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 Philly had just won it all in one glorious night.

As another 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 Phillies in the first inning on Tuesday night. It was 4-0 Philadelphia after the second.

Danger, danger, danger. 

Move on from the clearly struggling McCullers and try to string rested bullpen arms together, 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.

The first inning was all wrong for the road team.

Jose Altuve answered extremely loud booing and a prolonged “Cheater” chant with a looping liner to shallow right field. But Nick Castellanos, who came up big late in Game 1, gloved the would-be leadoff single and Ranger Suárez only required nine pitches to quiet the Astros in the top of the frame.

McCullers faced all the noise in the follow up. Kyle Schwarber walked after a 3-2 count. Another 3-2 count preceded Bryce Harper, who unloaded on McCullers’ first offering and gave the Phillies a 2-0 advantage via a 402-foot blast that was gone the moment that Harper made contact.

The second inning was even worse for McCullers.

Alec Bohm homered. Brandon Marsh homered. It was 4-0 Phillies before McCullers could record six outs.

Thomson’s slugging crew feasted on McCullers’ off-speed offerings. With the Astros’ Game 3 starter no longer throwing consistent fire and Cristian Javier inked in for Game 4, McCullers required 43 pitches to make it through two innings and was never in control.

The Astros blew a 5-0 lead in Game 1 — after Baker stuck with Justin Verlander for too long — and the Phillies won a 6-5 stunner in 10 innings.

Framber Valdez guided the American League’s best team to a strong 5-2 win in Game 2.

After a travel day was followed by a rainout, Game 3 would provide instant momentum for one side.

“Those guys are in the same boat that we’re in,” Baker said pregame. “So it just depends who wants it the most and who has the greatest mental control to fool themselves that we have been playing every day.”

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1of121Houston 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 2of121Houston 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 3of121Houston 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 4of121Philadelphia 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 5of121Houston 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 6of121Houston 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 7of121Philadelphia 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 8of121Houston 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 9of121Houston 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 10of121Houston 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 11of121Houston 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 12of121Houston 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 13of121Philadelphia 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 14of121Philadelphia 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 15of121Philadelphia 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 16of121Philadelphia 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 17of121Houston 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 18of121Houston 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 19of121Philadelphia 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 20of121Fans 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 21of121Basketball 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 22of121Houston 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 23of121Philadelphia 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 24of121An 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 25of121Houston 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 26of121Houston 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 27of121Houston 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 28of121Houston 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 29of121Houston 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 30of121Houston 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 31of121Houston 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 32of121Houston 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 33of121Houston 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 34of121Philadelphia 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 35of121Members 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 36of121A 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 37of121Houston 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 38of121Houston 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 39of121Former 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 40of121Houston 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 41of121Houston 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 42of121A 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 43of121Houston 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 44of121A 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 45of121Houston 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 46of121Houston 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 47of121Houston 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 48of121Houston 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 49of121Houston 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 50of121Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker Jr. 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 51of121

Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale 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 52of121Houston 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 53of121Houston 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 54of121Houston 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 55of121Houston 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 56of121Houston 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 57of121Houston 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 58of121Houston 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 59of121Houston 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 60of121A 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 61of121Fans 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 62of121Houston 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 63of121Houston 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 64of121Philadelphia 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 65of121in 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 66of121Houston 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 67of121Houston 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 68of121Houston 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 69of121Philadelphia 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 70of121Philadelphia 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 71of121Houston 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 72of121Houston 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 73of121Houston 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 74of121Houston 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 75of121Houston 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 76of121Houston 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 77of121Houston 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 78of121Philadelphia 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 79of121Houston 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 80of121Houston 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 81of121Houston 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 82of121Houston 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 83of121Houston 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 84of121Houston 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 85of121Houston 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 86of121Houston 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 87of121Houston 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 88of121Houston 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 89of121Houston 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 90of121Philadelphia 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 91of121Philadelphia 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 92of121Houston 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 93of121Houston 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 94of121Houston 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 95of121Houston 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 96of121Houston 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 97of121Houston 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 98of121Houston 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 99of121Houston 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 100of121Houston 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 101of121Philadelphia 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 102of121Houston 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 103of121The 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 104of121Houston 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 105of121Houston 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 106of121Houston 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 107of121A 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 108of121A 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 109of121Houston 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 110of121Houston 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 111of121Houston 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 112of121Houston 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 113of121Houston 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 114of121Houston 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 115of121Houston 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 116of121The 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 117of121Houston 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 118of121Philadelphia 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 119of121Houston 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 120of121Philadelphia 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 121of121Houston 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

After almost 48 hours of inaction, 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 was about to cross the plate?

The veteran righthander settled down in the third and fourth, working his way through the heart of Philadelphia’s order.

For all the problems surrounding McCullers in Game 3, Suárez kept collecting zeroes and moving through the Astros’ names.

Yordan Alvarez grounded out to first base. Alex Bregman followed and did the same. Kyle Tucker flied out to center field, handing the Phillies a 4-0 lead entering the fifth.

Chas McCormick worked a two-out walk and Martín Maldonado answered a “Check his bat” chant with a sharp single up the middle. But Altuve popped up, giving Suárez five scoreless innings and sending red Phillies towels waving.

Jimmy Rollins, Larry Bowa and Charlie Manuel were displayed on the stadium’s Jumbotron. Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris followed. All that was missing was Daryl Morey hugging James Harden for Houston to receive another blow in Game 3.

Then Schwarber destroyed a baseball, sending a shot 443 feet to deep center field.

McCullers was obviously done.

Except Baker kept his losing arm on the mound and Rhys Hoskins was allowed to hit another homer 374 feet.

When José Urquidy took the mound in the bottom of the sixth, Game 3 was over and Baker finally gave in.

Urquidy hadn’t appeared in a 2022 playoff game before Tuesday night, signaling the Astros’ public call for help.

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

The once-lesser Nationals led that 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 Series title.

Can Javier be a road hero in Game 4?

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

Baker is down 2-1 in this World Series and so is his light-hitting team.

Wake up, Astros.

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

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