Braves Have "IT" Factor

The Atlanta Braves are one win away from claiming a World Series title. Last night's 3-2 come from behind win put them at the doorstep of an MLB Championship. 

You know when a team has that "IT" factor; everything seems to somehow work out in their favor. Last night's game was proof of that theory when Braves starting pitcher, Dylan Lee, couldn't get out of the first inning. Lee was relieved by Kyle Wright with bases loaded and one out. Wright staunched the bleeding with a sac ground ball and a strike out. He went on to pitch 4.2 total innings, giving up one earned run.

In the seventh inning with the Astros leading 2-1, the Braves got back-to-back solo home runs by Dansby Swanson and pinch hitting Jorge Soler. Both hit balls seemed to barely get over the wall. The second looked as if Astros left fielder, Yordan Alvarez, could have snagged it. But after seeing replay of the angle and speed of the hit ball, it was obvious Alvarez never had a chance. And the Braves took a 3-2 lead they would not relinquish.

The play of the game, and perhaps the catch of the postseason, was by "mama there goes that man" Eddie Rosario. With the Braves holding on to a one run lead, Astros little big man, Jose Altuve, scorched a first pitch fast ball to left field. I'm sure everyone watching thought it was going out of the ballpark, including Altuve. Breaking on the ball goes Rosario, reaching out at the last minute to snag it out of the air on the run. He made an incredible catching feat look almost routine, like he does it all the time; it was much more than just routine.

The Rosario catch ended the 8th inning for the Astros, and likely was the moment Braves non-believers were converted to believers. That catch, and the out of control cheering Atlanta home crowd, felt like the Braves were blowing out the Astros, when in reality they led by only one run. The "IT" factor had reared its head, making the 9th inning almost seem like a needless afterthought. 

Today's WS Game 5 has already started, with the Braves getting a first inning grand slam. The Astros have added two runs in the top of the second inning. Looks like this possibly deciding game will come down to unmeasurable moments once again; the "IT" factor.

Go Braves!