The Braves and the Astros are going to meet in the 2021 World Series. The Braves defeated the Dodgers in the NLCS and the Astros beat the Red Sox in the ALCS. The Braves are back in the World Series for the first time since 1999 and the Astros moved to the American League in 2013. Hence, it’s the first time to see these two teams play in the Fall Classic and the 2021 World Series shall be very entertaining to watch. First of all, let’s look at their hitting performance this postseason.
The Braves and the Astros each played 10 games so far in the postseason. The Astros scored 67 runs in these 10 games and the Braves 40 runs. Additionally, the Astros have a .281 batting average and the Braves are hitting .250. The Astros seem to be a good hitting team this postseason. In the Astros lineup, Yordan Alvarez, who became the fourth Cuban-born player to be named LCS MVP, hits .441/.535/.794 with 2 home runs and 9 RBI by far this postseason. Additionally, Kyle Tucker has crushed 4 home runs and collected 15 RBI. Moreover, Jose Altuve has 3 home runs in the postseason so far and don’t forget Carlos Correa and Alex Bregman, they each have 1 home run and 5 RBI. Furthermore, Yuli Gurriel and Michael Brantley each collect 8 RBI so far and own an over .300 batting average in the playoffs.
The Braves starters ate 44 innings in 10 games this postseason and the Astros starters tossed 38 innings so far. The Braves starters got the job done with a 3.27 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP. Meanwhile, the Astros starters owned a 5.92 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP. Charlie Morton, Max Fried and Ian Anderson each already made 3 starts for the Braves this postseason and they will take the responsibility for silencing the Astros lineup.
Moreover, Luis Garcia and Framber Valdez each made 3 starts for the Astros this postseason. Garcia only tossed fewer than 3 innings in his first two starts in the 2021 postseason. However, he was outstanding in Game 6 of the ALCS, giving up only 1 hit in 5.2 innings. At the same time, Framber Valdez didn’t reach 5 innings in his first two starts this postseason. Nonetheless, Valdez was dominant in Game 5 of the ALCS, giving up only one run in 8 innings. The Astros will rely on these two pitchers since Lance McCullers Jr., who made two starts for the Astros this postseason, probably won’t be able to pitch in the World Series.
Finally, let’s look at the bullpens.
By far, the Astros’ relievers threw more innings than the Braves’ relief pitchers did in the postseason. In the Astros bullpen, Ryne Stanek tossed 6.2 innings over 8 games and Phil Maton also tossed 6.2 innings. They each posted a 1.35 ERA and an under 1 WHIP. Furthermore, Ryan Pressly and Kendall Graveman each made 6 relief appearances in the playoffs with an under 2 ERA. These four relievers each gave up just 1 run this postseason. They will be important to hold the Braves’ lineup.
In the meantime, the Braves’ relievers posted a 3.56 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP in the playoffs. In the Braves' bullpen, Tyler Matzek made 9 relief appearances and he tossed 10.1 innings with a 1.74 ERA and a 0.77 WHIP. He’s very solid in the postseason thus far. It will be important for him to stay fresh. Additionally, Will Smith, Jesse Chavez or A.J. Minter hasn't given up a run yet. Against the dangerous Houston’s lineup, can the Braves’ bullpen silence them?
The Astros have been hitting well this postseason and the Braves pitching staff were able to stop the 106-win Dodgers. In the World Series, it will be worth noticing whether the Astros batters will stay hot or the Braves pitchers can get the job done. Moreover, will two LCS MVPs Eddie Rosario and Yordan Alvarez keep doing damage in the Fall Classic? Who will be the hero this October?
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