ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 29: Joc Pederson #22 and Will Smith #51 of the Atlanta Braves celebrate the team’s 2-0 win against the Houston Astros in Game Three of the World Series at Truist Park on October 29, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Michael Zarrilli/Getty Images)
Atlanta Braves fans were ready to celebrate a World Series win more than anyone, as they’ve been waiting for 22 years.
The Houston Astros are the No. 1 offense in baseball, but they were the exact opposite on Friday night.
Ian Anderson threw five no-hit innings, and earned a quick hook by Brian Snitker. Baseball fans immediately questioned Snitker, and rightly so, as it’s been just one year since Rays manager Kevin Cash pulled Blake Snell far too early.
Anderson threw less than 80 pitches, but the Braves trusted their bullpen. Atlanta shut down the Astros opposition well beyond Houston’s third time through the lineup. They gave up just two hits and earned a game 3 victory.
Smith isn’t exactly shut-down, but the Braves closer earned the save with a flyout to end the game.
Braves: Brian Snitker still in a pickle moving forward
Snitker believes in his bullpen, and he better hope he’s proven right moving forward. Atlanta will have to rely heavily on their armbarn (lol) moving forward.
Charlie Morton went down in Game 1 with a broken fibula, putting the Braves’ bullpen in jeopardy early. Thankfully, Max Fried gave them a bit of a break on Wednesday, and Anderson followed suit on Friday night.
When is Game 4 of the World Series?
Game 4 is on Saturday night at 8:09 p.m. ET in Atlanta. By stealing a game in Houston and winning the first contest in Atlanta, the Braves have a chance to take a commanding 3-1 lead. Doing so against an experienced Houston team will be easier said than done, however.
Expect Truist Park to be pack — and loud as ever — on Saturday night.