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An ‘Inspired’ Pitcher Leaves His Previous Failures Behind

Houston’s Framber Valdez flamed out in last year’s World Series but he learned from those mistakes and dominated the Phillies in a crucial Game 2 win.

Houston’s Framber Valdez was all smiles when Manager Dusty Baker came to the mound to remove him in the seventh inning on Saturday. Valdez had finally found World Series success.Credit...Annie Mulligan for The New York Times

HOUSTON — The pitcher is the initiator, the one who dictates the action. That is the job description, at least. There is no guidebook for those harrowing nights as a driver on a steep and craggy slope, all downhill with no brakes and no clue.