Live-Blogging Shish on Baseball: 2021 World Series Game 4-Houston Astros at Atlanta Braves

2021 World Series Game 4: Houston Astros at Atlanta Braves

​Hello, and welcome to another edition of ‘Live-Blogging Shish on Baseball’. Tonight, it is Game 4 of the 2021 World Series, between Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves.
 
Braves took Games 1 & 3, while Astros took Game 2.


Although up 2-1, Braves still feel depleted with their pitching staff, as they don’t have Charlie Morton after breaking his leg in Game 1. While Max Fried didn’t have it in Game 2. But Ian Anderson and the Bullpen pitched a combined 2-hitter in Game 3. Now, they are going to Games 4 & 5 with back-to-back Bullpen games, hoping at-worst they get the ball to Max Fried and Ian Anderson for Games 6 & 7.
 
For the Astros, they are trying to get out of their hitting woes. Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, Carlos Correa are hitting the interstate (.100’s). Houston would like to get those three right-handed hitting middle infielders going in Game 4.
 
What the Astros do have for pitching tonight, is right-hander Zack Greinke. Greinke comes in with a strikeout/walk ratio of 0.33, a pitches/plate appearance of 3.87, and groundout/airout 7.00.
 
He will go against left-hander Dylan Lee as the Braves’ Opener. Lee comes in with no K/BB ratio, 4.25 P/PA, and 0.50 GO/AO.
 
It is Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves in Game 4 of the 2021 World Series, coming up shortly.
 
 
Starting Lineups:
Houston Astros:

1. Jose Altuve, 2B
2. Michael Brantley, RF
3. Alex Bregman, 3B
4. Yordan Alvarez, LF
5. Carlos Correa, SS
6. Kyle Tucker, CF
7. Yuli Gurriel, 1B
8. Zack Greinke, P
9. Martín Maldonado, C

 
Atlanta Braves:

1. Eddie Rosario, LF
2. Freddie Freeman, 1B
3. Ozzie Albies, 2B
4. Austin Riley, 3B
5. Joc Pederson, RF
   
6. Travis d’Arnaud, C
7. Adam Duvall, CF
8. Dansby Swanson, SS
9. Dylan Lee, P

Astros are in their traveling gray uniforms, navy caps with orange star and white 'H' on the hat. While Braves are in their home white uniforms, navy and red caps, with a white 'A' on the hat.

Top of 1st Inning:
Due Up:
1. Altuve
2. Brantley
3. Bregman
Dylan Lee (LHP) is the opening pitcher for the Atlanta Braves.
​Texiera Becomes Oldest 1st Ever UFC Champion in UFC 267 at Fight Island 
​First PItch around 7:13 pm CDT.
Altuve hits a lead-off infield single to shortstop (1 pitch). Runner on 1st.
Kyle Wright (RHP) warming up in Braves Bullpen.
Brantley draws a base on balls (5 pitches). Altuve moves to 2nd. Runners on 1st & 2nd.
Bregman strikes out on a foul tip caught by d'Arnaud (5 pitches). 1 out.
Alvarez draws a bases loaded walk (4 pitches). 
PITCHING CHANGE: Kyle Wright (RHP) replaces Dylan Lee, as Braves Pitcher. Bases Loaded. 1 out. HOU 0, ATL 0
Correa hits an RBI-Groundout to Riley (6 pitches). Altuve scores. Brantley and Alvarez move 90 feet. 2 outs. Runners on 2nd & 3rd. HOU 1, ATL 0
Tucker strikes out swinging (6 pitches). 3 outs.
Astros scored a run, but strand a pair of base runners.

Middle of 1st Inning:
HOU 1, ATL 0

Bottom of 1st Inning:
Due Up:
1. Rosario
2. Freeman
3. Albies
Zack Greinke (RHP) now starting as Houston Astros Pitcher.
​Rosario flies out to Tucker (2 pitches). 1 out.
Freeman singles to center field (2 pitches). Runner on 1st.
Albies strikes out swinging (7 pitches). 2 outs.
Riley lines out to Tucker (6 pitches). 3 outs.
Braves strand a base runner.

End of 1st Inning:
HOU 1, ATL 0

Top of 2nd Inning:
Due Up:
7. Gurriel
8. Greinke
9. Maldonado
Wright currently at 12 pitches.
​Gurriel grounds out to Freeman (4 pitches). Freeman to Wright. 1 out.
Greinke singles to center field (2 pitches). Runner on 1st.
Maldonado singles to right field (2 pitches). Greinke advances to 2nd. Runners on 1st & 2nd.
Altuve lines out to Riley (2 pitches). 2 outs.
Brantley grounds out to Albies (2 pitches). 3 outs.
Astros strand another pair of base runners.

Middle of 2nd Inning:
HOU 1, ATL 0

Bottom of 2nd Inning:
Due Up:
5. Pederson
6. d'Arnaud
7. Duvall
Greinke currently at 17 pitches.
​Pederson grounds out to Correa (4 pitches). 1 out.
d'Arnaud gets called out on strikes (4 pitches). 2 outs.
Duvall hits a 2-out single to left field (4 pitches). Runner on 1st.
Swanson lines out to Alvarez (2 pitches). 3 outs.
Braves strand a base runner.

End of 2nd Inning:
HOU 1, ATL 0

Top of 3rd Inning:
Due Up:
3. Bregman, 0-1
4. Alvarez, 0-0
5. Correa, 0-0, RBI
Wright currently at 22 pitches.
Bregman flies out to Albies (3 pitches). 1 out.
Alvarez draws a base on balls (6 pitches). Runner on 1st.
Correa singles to left field (1 pitch). Alvarez moves to 2nd. Runners on 1st & 2nd.
Tucker reaches on a 4-6 fielder's choice (4 pitches). Correa is out at 2nd. Alvarez moves to 3rd. Runners on 1st & 3rd.
Braves elect to intentionally pass on Gurriel (2 pitches). Bases Loaded.
Greinke grounds out to Albies (1 pitch). 3 outs.
Astros strand the bases loaded.


Middle of 3rd Inning:
HOU 1, ATL 0

Bottom of 3rd Inning:
Due Up:
9. Wright
1. Rosario, 0-1
2. Freeman, 1-1
Greink currently at 31 pitches.
​Wright strikes out swinging (4 pitches). 1 out.
Rosario singles to center field (3 pitches). Runner on 1st.
DOUBLE PLAY: Freeman grounds into 4-6-3 double play (5 pitches). 3 outs.

End of 3rd Inning:
HOU 1, ATL 0

Top of 4th Inning:
Due Up:
9. Maldonado, 1-1
1. Altuve, 1-2
2. Brantley, 0-1
Wright currently at 41 pitches.
​Maldonado grounds out to Swanson (5 pitches). 1 out.
HOME RUN: Jose Altuve hits a solo home run off Kyle Wright (2 pitches). HOU 2, ATL 0
​Brantley grounds out to Freeman, unassisted (2 pitches). 2 outs.
Bregman strikes out swinging (4 pitches). 3 outs.
Astros get a run, off the solo homer by Jose Altuve.

Middle of 4th Inning:
HOU 2, ATL 0

Bottom of 4th Inning:
Due Up:
3. Albies, 0-1
4. Riley, 0-1
5. Pederson, 0-1
Greinke currently at 43 pitches.
​Albies grounds out to Correa (5 pitches). 1 out.
Riley singles to center field (7 pitches). Runner on 1st.
ASTROS MOUND VISIT #1: MVR: HOU 4, ATL 4
Ryne Stanek (RHP) warming up in Astros Bullpen.
DOUBLE PLAY: Pederson grounds into 4-6-3 double play (3 pitches). 3 outs.

End of 4th Inning:
HOU 2, ATL 0

Top of 5th Inning:
Due Up:
4. Alvarez, 0-0
5. Correa, 1-2, RBI
6. Tucker, 0-2
Wright currently at 54 pitches.
​Alvarez strikes out swinging (6 pitches). 1 out.
Correa grounds out to Swanson (2 pitches). 2 outs.
Tucker hits a 2-out single to right center field (6 pitches). Runner on 1st.
STOLEN BASE: With Gurriel at-bat, Tucker steals 2nd Base. Tucker reaches on a throwing error by d'Arnaud on the play at second. 
Chris Martin (RHP) warming up in Braves Bullpen.
Braves elect to intentionally pass on Gurriel (2 pitches). Runners on 1st & 3rd.
BRAVES MOUND VISIT #2: MVR: HOU 4, ATL 3
PINCH-HITTING: Marwin Gonzalez pinch-hitting for Zack Greinke.
Gonzalez flies out to Rosario (5 pitches). 3 outs.
Astros strand another pair of base runners.

Middle of 5th Inning:
HOU 2, ATL 0

Bottom of 5th Inning:
Due Up;
6. d'Arnaud, 0-1
7. Duvall, 1-1
8. Swanson, 0-1
PITCHING CHANGE: Ryne Stanek (RHP) replaces Zack Greinke, as Houston Astros Pitcher.
d'Arnaud grounds out to Altuve (5 pitches). 1 out.
Brooks Raley (LHP) warming up in Astros Bullpen.
Chris Martin (RHP) warming up in Braves Bullpen.
Duvall flies out to Alvarez (5 pitches). 2 outs.
Swanson gets called out on strikes (5 pitches). 3 outs.
Braves go down 1-2-3, in their half of 5th Inning.


End of 5th Inning:
HOU 2, ATL 0

Top of 6th Inning:
Due Up:
9. Maldonado, 1-2
1. Altuve, 0-2
2. Brantley, 0-2
The Game is paused for MLB/MasterCard's Stand Up To Cancer
PITCHING CHANGE: Chris Martin (RHP) replaces Kyle Wright, as Braves Pitcher.
Maldonado lines out to Albies (1 pitch). 1 out.
Altuve gets called out on strikes (5 pitches). 2 outs.
Brantley hits a 2-out single to center field (2 pitches). Runner on 1st.
Correa grounds into 6-4 fielder's choice (1 pitch). 3 outs.
Astros strand a base runner.


Middle of 6th Inning:
HOU 2, ATL 0

Bottom of 6th Inning:
Due Up:
9. Martin?
1. Rosario, 1-2
2. Freeman, 1-2
​PITCHING CHANGE: Brooks Raley (LHP) replaces Ryne Stanek, as Houston Astros Pitcher.
PINCH-HITTING: Orlando Arcia pinch-hitting for Chris Martin.
Arcia lines out to Brantley (1 pitch). 1 out.
Phil Maton (RHP) warming up in Astros Bullpen.
Rosario doubles to right field (5 pitches). Runner on 2nd.
ASTROS MOUND VISIT #2: MVR: HOU 3, ATL 3
Tyler Matzek and Drew Smyly (Both LHPs) warming up in Braves Bullpen.
Freeman draws a base on balls (7 pitches). Runners on 1st & 2nd.
PITCHING CHANGE: Phil Maton (RHP) replaces Brooks Raley, as Houston Astros Pitcher. HOU 2, ATL 0
​Albies strikes out swinging (7 pitches). 2 outs.
RBI-SINGLE: Riley hits an RBI-Single to left field (5 Pitches). Rosario scores. Freeman advances to 3rd. Riley safe at second on the play at home. HOU 2, ATL 1
Astros elect to intentionally pass on Joc Pederson.
d'Arnaud gets called out on strikes (5 pitches). 3 outs.
Braves got a run, but strand the bases loaded.

End of 6th Inning:
HOU 2, ATL 1

Top of 7th Inning:
Due Up:
4. Alvarez, 0-1
5. Correa, 1-3
6. Tucker, 1-3
PITCHING CHANGE: Tyler Matzek (LHP) replaces Chris Martin, as Braves Pitcher.
​Alvarez grounds out to Swanson (4 pitches). 1 out.
Correa grounds out to Riley (3 pitches). 2 outs.
Tucker hits a 2-out single to left field (1 pitch). Runner on 1st.
Gurriel flies out to Pederson (3 pitches). 3 outs.
Astros strand a base runner.

Middle of 7th Inning:
HOU 2, ATL 0

Bottom of 7th Inning:
7. Duvall, 1-2
8. Swanson, 0-2
9. Matzek?
​PITCHING CHANGE: Cristian Javier (RHP) replaces Phil Maton, as Houston Astros Pitcher.
Duvall strikes out swinging (4 pitches). 1 out.
Ryan Pressly (RHP) warming up in Astros Bullpen.
HOME RUN: Swanson hits a solo home run off Cristian Javier (5 pitches). HOU 2, ATL 2
ASTROS MOUND VISIT #3: MVR: HOU 2, ATL 3
Luke Jackson (RHP) warming up in Braves Bullpen.
PINCH-HITTING: Jorge Soler pinch-hitting for Tyler Matzek. 
HOME RUN: Soler hits a solo home run, to give the Braves the lead (4 pitches). HOU 2, ATL 3
​DOUBLE SWITCH: Ryan Pressly (RHP) replaces Cristian Javier, as Houston Astros Pitcher. Pressly will bat 7th in Houston's Lineup. While Aledmys Diaz replaces Yuli Gurriel at first base. Diaz will bat 8th in Astros Lineup.
Rosario strikes out swinging (4 pitches). 2 outs.
Freeman strikes out swinging (4 pitches). 3 outs.


End of 7th Inning:
HOU 2, ATL 3

Top of 8th Inning:
Due Up:
8. Diaz
9. Maldonado, 1-3
1. Altuve, 2-4, HR, RBI
PITCHING CHANGE: Luke Jackson (RHP) replaces Tyler Matzek, as Braves Pitcher.
​A.J. Minter (LHP) warming up in Braves Bullpen.
Diaz lines out to Rosario (10 pitches). 1 out.
Maldonado strikes out swinging (6 pitches). 2 outs.
Altuve flies out to a running Rosario (1 pitch). 3 outs.


Due Up:
3. Albies, 0-3
4. Riley, 2-3, RBI
5. Pederson, 0-2
Pressly currently at 8 pitches.
Will M. Smith (LHP) warming up in Braves Bullpen.
Albies draws a lead-off walk (6 pitches). Runner on 1st.
Yimi Garcia (RHP) warming up in Astros Bullpen.
Riley strikes out swinging (5 pitches). 1 out.
Pederson gets hit by a pitch (7 pitches). Albies moves to 2nd. Runners on 1st & 2nd.
PINCH-RUNNING: Guillermo Heredia pinch-running for Joc Pederson. Heredia will probably stay in the game, to play the outfield.
d'Arnaud strikes out swinging (5 pitches). 2 outs.
Duvall pops out to Bregman (2 pitches). 3 outs.

End of 8th Inning:
HOU 2, ATL 3

Top of 9th Inning:
Due Up:
2. Brantley, 1-3
3. Bregman, 0-4
4. Alvarez, 0-2
PITCHING CHANGE: Will M. Smith (LHP) replaces Luke Jackson, as Braves Pitcher.
​Brantley gets called out on strikes (8 pitches). 1 out.
Bregman pops out to Albies (1 pitch). 2 outs.
Alvarez grounds out to Freeman, unassisted (6 pitches). 3 outs.
Astros go down 1-2-3, to end Game 4.

Final:
HOU 2, ATL 3
ATL leads 2021 World Series 3-1.
W: Matzek (1-0)
L: Javier (0-1)
SV: W.M. Smith (2)
PoG: Swanson & Soler (ATL) Back-to-Back HRs in Bottom of 7th Inning off Cristian Javier.
ToG: 3:45

Final Thoughts:
Braves came back from 2 runs down. And got back-to-back homers by Dansby Swanson and Jorge Soler. For the Astros, the Braves Bullpen bewildered the vaunted lineup. As Houston went 0-8 with RISP and stranded 11 base runners.

With the win, Braves are one win away from capturing their first World Series since 1995. 

Same two teams tomorrow. Astros will start Game 1 starter Framber Valdez. While Braves is expected to have another bullpen game, for their 1st chance of winning the World Series.

This is Paul Shishkoff, Junior. This has been 'Live-Blogging Shish on Baseball'. Thanks for visiting this page.