The Braves in Game 4 of the World Series against the Astros on Saturday night had a planned bullpen game. At the front end of the pitching queue was left-hander and 27-year-old rookie Dylan Lee, whom the Braves signed in April and who made just two appearances late in the regular season.
Even by the standards of "openers," Lee didn't last long in Game 4. Lee began his night by allowing an infield single to Jose Altuve. Then he walked Michael Brantley, struck out the struggling Alex Bregman, and then walked Yordan Alvarez. At that point, Atlanta manager Brian Snitker pulled his opener and summoned Kyle Wright into the bases-loaded jam.
Snitker probably never intended to let the lefty Lee face Carlos Correa, but what didn't go according to plan is that Correa's turn came up in the first inning with a chance to put a crooked number on the board. The hook put Lee in some rare yet not especially enviable company:
Dylan Lee's 4 batters faced is tied for the 5th-fewest in a World Series start, fewest since David Wells in ’03 WS G5 (3)
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) October 31, 2021
Lee's start of 1/3 innings was the shortest in the World Series since Mark Thurmond also got just one out in 1984. Five pitchers have failed to record an out in World Series starts, so Lee at least avoided joining that group.
Fortunately for Lee and the Braves, Wright did his job and then some. Altuve was able to score on Correa's ground out, and then Wright climbed the ladder to strike out Kyle Tucker and keep the score 1-0. On average, teams with the bases loaded and one out score 1.56 runs in that inning, so the Braves hit the "under" in that scenario. And things ended up working out for the Braves, who rallied for a 3-2 win in Game 4 to take a 3-1 series lead.
2021 World Series gear revealed
The Braves and Astros are battling in the 2021 World Series. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a collector, you should shop the all-new 2021 World Series gear, including Braves and Astros commemorative hats, shirts, hoodies, and more. Shop here now.
We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
