Matt Mathias

Sports Editor

mcm5909@psu.edu

The Atlanta Braves are one game away from winning the 2021 MLB World Series as they lead against the Houston Astros, three games to two. In this best of seven matchup, game six will be played in Houston, Texas on November 2. 

In game five, the Astros’ bullpen dominated. All but one of the Braves’ runs came off of Houston starting pitcher Framber Valdez, who was pulled from the outing one out before the third inning began. From there, the Braves blew a 4-0 lead as the Astros came battling back off the back of shortstop Carlos Correa and his three hits, bringing in two RBI’s. Martin Maldonado only had one hit in the game, but he was able to bring three runs on the night. Phil Maton and Kendall Graveman both gave the Astros two solid innings, shutting out the bats of the Braves.

Braves center fielder Adam Duvall crushed a grand slam into right field early in the game, but this was the most scoring that the ball club would see on the night. First baseman Freddie Freeman also contributed a solo home run in the third inning, which measured out to be 460 feet in distance. This homer was the longest of Freeman’s career in the MLB, but his personal achievement still only counts as one run regardless of the distance.

Even though Atlanta still leads the series three games to two, there is cause for concern for the Braves. To begin with, they have to play on the road against a team whose fanbase is sure to make the match an extremely difficult one. On top of that, according to CBS sports, teams that are up in the series 3-2 have won game six only 28,6 percent of the time. With that being said, it is very possible that the series could go the distance and see a full slate of seven games being played. On the other hand, there very well may be a champion crowned Tuesday night if the Braves can overcome the odds.