In 2021 the Atlanta Braves lost an icon when Hank Aaron passed away in January. They honored him in the best way imaginable by winning the World Series in 6 games over the Houston Astros who were making their 3rd appearance over the last 5 seasons. Atlanta won its second Title since moving from Milwaukee in 1966 with Hammerin' Hank in tow.
*Atlanta wasted no time setting a historical record. In this , the 117th World Series, Jorge Soler began the match-up with a lead off home run. It was the first ever to BEGIN a Fall Classic.
(Blue Border footnote Ch.7 Pg. 76-A)
*Atlanta is the 3rd straight National League team to become Champs, & the N.L. owns every Title in the new decade, continuing a trend where the NL dominated a decade. This is the only the 4th time that has occured (1900's, 1960's, 2010's).
(WORLD SERIES Ch. 7 Pg. 74-A).
*Atl/Hou: The Braves by virtue of their new overall rating (44.82) move up one spot to 6th in the N.L. ahead of the Cubs. And give the National League their 51st crown.
The Astros by virtue of their new overall rating (41.71) remain in 12th of the A.L. behind the Cleveland GUARDIANS.
(Overall Ratings Ch 9 Pg. 97)
The World Series began the same way the N.L wildcard series, NLDS, & NLCS began. The Phillies splitting on the road by winning Game One. Then coming home to clinch.
It looked as if that trend would continue.
The Phils were in a 5-0 hole early. They scratched their way to tie by the 9th inning.
In extras catcher J.T. Realmuto hit a go-ahead homer that stood up giving the Phillies a 1-0 Series lead.
The fans in Philly give a boost to the team. They're 5-0 at home during the post season. The Phillies, energized by the support, erupt for 5 home runs to shutout the Astros 7-0 and tie a World Series record. It looks as if the trend of sweeping at home might continue.
The record setting performance by Philadelphia (5 home runs by the 5th inning) was summarily dismissed by the Astros when 4 pitchers Javier, Abreu, Montero, & Pressley combined to no-hit Philly. So one day after the Phillies set a World Series record, the Astros tied one throwing only the 2nd no-hitter in Fall Classic History.
Astros Centerfielder and local West Chester product Chas McCormick robs J.T. Realmuto of a possible game tying home run in the bottom of the 9th inning to preserve a narrow one run margin (3-2) and take a pivotal 3 games to 2 Series lead over his favorite team from childhood.
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