The Atlanta Braves' Ian Anderson, a starter for the Braves, stole the show in Game 3 of the 2021 International Series. He pitched five no-hit innings against Houston Astros. The Braves won and led the series 2-1.
Although the decision of the Braves to send Anderson to the bullpen during Anderson's no-hitter was controversial, Brian Snitker, Atlanta manager, stated that it was not the analytics that made Anderson feel like he shouldn't be facing the Houston top ten.
This Game 4 pitching matchup will be one of the most unique in a World Series game. Braves pitcher Dylan Lee is the least experienced and anonymous starter to ever start a World Series game. Lee was only able to score four runs and was eventually pulled.
Zack Greinke is on the opposite side, leading active pitchers in innings pitched. Greinke was only in the ALCS for four innings and did not make it to the end. He threw 37 pitches, with no swings or misses.
Let's see where each manager takes us. Both sides can expect plenty of bullpen innings.
Guts? What about numbers? Do you want more wine? Which one will win? These are the top moments from Game 4
Altuve does it again
The Astros are now 2-0 after Jose Altuve's 23rd career postseason run. This puts him ahead of Bernie Williams, who is second on the all time postseason list behind Manny Ramirez with 29. It was his longest home run to center field at 434 feet. His 35 previous home runs, including the postseason's, had all gone to left field or left center. One went to right field.
Let's wait and see what Altuve's organist does next time he steps up to the plate. Last night, it was "It’s a Small World." It was "I'm a Little Teapot" last night. It's not so funny when the little guy rams one over the fence.
Keep things close
Amazing sequence in the third that sees the Braves escape another base-loaded jam with no damage. The Braves intentionally walked Yuli Gurriel (the AL batting champ) to make Kyle Wright face him. Zack Greinke was the 8th hitter, batting ahead of Martin Maldonado. Greinke walked in his first at bat and is considered one of the top hitting pitchers in baseball. However, he only batted twice during the regular season. This is a great chance to score runs, but you will need seven innings from your bullpen if Greinke is pulled. Greinke, on the other hand hasn't been pitching well since mid August. Dusty Baker allowed Greinke to hit, and Greinke was unable to score. We'll wait to see if this is the right move.
We'll wait to see if this is the right decision.
It was a rough start for the rookie
The Braves could have done worse. Dylan Lee, a rookie southpaw, faced four batters. He gave up an infield single. The two left-handed batters that he faced were walked by Lee. Kyle Wright then came on with bases loaded and one out. Carlos Correa scored an RBI groundout. Kyle Tucker was struck out on a 96-mph fastball in the zone. Tucker probably would like to try another fastball down the middle, but he failed to do so. The Braves took a risk by starting a pitcher who had only 4.2 innings of major league experience, even though they were hoping to get just one inning. Snitker was fortunate to be able to score 1-0, rather than 3-0. Both of these pitchers were not on the original Braves playoff roster in the NLDS.
Atlanta can rest easily
Joc Pederson's pearl necklace has been the accessory of choice for the Braves postseason. The necklace was first noticed by Pederson in October, when he hit a three-run homer against the Milwaukee Brewers to win Game 3 of the NLDS.
Pederson stated that she takes them off while sleeping on October 11. They were purchased through my jeweler. They are real pearls, and they have been authenticated by my jeweler.
The necklace fell apart in Game 3 of World Series. Stephanie Apstein from Sports Illustrated reported on Pederson's replacement.
And to the relief of the superstitious, Pederson has his pearls ready for Game 4.
Fans of the Braves, take heart! The pearl necklace is now available! #WorldSeries pic.twitter.com/KM1IuffAzU Marly Rivera (@MarlyRiveraESPN) October 30, 2021
Greinke in great company
The pitcher bats in the National League park. Greinke will be batting eighth in the lineup ahead of Martin Maldonado, the catcher. Greinke will be in rare company with that spot in the lineup.
Zack Greinke is the second pitcher to reach the top 9 in the lineup of the #WorldSeries.
Babe Ruth in 1918 (Game 4) is the other, who came 6th.
h/t: @SlangsOnSports pic.twitter.com/GqYP3McMmJ MLB Stats (@MLBStats) October 30, 2021
Greinke had only two at-bats in this season. He is a career-.225 hitter.
Pregame looks
