The objective for the Atlanta Braves was simple: beat the Houston Astros a second straight time and head back to Truist Park where they have yet to lose this postseason.
But the scorching offensive firepower that allowed the Braves to make easy work of the Astros in the Fall Classic opener was simply nonexistent as the National League champions fell 7-2 to their hosts in Game 2 of the World Series.
The Fall Classic is tied at a game apiece as the series shifts to Truist Park in Atlanta for Games 3, 4, and 5.
Atlanta catcher Travis d'Arnaud smashed a solo home run and first baseman Freddie Freeman knocked an RBI for the Braves' only two runs of the contest, MLB.com reported.
The Braves were barely 24 hours removed from losing pitcher Charlie Morton to injury.
For Game 2, left-handed hurler Max Fried received the ball and was tasked with the huge responsibility of continuing to stymie the Astros bats just as Morton and the pitching staff did.
WSB reported that Fried lasted on the bump for five innings, surrendering seven hits and five earned runs.
The World Series returns to Atlanta for the first time since 1999 when the Braves faced the New York Yankees’ during the latter’s three-peat championship reign.
On the agenda for the Braves is to complete a three-game sweep of the Astros and hoist the Commissioner’s Trophy after a 26-year wait.
Game 3 is on Friday at 7:09 p.m.
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