In Game Seven of the American League Championship Series, Houston Astros manager A.J. Hinch called on Lance McCullers in the sixth inning to relieve starter Charlie Morton. In his four inning outing, McCullers threw his curveball over 75% of the time, and finished the game with 28 straight breaking balls. He completely shut down a potent Yankees lineup and paved the way for the Astros second World Series appearance.
McCullers is known to have a limited repertoire—a 94 mph fastball, a good changeup, and that tight bender—but he’s not unique on the Astros.