(Atlanta) Dansby Swanson and Jorge Soler hit back-to-back homers in the seventh and the Atlanta Braves defeated the Houston Astros 3-2 on Saturday, taking control 3-1 in the World Series.
With the Braves down 2-1, Swanson and Soler slammed solo home runs against Cristian Javier.
Soler lifted the crowd with a four-base hit as a substitute hitter.
Earlier, Jose Altuve hit a home run after scoring the Astros’ first point.
Altuve started the game with an infield single. He crossed plate four hitters later, on an option from Carlos Correa.
Altuve added a long ball in the fourth.
Austin Riley chipped in in the sixth, hitting a single run.
Eddie Rosario did his part with a brilliant wrestling to close left field in the eighth, at Altuve’s expense.
Will Smith earned a second save in two nights. The last out was a putt down from Yordan Alvarez.
The Braves are undefeated in seven home games in the current playoffs, which tied a major league baseball record.
Game 5 is Sunday night, again at Truist Park.
The Braves most recently competed in the World Series in 1999, being swept away by the New York Yankees.
As an Atlanta-based squad, the Braves won the Fall Classic in 1995 at the expense of the Cleveland Indians.
The 2017 edition of the World Series ended with a first triumph for the Astros.
Starting pitcher for the Braves, Dylan Lee was substituted after a third inning. He gave up one run, one hit and two walks. Lee left after just 15 shots.
Zack Greinke spaced four hits in four innings, striking out three batters. He also got a single.
He was the first non-hitting ninth pitcher in the World Series since Babe Ruth struck sixth with the Red Sox in 1918 in Game 4.
Greinke, a 38-year-old right-hander, entered the game averaging .225, nine homers and 34 RBIs, in 521 at-bat.
Reservist receiver Jason Castro has been removed from Astros roster over Major League Baseball protocol regarding COVID-19.
He was replaced by Garrett Stubbs.
Unlike a player substituted due to injury, Castro is eligible to return to the game if he gets the green light to do so.