Astros Still Facing Uphill Battle Despite Massive Road Victory

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On Wednesday night, the Houston Astros reminded everyone of who they have been in the past.
They rose to the occasion once again when their backs were against the wall.
The bats got hot, getting after the opposing starter early, then delivering the knock out blow to the bullpen.
The Astros pounced all over timely miscues by Max Scherzer in the second inning, getting three runs across the plate after a hit by pitch, a walk and a single loaded the bases.
A wild pitch scored Yordan Alvarez and a clutch single by Martin Maldonado scored two more.
That's what Houston had been missing at home.
But that's what they've been doing on the road all season.
They'll need much more of that going forward in Games 4 and 5.
Despite getting themselves back into the series, they're still facing an uphill battle. Teams behind 2-1 in a best-of-seven format have only advanced 30 percent of the time.
The good news for the Astros is that some of their important bats got things going in Game 3.
Jose Altuve, who had been struggling, hit a historic home run.
Kyle Tucker, who was moved down in the lineup due to his own struggles, went 1-2 with a double and three walks.
Houston needs these players to make an improbable comeback and defend their World Series title.
The Astros have two more road games in a ballpark they have crushed their opponent in.
One way to flip the improbable odds back to their favor is to go out and keep winning.
They'll have that opportunity once again on Thursday.

Brad Wakai graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Journalism. While an undergrad, he did work at the student radio station covering different Penn State athletic programs like football, basketball, volleyball, soccer and other sports. Brad currently covers the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros for Sports Illustrated/FanNation. He is also the Lead Contributor for Nittany Lions Wire of Gannett Media where he continues to cover Penn State athletics. Brad is the host of the sports podcast I Said What I Said, discussing topics across the NFL, College Football, the NBA and other sports. You can follow him on Twitter: @bwakai