Combining to hit a World Series record eight home runs, the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers played one of the most thrilling postseason games in MLB history. Of the home runs hit, five came in extra innings.
Marwin Gonzalez’s homer, which tied the game, came against Kenley Jansen in the ninth inning. It was the first to tie a World Series game for the road team in the ninth inning or later since Dwight Evans in Game 3 of 1975 Series.
After George Springer’s two-run homer off Brandon McCarthy in the 11th gave the Astros a second two-run lead in extra innings, the Dodgers responded yet again.
Down to their final out, Charlie Culberson took Chris Devenski deep and cut the deficit to a run. Culberson flung his arms out as he rounded third base and he pointed into the stands after crossing home plate.
Culberson’s celebration drew the ire of Astros ace Dallas Keuchel, who accused the reserve infielder of acting as though the Dodgers had won the World Series on his home run, per Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times:
Dallas Keuchel: "Culberson acted like he won the World Series."
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) October 26, 2017
On the FOX broadcast, play-by-play man Joe Buck speculated Culberson was not aware of the score. Analyst John Smoltz was inclined to side with his television partner.
Following the Dodgers’ stunning loss, Culberson told reporters he was fully cognizant of the situation, and his reaction was a byproduct of being overcome by adrenaline. His pointing was to his parents and wife who were in attendance.
It should be noted multiple Astros players had similar displays of emotion and excitement to hitting their respective home runs en route to a Game 2 win.
The home run was Culberson’s first of the postseason. He was a surprise inclusion on the Dodgers roster for the National League Championship Series, and he remained active because of Corey Seager coming off a lower back sprain.
Culberson is 6-for-13 with two doubles, one triple, one home run and two RBI in seven playoff games (three starts) this year.
