Braves Keep ‘Stros Offense At Bay, Win 6-2
Atlanta’s staff prevented Houston’s offense from stringing together multiple hits.
Ambush Offense
The visiting Braves wasted no time jumping on the Astros. Atlanta leadoff hitter Jorge Soler sent Framber Valdez’ offering into the seats beyond the left field wall. Later in the top half of the first inning, Austin Riley SMOKED an RBI-double into left-center. The double was the hardest recorded hit in Riley’s career; giving Atlanta a 2-0 advantage before Houston ever swung a bat.
Bad Luck Chuck
Postseason Ace Charlie Morton held Houston scoreless through 2.1 innings. He left the game early due to a fractured fibula from a hard-hit comebacker in the 2nd inning. That stud threw sixteen pitches & recorded three outs on that broken leg, with the last out being a strikeout of Jose Altuve. Charlie Morton will not return in this World Series.
In to replace Morton was Texas’ native son, AJ Minter. Minter threw a career-high 43 pitches while surrendering one earned run. His 2.2 innings were the bulk of the Braves staff Tuesday night. Minter would go on to be credited with the win.
Other pitchers that saw action were Luke Jackson, Tyler Matzek, & Will Smith handled the 9th inning duties.
Offenses Compared
Eddie Rosario, Jorge Soler, & Ozzie Albies paced the Atlanta offense with two hits apiece. Twelve hits in total for the offense with nine men left on base isn’t a favorable ratio, but Houston also left nine guys on.
The main reason Atlanta held the Astros to only two runs is the Braves pitching staff prevented them from stringing together multiple hits. Even with runners in scoring position, Houston only mustered one hit. Houston’s eight hits were all spread out over the nine innings, the biggest recipe for a Braves series win.