With an incredible performance by starter Framber Valdez, the Houston Astros tied the World Series at one victory apiece by beating the Philadelphia Phillies, 5-2.
The game represented a historic achievement by an Astros player: Mauricio Dubon.
History in Houston last night. 🇭🇳 pic.twitter.com/41XtQpZMYS
— MLB (@MLB) October 30, 2022
MLB had seen lots of players from several countries in the Americas star in a World Series: Canada, USA, Mexico, Nicaragua, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Aruba, Curacao, Venezuela, Colombia, and several others.
However, with Dubon entering the game in the late innings, it represented the first time a player born in Honduras to appear in a Fall Classic.
He, and his country, must be feeling happy and proud because he is now carrying the Honduran flag in the biggest and most important stage in professional baseball.
Dubon did not play in Game 1, which resulted in a Phillies 6-5 victory over Houston.
Making History For Honduras
However, he entered Game 2 to play center field in the top of the ninth frame, replacing Aledmys Diaz.
After hitting .214/.252/.313 with five home runs in 265 plate appearances during the regular season, it became clear that Dubon is not really an offensive threat.
That fact is also confirmed by his well-below average 58 wRC+ (the league average is 100).
However, he has a lot of value as a late-inning defensive replacement, as he can play second base, shortstop, third base, left field, center field, and right field while being above-average in all of them.
He is also speedy, making him a very nice bench piece to have despite his lack of offense.
Hopefully, Dubon’s appearance in the Fall Classic can help Honduran kids to fall in love with the game and increase the number of players from that country one day.
NEXT: Video Shows The Closeness Of The Astros