(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Highlights
Game 3 of The World Series is one of the most important, as it is in every other major American sport. Today wasn’t any different with the Braves & Astros both eager to see what their starters would give them on the mound. With a combination of injuries and a lack of quality starters, both teams needed length from their Game 3 starters, with the possibility of a “Bullpen” game in Games 4 & 5.
Bottom of the 3rd: The first run of the game was scored by the Braves after NLCS MVP Eddie Rosario walked vs Garcia. Freeman then hit a single to left-center the next at-bat, moving Rosario over the 2B. Austin Riley got an RBI double past Astros 3B Alex Bregman down the LF line, with Rosario scoring to put the Braves up 1-0.
5th - 7th Inning: Through 5, Ian Anderson did not allow a hit vs Houston & did not allow a run. After 5 strong, Anderson handed it over to the bullpen with A.J. Minter entering the game in the 6th, striking out 2 & holding Houston hitless as well. Luke Jackson was given the reigns after Minter & worked a 1-2-3 inning to head into the 8th.
8th - 9th Inning:
In the Top Half of the 8th, Tyler Matzek was called upon in place of Luke Jackson. Houston’s Aledmys Diaz was subbed in for Martin Maldonado to pinch hit & face Matzek. Diaz hit singled on a fly ball to Eddie Rosario in left to break up the no-hitter. Afterwards, the Astros got a bit of traction going on offense with runners on but ultimately fell short popping up to Austin Riley to end the Top of the 8th.
What looked like a quick 1-2-3 Bottom of the 8th, quickly turned into the Travis d’Arnaud show with a solo shot to put Atlanta up 2-0.
Top of the 9th: Will Smith records his 5th save of the 2021 postseason, shutting down the Astros & securing a Game 3 Victory for Atlanta.
FINAL SCORE: ATL 2 / HOU 0
ATL Leads Series 2-1
Highlights & Notes from Innings 1-5 via Matthew Hamilton
Highlights & Notes from Innings 6-9 via Jonathon Cano