Decision to remove Greinke will haunt Hinch [View all]

[Auggie]

mlb.com

The final two games of the World Series were an exercise in frustration -- and ultimately dejection -- for manager AJ Hinch, who watched his bullpen allow eight runs over 6 2/3 innings in home losses during Games 6 and 7 to the Nationals, who rallied late in Wednesday night's Game 7 to beat the Astros, 6-2, and win their first World Series.

A star-studded Houston team that was looking to win its second World Series title in three seasons came up one game short -- or three innings short in the case of Game 7. The Astros, riding a great start by Zack Greinke, carried a 2-0 lead into the seventh inning before the walls caved in on their pitching staff.

Greinke was pulled after 80 pitches, following a solo homer by Anthony Rendon and a walk to Juan Soto, and Will Harris -- who earlier in the Series was dubbed as Hinch’s “panic button” -- gave up a crushing two-run homer to Howie Kendrick that put the Nationals ahead, 3-2. It continued from there. Roberto Osuna gave up a run in the eighth and Joe Smith allowed a pair in the ninth.

FULL STORY: https://www.mlb.com/news/astros-lose-world-series-after-bullpen-falters

I thought Greinke's pitches lost some of their movement by the 7th inning. Rendon's home run was hit on such a pitch, and I wasn't surprised Hinch lifted him.

I thought for sure we'd see Cole (but glad we didn't).

What would a blown save be without controversy?