Every time the 2017 Astros World Series title is brought up, there’s a shadow of cheating that looms large, and Dodgers icon Orel Hershiser definitely remembers it.
According to television analysts, the Astros had a leg up during their matchup with the Dodgers, which turned out to be their worst home defeat ever, with an 18-1 score—a painful moment since the opening of Dodger Stadium back in 1962.
“I don’t want to stir up old memories, but it’s almost as if they’re hitting these pitches knowing what’s coming,” Hershiser commented during Houston’s strong fourth inning, where they led 4-1.
“It’s a decent pitch, but really, it’s an excellent pitch,” he added.
The Astros are often labeled as cheaters after their sign-stealing scandal, which occurred during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. They even used video feeds to aid their efforts.
That 2017 season was particularly bitter for the Dodgers, who lost the World Series to Houston in Game 7. Despite the controversy, Houston managed to keep their title intact.
Former Dodger Cody Bellinger, now with the Yankees, previously remarked that the Astros and player Jose Altuve had “stolen” the 2017 AL MVP from teammate Aaron Judge.
Old grievances tend to linger, so it wasn’t surprising that the Astros turned Friday’s game into a sort of batting practice, leading Hershiser to reference the cheating scandal.
Fans certainly have not forgotten either, loudly accusing Altuve of being a “con artist” during his at-bats.
Hershiser, who pitched for the Dodgers from 1983 to 1994, later reflected on Houston’s fifth extra-base hit in just two innings.
The Astros jumped out to a 2-0 lead early, and by the fourth inning had expanded it to 4-1 with a series of doubles and a home run before another double elicited comments from Hershiser.
Shortly after, Christian Walker hit a two-run homer that essentially sealed the game.
The 23-year-old starting pitcher, Casparius, struggled, giving up six runs over three innings. Dodgers’ Reilly Barnoah Davis also had a tough outing, allowing 10 runs in just 1 1/3 innings.
After the game, manager Dave Roberts made some curious remarks that might have hinted at Houston’s past tactics, stating, “Ben doesn’t think it was a good outing tonight. They seemed to be on everything he threw.”
