Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson tabbed Noah Syndergaard and Ranger Suarez for Games 3 and 4 of the World Series, respectively, with the Fall Classic now moving to Citizens Bank Park.
Meanwhile, Houston Astros skipper Dusty Baker named Lance McCullers Jr. as the starter for Monday’s Game 3.
Syndergaard, a midseason addition for the Phillies, made three postseason appearances for the team – two in relief and one abbreviated start. Over 5 1/3 innings, the 30-year-old allowed one run on three hits and one walk while striking out four.
McCullers is 2-0 over two starts this postseason. The former All-Star allowed four runs – three earned – on 10 hits and three walks over 11 frames while striking out 13.
Suarez has typically been third in the starting rotation depth chart for the Phillies. However, the lefty made an appearance out of the bullpen during the Game 1 victory, facing three batters and retiring two while giving up one hit and striking out one.
With the World Series tied at 1-1, Philly will host the next three games, which begin Monday and will be played over three consecutive days. If necessary, the remainder of the series will return to Minute Maid Park. The Astros hold home-field advantage because they own the better regular-season record.