Justin Verlander made his fourth postseason start and second in the World Series for the Astros. He finished with six strikeouts in five innings, allowing just four hits and just one run – a leadoff homer. On the other hand, Noah Syndergaard made his second start (fourth appearance) of the postseason for the Phillies. He checked out after three innings after allowing three hits and two runs, including a home run. Here are the top plays from Game 5. Astros 3, Phillies 2 (HOU leads series 3-2) Starting with a bang! The Astros took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning thanks to big hits by José Altuve and Jeremy Peña. First, Altuve broke Syndergaard’s sinker into right field and advanced all the way to third base on an error by Phillies center Brandon Marsh. Peña then crushed an RBI single up the middle to bring in Altuve and get Houston on the board first.

Astros Jeremy Peña smashes an RBI single up the middle

Jeremy Peña cracks an RBI single up the middle to get Houston on the board.

Catch and tag The Astros tried something risky early, but their plan was thwarted when Pena was thrown out at second base. Returning the favor The Phillies tied things up in the bottom of the first inning, thanks to a perfect home run by Kyle Schwarber.

Kyle Schwarber launches a leadoff home run

Kyle Schwarber launches a leadoff home run to pull the Phillies into a 1-1 tie.

It marked the Phillies’ 18th home run this postseason at Citizens Bank Park, tying the Astros’ 2017 record for most homers hit in a ballpark in a single postseason. Pitchers take center stage Both teams were relentless on the mound. Syndergaard had a huge inning for the Phillies in the second… … while Verlander’s slider got the Astros out of a jam with the bases loaded in the bottom of the second inning. Not so fast! Peña reminded baseball fans why he was the first rookie to ever win a Gold Glove after making a huge play for Houston in the third inning that would likely have been a hit by Nick Castellanos. Star power With momentum on his side, Peña hit a solo home run in the fourth inning to give the Astros a 2-1 lead.

Jeremy Peña hits a solo home run

Jeremy Peña’s solo home run gives the Astros a 2-1 lead over the Phillies.

What can’t he do? Peña followed that with a smooth game in the bottom of the fourth inning, throwing out Jean Segura at first. Making history Bryce Harper broke up Verlander’s four-seam fastball in the fifth inning, good for the hardest ball of the year. However, the Astros were able to get out of the inning unscathed as they remained at 2-1. Pickles! After hitting a double and reaching third base on a wild pitch by Seranthony Domínguez — the Phillies’ fourth pitcher of the night — Yuli Gurriel was grounded out after a collision with Rhys Hoskins. Withdraw The Astros added to their lead in the top of the eighth inning, thanks to a groundout by Yordan Alvarez that allowed Altuve to score and sent Peña to second base after Hoskins hit the ball to first base. Very close Astros pitcher Ryan Pressly walked both Castellanos and Bryson Stott in the bottom of the eighth inning. Segura then hit a single to right field, allowing Castellanos to score and cut the deficit to 3-2. Denied! Astros outfielder Trey Mancini made a clutch play when it mattered most, taking a crucial third with Phillies runners on first and third. Closing time The Phillies battled to the end, highlighted by a very strong ninth inning that had the Astros sweating. What could have been JT Realmuto was this close potentially tying things up in the bottom of the ninth, but Chas McCormick had other plans. In the end, the hosts could not mount a comeback and things ended there, 3-2. Get more from Major League Baseball Follow your favorites for game information, news and more