USA Today via Reuters
Oct 31, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; (From left to right) Atlanta Braves center fielder Adam Duvall, starting pitcher Ian Anderson (36), right fielder Joc Pederson (22), third baseman Austin Riley (27), and shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) in the dugout during the ninth inning of game five of the 2021 World Series against the Houston Astros at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 31, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; (From left to right) Atlanta Braves center fielder Adam Duvall, starting pitcher Ian Anderson (36), right fielder Joc Pederson (22), third baseman Austin Riley (27), and shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) in the dugout during the ninth inning of game five of the 2021 World Series against the Houston Astros at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
The Atlanta Braves entered Game 5 of the World Series needing just one win to clinch their first title in 26 years. The air in the Truist Park brimmed with excitement as fans believed they would see the NL Pennant winners script history at home.
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In fact, they even arranged all the props needed to celebrate their victory over the Houston Astros. However, the AL Pennant winners had different ideas as they stayed alive in the World Series with a 9-5 victory over the Braves.
Houston Astros crash Atlanta Braves party with Game 5 victory
Adam Duvall set the ball rolling for the Braves in the bottom of the first inning. With all bases loaded, the 33-year-old smashed a 95mph pitch off Framber Valdez to score a Grand Slam, giving the Braves a 4-0 lead.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 31, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Adam Duvall (14) celebrates a grand slam home run against the Houston Astros during the first inning of game five of the 2021 World Series at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
The Astros then tied the game through four RBIs in the space of two innings. Freddie Freeman smashed a solo home run in the bottom of the third inning to give the Braves a 5-4 lead and renewed hope of sealing the World Series. Games 3 and 4 saw the Braves win by narrow margins, which made many believe they would repeat that yesterday.
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In fact, the NL Pennant winners prepared to celebrate beforehand, with champagne and beer cases in tow. However, the Astros crashed any hopes the Braves had of a celebration party at home, as they turned the game around.
The champagne and beer remains on hold pic.twitter.com/ffISc3pxQp
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 1, 2021
They scored three runs in the top of the fifth inning, before adding one each in the seventh and eighth innings. This gave the Astros a crucial victory as they lived to fight another day in the World Series.
Can the Braves clinch the World Series in Game 6?
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While the Astros need to win Game 6 to tie the best-of-seven series, the Braves remain a win away from securing their fourth World Series title.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 31, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Adam Duvall (14) celebrates a grand slam home run against the Houston Astros during the first inning of game five of the 2021 World Series at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
However, they could face a tough time in the Minute Maid Park in Game 6 this Tuesday. With the Astros carrying fresh confidence following their Game 5 victory, they will produce another strong performance in a do-or-die situation. But the Braves are no pushovers and with the position they are in, expect manager Brian Snitker to tweak his tactics in order to script history.
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So whom are you going to cheer for? Help us know in the comments below.
