Jorge Soler and Dansby Swanson went back-to-back to give the Atlanta Braves a Game 4 lead over the Houston Astros.
The seventh-inning blasts could prove absolutely huge in the grand scheme of things, as a win by the Braves would give them a three games to one lead in the Fall Classic. Good luck overcoming that sort of disadvantage if you’re Houston.
After Swanson took Cristian Javier deep for the first run in the inning, Brian Snitker went with Jorge Soler as a pinch-hitter. Soler turned on a Javier pitch, lining it out to left field. Javier had been one of the more reliable pitchers in the Houston bullpen for Dusty Baker and Co.
Oh, how quickly things can turn.
Yordan Alvarez in left field came oh so close to making the catch, but the ball was lined at such a velocity the Astros had very little chance at a play.
Astros: Yordan Alvarez mistimed his jump
Had Alvarez timed his jump exactly right, there’s a chance he could’ve made the play. Heck, Baker is sure to catch some flack after the game, especially if the Astros win. He could’ve made a double-switch before the start of the inning.
Instead, Baker went with Alvarez for an extra inning just in case they needed his bat. Perhaps it’ll pay off in the grand scheme of things, but for now the Braves and Soler have the ultimate edge.