2021 WORLD SERIES PROBABLE PITCHERS (Regular Season/Postseason)
Game 6 at Houston: Max Fried (14-7, 3.04/1-2, 5.40) vs. Luis Garcia (11-8, 3.48/1-2, 7.62)
117th WORLD SERIES
2021 marks the 117th renewal of the World Series featuring the champions of the American League against the champions of the National League. The Fall Classic was first played in 1903, and has taken place every year since 1904, when the National League champion New York Giants and their manger John McGraw refused to play the AL champs, the Boston Red Sox, and in 1994, when the season ended on August 11th due to the players’ strike.
THE WORLD SERIES AT 3-2
This marks the 69th time that the World Series has stood at 3-2. Of the previous 68 times, the team with the 3-2 lead has gone on to win the series 45 times (66.2%). In addition, of the 68 occurrences, the team with 3-2 lead has won Game 6 on 26 occasions (38.2%). That has been the case in eight of the last 16 occurrences (2020 Dodgers, 2013 Red Sox, 2009 Yankees, 2003 Marlins, 1996 Yankees, 1995 Braves, 1993 Blue Jays and 1992 Blue Jays). The eight teams that were the exception in that time were the 2019 Nationals, 2017 Astros, 2016 Cubs, 2014 Giants, 2011 Rangers, 2002 Giants, 2001 Yankees and 1997 Marlins. Four of those eight (excluding the 1997 Marlins, 2014 Giants, 2017 Astros and 2019 Nationals) eventually lost the series in seven games. Of the 42 times that a team leading 3-2 has dropped Game 6, they have gone on to win the series just 19 times (45.2%). Eleven of the last 14 teams to lose Game 6 with a 3-2 lead have gone on to lose the series. The last four teams with a 3-2 lead to lose Game 6 and win the series were the 2017 Astros, 2014 Giants, 1997 Marlins and 1975 Reds.
A FAMILIAR SITE
Tonight marks the 70th Game 6 in World Series history overall. This marks the fourth time in five years (also 2017, 2019 and 2020), the seventh time in nine years and the eighth time in 11 years that the World Series will go at least six games (also: 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020).
GAME 5 RESULTS
The Astros are now 3-0 all-time in Game 5 of the World Series (2019-Washington Nationals; 2017-Los Angeles Dodgers). They are now 1-1 this year in Game 5s, previously defeating the Boston Red Sox in the ALCS. The Braves are now 4-4 all-time in Game 5 of the World Series (1999-New York Yankees; 1996-New York Yankees; 1995-Cleveland Indians; 1992-Toronto Blue Jays; 1991 Minnesota Twins; 1958-New York Yankees; 1957-New York Yankees; 1948-Cleveland Indians). They are now 0-2 this Postseason in Game 4s, previously falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS.
BRAVES AT 3-2
The Braves find themselves leading a World Series 3-2 for the fifth time in Club history. They will look to replicate their efforts from 1995 when they defeated the Cleveland Indians over six games, and 1957 when they defeated the New York Yankees over seven games. The Braves lost to the Minnesota Twins across seven games in 1991, and the Yankees across seven games in 1958.
ASTROS AT 2-3
The Astros find themselves down 2-3 in a World Series for the first time in franchise history. The 117th World Series Atlanta Braves at Houston Astros
Tuesday, November 2, 2021
World Series Game 6
Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
2021 WORLD SERIES SCHEDULE
GAME DAY/DATE SITE FIRST PITCH (ET/SITE) TV/RADIO
6 Tuesday, November 2nd Minute Maid Park 8:09 p.m. / 7:09 p.m. FOX/ESPN Radio
7* Wednesday, November 3rd Minute Maid Park 8:09 p.m. / 7:09 p.m. FOX/ESPN Radio
*If Necessary
2021 WORLD SERIES PROBABLE PITCHERS (Regular Season/Postseason)
Game 6 at Houston: Max Fried (14-7, 3.04/1-2, 5.40) vs. Luis Garcia (11-8, 3.48/1-2, 7.62)
2021 WORLD SERIES RESULTS
DATE RESULT WINNING PITCHER LOSING PITCHER SAVE ATTENDANCE
Tuesday, October 26th ATL 6-2 A.J. Minter Framber Valdez — 42,825
Wednesday, October 27th HOU 7-2 José Urquidy Max Fried — 42,833
Friday, October 29th ATL 2-0 Ian Anderson Luis Garcia Will Smith 42,898
Saturday, October 30th ATL 3-2 Tyler Matzek Cristian Javier Will Smith 43,125
Sunday, October 31st HOU 9-5 José Urquidy A.J. Minter — 43,122
World Series Game 6 – Tuesday, November 2, 2021
HOUSTON’S COMEBACK
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Astros became the fourth team in World Series history to win an elimination game after trailing by four-or-more runs. They joined the 2002 Anaheim Angels, who trailed the San Francisco Giants by five runs in Game 6; the 1925 Pittsburgh Pirates, who trailed the Washington Senators by four runs in Game 7; and the 1919 Chicago White Sox, who trailed the Cincinnati Reds by four runs in Game 6.
JOSE… JOSE JOSE JOSE
Jose Altuve tallied his 21st run scored of the 2021 Postseason in Game 5. That’s tied with Carlos Beltrán (2004) for the most all-time in a single Postseason. Altuve’s 70 career Postseason runs scored rank third in MLB Postseason history, trailing only Hall of Famer Derek Jeter (111) and Bernie WIlliams (83). His 23 career Postseason round-trippers trail only Manny Ramirez (29) for the most in MLB history.
KING TUCK
Kyle Tucker reached base three times with a double in Sunday night’s contest. He now has eight extra-base hits, five stolen bases and 15 RBI this Postseason (15 games). Tucker became the second player in MLB Postseason history to reach those totals-or-better across 15 games in a single Postseason, joining B.J. Upton (2008).
MARWIN’S HEROICS
Marwin Gonzalez delivered a clutch two-RBI pinch-hit in the fifth inning to give the Astros a two-run lead in Game 5. It was the 37th go-ahead pinch-hit RBI in a World Series game and happened in consecutive nights, following Jorge Soler’s heroics in Game 4. It was also the second go-ahead pinch-hit RBI in Astros Postseason history, previously accomplished by Denny Walling in Game 2 of the 1981 NLDS.
MACHETE’S BIG NIGHT
Martín Maldonado tallied three RBI in Houston’s Game 5 victory. He became the first catcher in franchise history to notch three RBI in a Postseason game. He became the first Major League backstop to accomplish the feat since Cleveland’s Roberto Pérez in Game 1 of the 2016 Fall Classic. Maldonado became the fourth catcher to do so in a World Series potential elimination game, joining Steve Yeager (1977 G5), Hal Smith (1960 G7), Hall of Famer Yogi Berra (1956 G7) and Paul Richards (1945 G7).
FOREIGN HISTORY
José Urquidy recorded the win in Game 5 after tossing 1.0 shutout inning. The victory was the third of his World Series career, which is the most by a foreign-born player in MLB history. He became the sixth pitcher in World Series history to deliver a pair of wins in a single Fall Classic, joining Luis Tiant (1975), Joaquin Andujar (1982), Jose Rijo (1990), Liván Hernández (1997) and J.C. Romero (2008).
DUVALL’S SLAM
Adam Duvall slugged a grand slam in the first inning on Sunday night, his second of the 2021 Fall Classic and the fifth of his Postseason career. It was the 21st grand slam in World Series history and the first since Alex Bregman (G4) in 2019. It was the second in Braves World Series history, previously accomplished by Lonnie Smith in Game 5 of the 1992 World Series. It was just the third to occur in the first inning, previously done by Bobby Richardson in 1960 (G3) and Elmer Smith in 1920 (G5). He became the thid center fielder to accomplish the feat, joining Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle in 1953 (G5) and Jim Northrup in 1968 (G6). Duvall became the first player to deliver a grand slam in a potential clinching Fall Classic game since Bill Skowron in Game 7 of the 1956 World Series.
FREDDIE IS CLUTCH
After the Astros evened the score in the second inning of Game 5, Freddie Freeman got the Braves back on top with a solo home run in the third. The round-tripper was his fourth of the 2021 Postseason and the eighth of his Postseason career. The go-ahead homer was the sixth of his Postsesason career, establishing a new Braves Postseason record (Hall of Famer Chipper Jones, 5).
EDDIE’S RUN
Eddie Rosario enters play tonight with 23 this Postseason. That’s tied with Marquis Grissom (1996) for second-most in a single Postseason by a Braves player, trailing only Grisson’s 25 hits in 1995. Rosario’s 23 hits this Postseason are third-most by a left-handed batter in a single Postseason, and trails Darin Erstad (25, 2002) and Tino Martinez (24, 2000). World Series Game 6 – Tuesday, November 2, 2021
FAMILIAR TERRITORY
Following their ALCS victory, Houston became the first Club to win three AL pennants across a five year span since the Yankees reached the World Series in three-of-four years from 1999-2003. The Astros are making their fourth World Series appearance in franchise history, and their third in the last five seasons.
Below are the Club’s Fall Classic results.
Year Opponent Result
2019 Washington Nationals Loss, 4-3
2017 Los Angeles Dodgers Won, 4-3
2005 Chicago White Sox Loss, 4-0
The Astros appeared in their fifth consecutive ALCS in 2021, previously advancing to the World Series in 2017 and 2019. The Astros became just the second team in history to appear in five straight ALCS, joining the 1971-75 Oakland Athletics. Overall, they became the third team to reach five consecutive League Championship Series, also joining the Braves, who reached eight straight NLCS from 1991-99.
COMING IN HOT
Following their ALCS Game 6 win over the Red Sox, the Astros became the seventh team since the best-of-seven format was established in 1985 to face a 2-1 series deficit (or worse) and win the ALCS, joining the 2007 Red Sox; 2004 Red Sox; 1998 Yankees; 1995 Indians; 1986 Red Sox; and 1985 Royals. They joined the 1998 Yankees and 1995 Indians as the lone Clubs to accomplish the feat in six games.
BACK IN THE FALL CLASSIC
The Atlanta Braves are appearing in their first World Series since 1999. Atlanta was a regular during the 1990’s, playing 29 World Series games across five appearances. Atlanta’s sole world championship during that decade came in 1995 when they defeated the Cleveland Indians over six games (4-2). Below are the Braves’ 10 franchise World Series appearances. 2021 marks their sixth appearance since moving to Atlanta in 1966.
Year Opponent Result
1999 New York Yankees Loss 4-0
1996 New York Yankees Loss, 4-2
1995 Cleveland Indians Won, 4-2
1992 Toronto Blue Jays Loss, 4-2
1991 Minnesota Twins Loss, 4-3
1958 New York Yankees Loss, 4-3
1957 New York Yankees Won, 4-3
1948 Cleveland Indians Loss, 4-2
1914 Philadelphia Athletics Won, 4-0
REVENGE ENACTED
The Braves-Dodgers 2021 NLCS marked the first time since the Dodgers and Cubs in 2016-17 that the NLCS featured a repeat pairing in two straight seasons. The NLCS also featured the same pairing in consecutive years in 2008-09 (Phillies vs. Dodgers), 2004-05 (Astros vs. Cardinals), 1991-092 (Braves vs. Pirates) and 1977-78 (Dodgers vs. Phillies). The 2021 Braves joined the 2017 Dodgers and 2005 Astros as the lone Clubs to defeat the team that had beat them in the previous NLCS. The 2021 Fall Classic is the first in history to feature two Clubs that both lost the LCS in the previous year. In addition to the Braves-Dodgers rematch referenced above, the Astros fell to the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 ALCS.
RECENT POSTMEASON MEETINGS
The Astros and Braves have five all-time Postseason meetings heading into this year’s World Series. The previous matchups were the 1997 NLDS (Atlanta, 3-0); the 1999 NLDS (Atlanta, 3-1); the 2001 NLDS (Atlanta, 3-0); the 2004 NLDS (Houston, 3-2); and the 2005 NLDS (Houston, 3-1).
WORLD SERIES UMPIRES
Tom Hallion will serve as primary Crew Chief for the umpires in the 2021 World Series, marking his second Fall Classic assignment (also 2008). Hallion, who will be at third base for Game 6, will be joined by (with Game 6 Assignments and number of World Series appearances, including 2021) Mike Muchlinski (HP, first), Chris Conroy (1B, first), Ron Kulpa (2B, second), Dan Bellino (LF, first), Ted Barrett (RF, fifth) and Alfonso Marquez (reserve, fourth). Barrett served as the crew chief in Game 2 while Hallion is off the field in reserve. Umpires Pat Hoberg and Tim Timmons will serve in Replay for the World Series. World Series Game 6 – Tuesday, November 2, 2021
THE MANAGERS
Houston’s Dusty Baker has become the ninth manager in Major League history to reach the World Series after winning the pennant in both leagues, joining Hall of Famers Yogi Berra, Sparky Anderson, Tony La Russa, Dick Williams and Joe McCarthy, as well as Joe Maddon, Jim Leyland and Al Dark. He is making his second appearance in the Fall Classic as manager, previously losing the 2002 World Series as the San Francisco Giants skipper. Dusty’s second full season with the Astros in 2021 marked his 24th season as a Major League manager (also: the Giants, 1993-2002; the Cubs, 2003-06; the Reds, 2008-13; and the Nationals, 2016-17). Across two campaigns, Baker’s Astros have posted a 124-98 (.559) record. Baker is a three-time NL Manager of the Year winner (1993, 1997, 2000) and led the 2003 NL All-Star squad. Overall, he has managed Clubs to a combined 1,987-1,734 (.534) regular season record. Baker’s 40 Postseason wins at the helm are tied for seventh-most with Terry Francona in Baseball history, and he is the only manager in MLB history to win division titles with five different Clubs (Astros, Nationals, Reds, Cubs, Giants).
Atlanta’s Brian Snitker is making his first World Series appearance in his fifth full season (sixth overall) as the Braves manager. The 2021 campaign marked his 45th season in the Braves organization. Snitker was named the NL Manager of the Year in 2018 and has led Atlanta to the NL East title in each of the last four seasons. Among managers in Braves franchise history, only Hall of Famers Bobby Cox (14 first-place finishes) and Frank Selee (five first-place finishes) have led the team to more seasons atop the standings. Overall, Snitker has piloted the Braves to a 441-390 (.531) record in his six seasons as the Club’s skipper. His 441 victories trail only Cox (2,058) as Braves manager since the Club relocated to Atlanta in 1966.
THE WORLD’S GAME
According to each Club’s World Series rosters, the teams combined for 21 foreign-born players from seven different countries and territories. The 21 players hail from Venezuela (six – Ehire Adrianza, Jose Altuve, Orlando Arcia, William Contreras, Luis Garcia, Marwin Gonzalez); Cuba (five – Yordan Alvarez, Aledmys Díaz, Yuli Gurriel, Guillermo Heredia, Jorge Soler); the Dominican Republic (four – Yimi García, Cristian Javier, Jose Siri, Framber Valdez); Puerto Rico (three – Carlos Correa, Martín Maldonado, Eddie Rosario); Curaçao (one – Ozzie Albies); Mexico (one – José Urquidy); and Panama (one – Johan Camargo). Please note that this includes both Ehire Adrianza and Johan Camargo of the Braves. Adrianza was removed from the Braves’ roster and is on the Paternity List.
BEEN HERE BEFORE
According to each Club’s World Series rosters, 19 players have previous World Series experience, including 13 from the Astros and six from the Braves. Please note that this includes Atlanta’s Charlie Morton, who was removed from the Braves’ roster due to injury.
Houston: Jose Altuve (2017 Astros, 2019 Astros); Yordan Alvarez (2019 Astros); Michael Brantley (2019 Astros); Alex Bregman (2017 Astros, 2019 Astros); Carlos Correa (2017 Astros, 2019 Astros); Aledmys Díaz (2019 Astros); Marwin Gonzalez (2017 Astros); Zack Greinke (2019 Astros); Yuli Gurriel (2017 Astros, 2019 Astros); Martín Maldonado (2019 Astros); Ryan Pressly (2019 Astros); Kyle Tucker (2019 Astros); and José Urquidy (2019 Astros) Atlanta: Travis d’Arnaud (2015 Mets); Terrence Gore (2014-15 Royals); Charlie Morton (2017 Astros, 2020 Rays); Joc Pederson (2017-18 Dodgers, 2020 Dodgers); Drew Smyly (2012 Tigers); and Jorge Soler (2016 Cubs)
COAST TO COAST
For just the second time since Major League Baseball began the six-division format in 1994, the Fall Classic is featuring teams from the NL East and the AL West. In 2019, the Washington Nationals defeated the Astros, 4-3, in a seven-game series.
RECENT HISTORY
Entering this year’s Fall Classic, the American League holds the overall lead in the World Series, 66-50. The National League has won seven out of the last 11 and nine of the last 14 with wins by the Cardinals in 2006, the Phillies in 2008, the Giants in 2010, the Cardinals in 2011, the Giants in 2012 and 2014, the Cubs in 2016, the Nationals in 2019 and the Dodgers last year. Since the Yankees won three straight World Championships from 1998-2000, the NL holds a narrow lead over the AL with an 11-9 record in the Fall Classic. However, over a longer span in the World Series, the AL has taken 13 of 25 since 1996; 16 of 29 starting in 1991; and 21 of 38 times beginning in 1983.
NO REPEAT
When the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Braves in the NLCS, it guaranteed that MLB would not have a repeat World Series Champion for the 21st consecutive season, extending the longest such streak in Major League history. In addition, the streak is the longest of its kind in the history of the four major sports (MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL). The previous record of 18 straight seasons was shared with the NBA (from the 1969-70 season through the 1986-87 season).
THIS DAY IN WORLD SERIES HISTORY
2016: After Rajai Davis of the Indians hit a dramatic game-tying two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning, the Cubs scored two runs in the 10th to win Game 7 of the Fall Classic and capture the franchise’s first World Series title since 1908. World Series Game 6 – Tuesday, November 2, 2021
World Series Game 6 – Tuesday, November 2, 2021
Game 6 Starting Pitchers
Max Fried (ATL) vs. Luis Garcia (HOU)
• In the midst of his fifth Major League season, all with the Atlanta Braves (2017- 21). • Made 28 starts during the 2021 campaign, compiling a 14-7 record with 158 strikeouts, 41 walks, 139 hits and a 3.04 ERA over 165.2 innings pitched. • Was dominant in his final 12 starts of the regular season, going 7-1 with a 1.56 ERA over 81.0 innings of work. Tallied 73 strikeouts while permitting just 11 walks and 53 hits. Did not surrender more than three earned runs in any outing and amassed four scoreless starts of at least 6.0 innings.• Was named NL Pitcher of the Month in September/October, becoming Atlanta’s first recipient since Kris Medlen in September 2013. • Has made four starts thus far this Postseason: NLDS G2 at Milwaukee (3-0 win); NLCS G1 vs. LA Dodgers (3-2 win); NLCS G5 at LA Dodgers(2-11 loss); and WS G2 (2-7 loss). • In his WS G2 start against the Astros, permitted six runs on seven hits across 5.0 innings of work. Tallied six punchouts. • In his NLDS G2 win over the Brewers, became the first pitcher in franchise Postseason history to pitch at least 6.0 innings with nine strikeouts while not allowing more than three baserunners. Marked just the 22nd such start in MLB Postseason history and the first since Max Scherzer in Game 2 of the 2019 NLCS. • Over 21.2 innings of work during the 2021 Postseason, has gone 1-2 with a 5.40 ERA and 23:3 strikeout-to-walk ratio. • For his career in the Postseason, has posted a 1-3 record with 53 punchouts, 13 walks and a 4.53 ERA across eight starts (16 appearances) and 51.2 innings. • For his career on the road, has compiled a 20-11 ledger with a 3.64 ERA and 1.31 WHIP across 40 starts (51 appearances) and 225.0 innings of work. • Including his start in Game 2, Houston’s Jose Altuve, Michael Brantley and Carlos Correa have all logged three at-bats against Fried. Altuve is 1-for-3 (.333) with a double; Brantley is 1-for-3 (.333) with an RBI; Correa is 1-for-3 (.333); Yordan Alvarez is 0-for-2 (.000); Alex Bregman is 0-for-2 (.000); Marwin Gonzalez is 1-for-2 (.500); Yuli Gurriel is 1-for-2 (.500); Martín Maldonado is 1-for-2 (.500) with an RBI; Jose Siri is 1-for-2 (.500) with an RBI; and Kyle Tucker is 1-for-2 (.500).
• In the midst of his second Major League season, both with the Houston Astros (2020-21). • Made 28 starts (30 appearances) for Houston in 2021, going 11-8 with 167 strikeouts, 50 walks, 133 hits allowed and a 3.48 ERA over 155.1 innings pitched. • Among qualified AL rookie hurlers, finished first in wins, strikeouts and innings pitched, and third in ERA, trailing only Toronto’s Alek Manoah (3.22) and Tampa Bay’s Shane McClanahan (3.43). • Became the first rookie pitcher in franchise history to finish a season with an
ERA below 3.50 and 167-or-more strikeouts. • In his WS Game 3 start against the Braves, tossed 3.2 innings of one-run ball with six punchouts.• Was dominant in Houston’s clinching ALCS Game 6 win over the Red Sox, tossing 5.2 scoreless innings of one-hit ball with seven strikeouts while allowing just one walk.• He became the third pitcher in MLB Postseason history to toss at least 5.2 scoreless innings of one-hit ball in a potential clinching game, joining Bobby Jones (2000 NLDS G4), and Hall of Famers Pedro Martínez (1999 ALDS G5) and Tom Glavine (1995 WS G6). Luis became the third pitcher in MLB Postseason history to deliver at least 5.2 innings of scoreless ball with seven punchouts while not allowing more than one hit or one walk, joining Roy Halladay (2010 NLDS G1), and Hall of Famers Don Larsen (1956 WS G5) and Warren Spahn (1948 WS G5). • Also started ALCS Game 2 against the Red Sox (5-9 loss); and Game 3 of the ALDS against the White Sox (6-12 loss). • Including his Game 3 start, Travis d’Arnaud, Adam Duvall, Freddie Freeman and Austin Riley have all logged two at-bats against Garcia. d’Arnaud is 1-for-2 (.500) with a double; Duvall is 0-for-2 (.000); Freeman is 1-for-2 (.500); Riley is 1-for-2 (.500) with a double and RBI; Ozzie Albies is 0-for-1 (.000); Eddie Rosario is 0-for-1 (.000); Jorge Soler is 0-for-1 (.000); and Dansby Swanson
is 0-for-1 (.000).
