Three-time Astros All-Star and 2005 NLCS MVP Roy Oswalt threw the ceremonial first pitch. Hoping to even the series before returning home, Cleveland struck first and took a 1–0 lead in the top of the third inning, on a home run by Francisco Lindor. In the bottom of the sixth, an infield single and walk followed by a Marwin González double gave Houston a 2–1 lead. A home run by Alex Bregman in the seventh inning extended Houston's lead to 3–1. With two outs in the top of the ninth inning, a walk to Edwin Encarnación brought Josh Donaldson to the plate as the tying run, but closer Roberto Osuna got him to fly out, securing Game 2 for the Astros. Houston starter Gerrit Cole struck out 12 and allowed just one run in seven innings for the win, while Indians starter Carlos Carrasco gave up six hits and two runs in innings and took the loss. Cole became only the second pitcher in playoff history to strikeout at least 12 batters without allowing a walk, following Tom Seaver's 13 strikeout-no walk performance in the 1973 NLCS. Osuna recorded a four-out save for his third career postseason save, and first with the Astros.