MLB Notebook: Astros pull even with Braves with explosive 7-2 win

The Fall Classic is upon us! The Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves squaring off in the World Series, of course, tops this week’s Major League Baseball roundup, and the year-end event is giving us plenty to talk about.

Astros, Braves Even At 1-1

Atlanta got off to a fast start in the series, scoring five runs in the first three innings of Tuesday’s opener and cruising to a 6-2 win despite losing starting pitcher Charlie Morton in the third inning (more on that later). Houston, however, came roaring back with an early explosion of its own in Game Two Wednesday night. A four-run second inning helped the AL champs to a 7-2 triumph, and the series now heads to Georgia for Game 3 on Friday night.

Tough Break For Charlie Morton

We mentioned Morton exited Game 1 early, and that’s for a very valid reason. He took a line drive off his leg in the second inning and attempted to pitch through the pain before being yanked from the field.

As it turns out, Morton suffered a fractured fibula, which meant he threw 16 pitches pushing off a leg that was technically broken. It was a tremendous showing of grit by the veteran righty, but the Braves are now short one quality starter at a terribly inconvenient time.

Nelson Cruz Wins Roberto Clemente Award

Nelson Cruz is best known for his on-field power, but it was his off-the-field exploits that earned him the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award.

The Tampa Bay Rays slugger was recognized for the support he provided his fellow natives of the Dominican Republic during the COVID-19 pandemic. His generosity helped feed 700 families, and among other incredible acts of kindness, he helped facilitate a $400,000 donation from MLB and the MLB Players Association, which went directly to food and medical aid.

Guardians vs. Guardians In Cleveland?

We’ll finish with a pretty weird story. A roller derby team known as the Cleveland Guardians has sued the city’s MLB franchise, which plans to change its name from the Indians prior to the 2022 season.

The suit alleges the baseball club filed its trademarks in Mauritius, a small island nation east of Madagascar, and it states the roller derby team has used the name since 2017.