Houston Astros lefty Framber Valdez had pitched in the postseason before, but it was only this year when he made an appearance in the World Series when he took the mound in Game 1 of the 2021 World Series against the Atlanta Braves. Unfortunately for him, his performance in that game was not the kind every kid who's aspiring to be a major league pitcher somebody dreams about, as he crumbled under pressure.
Per Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports:
Astros starter Framber Valdez: ‘It was my first World Series start. I can’t tell you I didn’t feel the pressure.’’
Valdez lasted just 2.0 innings in Game 1, as he was pulled after allowing five earned runs on eight hits. He gave up a first-inning home run to Jorge Soler and a 1-run double to Austin Riley in the same frame. In the third inning, Valdez also gave up a homer to Adam Duvall that also scored Braves postseason star Eddie Rosario. The Astros took him out after Rosario scored and let five relievers finish the game.
Valdez has been a spotty performer for the Astros in the postseason, but prior to Game 1 of the World Series, he dazzled with an eight-inning showing in Game 5 of the ALCS against the Boston Red Sox in which he allowed just an earned run on three hits while striking out five in a 9-1 victory.
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