Astros' McCullers sets WS record by hitting 4 batters in Game 7
The Houston Astros' offense gave Lance McCullers Jr. a 5-0 lead early in Game 7, but a lack of control kept his start brief - even if he broke a record in the process.
Before McCullers was lifted from Wednesday's game after just 2 1/3 innings, the 24-year-old managed to record a dubious World Series record by hitting four Los Angeles Dodgers batters. That broke the previous mark of three, jointly held by White Sox right-hander Jose Contreras in Game 1 of 2005 (ironically, against the Astros), and the Pirates' Bruce Kison in Game 4 of 1971.
Justin Turner took the brunt of the punishment from McCullers, as the third baseman was hit in each of his first two at-bats of Game 7. Yasiel Puig and Enrique Hernandez also reached base in the most painful of fashions.
McCullers also moved him into a tie with Wild Bill Donovan and Hall of Famer Eddie Plank - both of whom pitched in the World Series during the 1900s - for the most career HBPs in World Series history, according to Sportsnet Stats.
Lance McCullers is the first pitcher in baseball history to hit at least four batters and not allow a run
— Jeff Sullivan (@based_ball) November 2, 2017
All told, McCullers exited Game 7 having allowed no runs on three hits while striking out three in his abbreviated start. Despite his wildness, Houston still led the Dodgers 5-0 at the time of his departure.