The Atlanta Braves took a 2-1 lead over the Houston Astros in the World Series.
The ‘Stros were shut out from the scoreboard thanks in large part to Braves starter Ian Anderson. The rookie pitcher tossed a no-hitter through five innings and looked like he had plenty more left in the tank.
But with just 76 pitches thrown, Braves manager Brian Snitker surprisingly pulled the plug on Ian Anderson. Anderson would have been facing the Astros lineup for the third time to start the sixth inning.
The Braves skipper spoke on the decision, which he admitted was partly just based on his own judgement.
Via ESPN's Marly Rivera:
“He wasn’t going to pitch a 9-inning no-hitter. I went with my eyes, my gut. It could have backfired I guess. I thought in a game of this magnitude, he had done his job.” –Brian Snitker on pulling Ian Anderson with a no-hitter through 5 IP
Fans on Twitter were clearly not enthused by the decision to sub out the Braves pitcher, which was highly likely to be based on analytics.
What an absolutely TERRIBLE move by Snitker to pull Ian Anderson after just 5 innings and just 76 pitches and NO HITS with potentially 2 bullpen games coming.
— Taylor Hinson (@jtaylorhinson) October 30, 2021
There's a myriad of reasons why baseball is dying, but analytics making the Braves pull Ian Anderson after 76 pitches in the middle of a No Hitter in the World Series is pretty fuckin' high on the list.
— Upstate Federalist (@upstatefederlst) October 30, 2021
So Ian Anderson pitches 5 scoreless innings and you pull him?
Analytics. #WorldSeries pic.twitter.com/4QQaAH8tRJ
— Alec Nolan (@AlecABC30) October 30, 2021
But with the Braves coming out on top with a 2-0 victory, Brian Snitker and Co. probably aren't regretting their decision one bit. The Astros did muster a couple of hits, but were unable to drive them in.
Ian Anderson still made history in his start, becoming the first rookie in over a century to pitch a no-hitter through five. That's not a bad consolation prize for his hard work at all.
.@ian_anderson15 is the first rookie with 5 no-hit frames in a #WorldSeries game since 1912. 🤯
📺: @MLBONFOX pic.twitter.com/SBxNfk3TIT
— MLB (@MLB) October 30, 2021
If the series extends to a Game 6 or 7, we'll very likely see Ian Anderson draw another start for the Atlanta Braves. Maybe he can chase his no-hitter then as long as he can sweet talk Brian Snitker beforehand.