighth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 78of116Philadelphia Phillies cheer as Houston Astros Alex Bregman bats in the eighth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 79of116Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) reacts after giving up a solo home run to Philadelphia Phillies Rhys Hoskins in the fifth inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 80of116Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Bryson Stott, right, celebrates with second baseman Jean Segura (2) after shutting out the Houston Astros 7-0 in Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 81of116Houston Astros Christian Vazquez (9) blows a bubble during batting practice before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 82of116Houston Astros take batting practice before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 83of116Houston Astros Martin Maldonado is seen sporting an orange mohawk before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 84of116Houston Astros Jose Altuve watches batting practice before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 85of116Houston Astros Alex Bregman takes batting practice before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 86of116Houston Astros Jeremy Peña, left, talks with Yuli Gurriel during batting practice before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 87of116A Houston Astros fan wears a pineapple costume as a nod to Houston Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel, also known as “La Piña” for his hair style, before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 88of116A Philadelphia Phillies fan holds up a sign reading “Houston you have a problem” before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 89of116Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) walks to the dugout beside catcher Martin Maldonado (15) before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 90of116Houston Astros Justin Verlander, Michael Brantley and Kyle Tucker watch batting practice before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 91of116Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander is seen before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 92of116Former Houston Astros and Hall of Famer Craig Biggio, left, watches batting practice beside manager Dusty Baker Jr. before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 93of116Houston Astros batting equipment is seen before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 94of116Houston Astors shortstop Jeremy Peña, left, and right fielder Kyle Tucker were named the American League Gold Glove recipients prior to Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia. Peña became the first rookie to win the award at the position.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 95of116Houston Astros Jeremy Peña was named the American League Gold Glove recipient at shortstop prior to Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia. Peña became the first rookie to win the award at the position.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 96of116Houston Astors Kyle Tucker was named the American League Gold Glove recipient at right field prior to Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 97of116A fan holds up a sign before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Jon Shapley/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 98of116Members of the military and law enforcement bring out an American flag before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Jon Shapley/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 99of116Houston Astros fans are seen before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 100of116Houston Astros stand for player introductions before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Jon Shapley/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 101of116Houston Astros pitcher Framber Valdez (59) motions alongside pitcher Cristian Javier (53) as they wait for players introductions before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 102of116Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) gets a high-five from pitcher Justin Verlander (35) as he is introduced before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 103of116Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) warms up in the bullpen before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 104of116Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker Jr. (12) is seen as players are introduced before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 105of116Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker Jr. (12) visits with Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson (59) before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 106of116Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) is seen beside manager Dusty Baker Jr. (12) as players are introduced before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 107of116Houston Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker (30) is introduced beside third baseman Alex Bregman (2) before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 108of116Houston Astros fans are seen before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 109of116Fans hold up signs as Houston Astros Jose Altuve bats in the third inning during Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 110of116An American flag is seen as the national anthem plays before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Jon Shapley/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 111of116Philadelphia Phillies players are seen as the national anthem plays before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 112of116Houston Astros pitcher Jose Urquidy (65) is seen before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 113of116Basketball Hall of Fame Julius “Dr. J” Erving, right, is seen beside baseball Hall of Fame Mike Schmidt, left, before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 114of116Fans cheer before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Jon Shapley/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 115of116Philadelphia Phillies cheer before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Karen Warren/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less 116of116Houston Astros owner Jim Crane is seen before Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.Brett Coomer/Staff photographerShow MoreShow Less

Baker stuck with Justin Verlander too long in Game 1. In Game 3, the veteran manager allowed McCullers to give up five home runs, despite the fact that it was obvious in the first inning that his starter didn’t have it.

Throw in Yordan Alvarez’s struggles at the plate and another off night for Jose Altuve (0-for-4) and the Astros have simply been beat in two of three contests, with two more still to come inside a roaring ballpark that loudly loves its Phillies.

“It’s pretty evident what kind of threat they pose. They can hit the ball out of the ballpark and they can hit,” Baker said. “So we just got to go back to the drawing board and figure was it them (Tuesday) or was it Lance … not having his stuff. So we’ll go back and analyze it. We’ve had 10 minutes to analyze it. That’s not very much time. So we’ll go back and we’ll figure it out.”

The Astros are a 106-win team that was heavily favored to win the World Series, just like in 2019 and ’21.

McCullers said the next goal for the 2022 Astros is simple. Win one in Philly and guarantee a return to Minute Maid Park for Game 6.

“We are a team that bounces back well,” said McCullers, who added that he’ll soon focus on returning to the mound for a potential Game 7.

Bregman highlighted an even more limited World Series focus: win the next pitch.

“That’s the most important pitch,” he said. “You’ve got to turn the page from (Tuesday). You’ve got to move on.”

Blowing Game 1 in Houston should have been the only reminder that these Astros needed.

The once-lesser Nationals led the 2019 World Series 1-0 and hoisted the trophy.

The once-overlooked Braves also took the first test last season and turned a 2-1 series advantage into a world title. 

Can Cristian Javier be a road hero in Game 4?

“He’s a stud,” Bregman said. “He’s one of the best in all of baseball. We’re super confident in him.”

Will Verlander finally earn a World Series win in Game 5?

Before three Philadelphia home runs in two innings on Tuesday night, Baker oddly insisted that Verlander was penciled in as his Game 5 starter, not inked in.

“I don’t have a pen,” Baker said.

It’s too late for silly games and bad misses with a world-championship-or-bust team that could change its manager and/or general manager for 2023.

Baker is down 2-1 to Thomson in this World Series and a light-hitting Houston team faces the same deficit. 

The Phillies are for real, especially in Philadelphia, and keep cranking home runs. 

Wake up, Astros.

Before it’s too late and you give away another trophy.

More from Brian T. Smith