Welcome to the World Series, Rook.
This career minor leaguer was able to spark a team whose greatest stars took some time to shine. The Houston Astros won 7-2 against the Atlanta Braves Wednesday night, evening the Fall Classic at one.
Dusty Baker, Houston manager, said that it’s a long way from Triple-A and waiver wire to the World Series. “And he’s done it pretty well.”
Jose Altuve scored two runs, doubled early and homered late to make it a break at the plate. Siri’s aggressive play and speed caused havoc on the bases, which led to a fourth inning that saw the Astros end a five-game losing streak at home in the World Series.
This is the first Series win in Houston since the 13-12 win over the Dodgers in 10 inning Game 5 on Oct. 29, 2017.
Altuve scored a leadoff run and scored in the first innings before scoring a solo homer to end the game. The October-tested Astros defeated the suddenly inept Braves. Altuve’s 22nd postseason homer was tied with Bernie Williams (29), for the second-most.
Altuve stated that you can be 0-20. Altuve said, “But what if you get a big hit?” That’s the essence of playoffs.
Altuve and Siri ignited an offense that is still waiting for a big swing by Alex Bregman, Carlos Correa and ALCS MVP Yordan Avarez in this Series.
Jose Urquidy pitched five solid innings for the Astros to win their second consecutive World Series title. Houston’s bullpen, already so crucial this postseason, did the rest. Cristian Javier and Kendall Graveman, Phil Maton, Ryan Pressly, Kendall Graveman, and Phil Maton combined for one-hit baseball over four scoreless innings.
Urquidy, who was a rookie at the 2019 Fall Classic, said that he was “very focused”. It’s a wonderful feeling. It’s a wonderful feeling.
Atlanta hosts the best-of-7 series. Friday’s first game will be in Atlanta, where Ian Anderson will pitch for the Braves against Luis Garcia.
Atlanta’s Max Fried was thrown out by the Astros and he scored seven runs and drove in six more in just five innings.
After Kyle Tucker scored a one-out single in the second, the game was tied at 1. Yuli Gurriel’s single made it third. Siri, who made it to major leagues in September 2013, beat an infield single and scored Tucker. The Astros won.
Siri was the first player to make his debut in September or later, and he also drove in a run during that year’s World Series.
Siri, how does that make you feel?
Gurriel was scored by Martin Maldonado when Eddie Rosario hit a single to the left fielder.
The Braves, who are usually sound in all aspects, then misplayed everything. Rosario threw the ball to unoccupied third base, and it rolled into foul territory. Siri was able to make the correct call.
Brian Snitker, Atlanta manager, said that there are many baseball plays which don’t work the way you want. “We got caught in the middle a little bit.”
Siri stood at the plate, reveling in the spotlight.
He hollered “Vamos”, Spanish for “let’s go”, over and over again.
The 26-year old outfielder has been stuck in the minors since 2013. He is now a World Siri. He was best known for nearly knocking Baker, 72, to the ground during a celebration of a teammate’s postseason success.
He was in control of this moment.
Siri spoke through a translator, “I have never experienced fear,” “I am not afraid.”
Siri ran toward the dugout, and the crowd, which had been so quiet the night before, roared. As the Astros recovered their offensive power after Tuesday’s loss of 6-2, a fan on the lower deck held a sign that said: “Don’t poke the bear.”
After the play, the Braves visited the mound to regroup. But Fried soon after threw a wild pitch to send Maldonado third. Two outs later, Michael Brantley singled and pumped his fist to send another run home.
Urquidy allowed six hits and two runs, while striking out seven batters and walking none. He was trying to rebound from the clunker in Game 3 (AL Championship Series), when he gave up five runs and only five outs against Boston.
Altuve’s leadoff two-run double was enough to get the Astros moving, a night after the Astros’ star second baseman went just 0 for 5. After scoring on Bregman’s sacrifice fly, Altuve advanced to third base on a Brantley fly ball.
Urquidy started much better than his teammate FramberValdez in Game 1. After Jorge Soler’s leadoff homer on Tuesday, it was a disappointing start for Urquidy.
Urquidy struck out the first two batters, before allowing Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies consecutive singles. Soler came to the plate and avoided the first-inning troubles Valdez was in when he struck out the designated hitter.
Atlanta’s Travis d’Arnaud scored in the second for a tie at 1-all. Dansby Swanson walked, but Gurriel threw Rosario’s ball to first base.
Freddie Freeman’s RBI single in the fifth cut the lead to 5-2.
“Obviously you want to win two. Snitker stated that if you can get out of this with a split, it’s a good thing to go home.
UP NEXT
Garcia pitched no-hit ball to the sixth inning in his last game in Game 6 of ALCS to lead the Astros towards the win.
Anderson gave up one run in the sixth inning of Game 6 of NLCS.
