Brandon Ellsworth
Sports Editor
Last night the Atlanta Braves became World Series champions for the first time since 1995 when they beat the Cleveland Indians. The final score from last night’s game was 7-0, as the Braves put a beat down on the Houston Astros. To get the offense started for the Braves, outfielder Jorge Soler launched a 446 foot 3 run blast to left field. This was Soler’s third home run during this series, he was later announced as the World Series MVP, which is deservable so. In the top of the 5th inning the Georgia native and former #1 overall pick Dansby Swanson crushed a no-doubt 2 run home run to put the Braves up 5. To cap it off for the Braves the 12 year pro Freddie Freeman sends a bomb to dead center field to increase the lead to 7. There was little to no offense from the Astros throughout the game as they were only able to get one base runner to third base the whole entire game. Pitching for the Astros was Luis Garcia who in the American League Championship, threw an absolute gem. This time around he wasn’t even able to make it out of the 3rd inning, lasting 2 and 2/3rds of the game. On the other side Max Fried was simply dominant. Throwing for 6 innings of shutout baseball, striking out six and only allowing four hits. In a close out game for the Braves this team was ready to win and their play last night was on full display.
The Braves weren’t even projected to make the playoffs let alone win the World Series. A team that at the all star break was below .500 and 3rd in the NL East standings. Earlier in the season the Braves lost their star All Star outfielder in Ronald Acuna Jr. back in July, Mike Soroka re-injured his achilles tendon and Marcell Ozuna was unavailable after a domestic violence charge. All hope was lost for the Braves fanbase. But, general manager Alex Anthopoulos was poised to retune the injured Braves. With some key acquisitions at the trade deadline, through players like Eddie Rosario, Joc Pederson, Jorge Soler and National League home run leader Adam Duvall the Braves had hopes to get back in the playoff hunt. After the break the Braves went on to rattle off 16 of 18 games to blow past the collapsing New York Mets and an average Philadelphia Phillies team. Taking over sole possession of 1st place in the National League East, and heading to the playoffs. This team would go on to beat the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS and cruise past the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS. Before gearing up to dominate the Houston Astros in the World Series. As the MLB season comes to an end, teams are now looking to the Winter Meetings and scouting possible free agent additions. Will the Braves look to keep their core from this year’s World Series and try for another run in 2022? Or will another team look to capture the crown and become the next World Series Champions?
