Swanson, Soler home runs push Braves past Astros in World Series Game 4

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — One more win. That is all that stands between the Atlanta Braves and a World Series title.

The Braves took once step closer to the title Saturday night with a 3-2 win over the Astros in Game 4. Marietta’s Dansby Swanson and pinch hitter Jorge Soler hit back-to-back home runs to complete the comeback.

“I feel like we were just kind of -- not dead all day, but I feel like they did such a good job of keeping us at bay for so long, and we didn’t have too many opportunities,” Swanson said. “Then we were able to make something happen there in that inning. Man, just tremendous.”

Atlanta can claim its first World Series since 1995 with a win at home Sunday. The team remains undefeated at Truist Park this postseason.

LIVE coverage from Truist Park all weekend on Channel 2 Action News.

The Braves offense didn’t get going until late in Game 4. Austin Riley’s double in the sixth finally got Atlanta on the board. Atlanta left a few runners on base to end the inning, but found a spark in the seventh.

First it was Swanson’s home run to tie the game, then came Soler’s. It was the first lead change of the series and the second time the Braves have hit back-to-back home runs this postseason.

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According to MLB, Soler’s home run is also only the fourth time a pinch hitter had the go-ahead home run in World Series history.

Meanwhile, the Astros offense left 11 baserunners all night against Atlanta pitching staff and defense.

Rookie Dylan Lee got his first career start on the mound but was pulled in the first inning. Kyle Wright picked it up from there and struck out three batters and gave up only one run in 4.2 innings pitched.

“Kyle is the reason we won the game, how he kept that thing in check and allowed us to stay around in that game. That was huge,” manager Brian Snitker said.

The bullpen went to work afterwards and so did the Braves defense. Eddie Rosario flashed his glove and saved Atlanta from Jose Altuve nearly tying the game up in the eighth.

“I feel right now I am Super Rosario. I don’t see the ball. I throw the glove and catch the ball. Everybody’s happy. I’m happy. It’s unbelievable what I did tonight. Wow, what a catch,” Rosario said postgame.

Game 5 is scheduled for 8:15 Sunday night at Truist Park.

Framber Valdez, the losing pitcher from Game 1, will start for the Astros. The Braves scored five runs on eight hits again Valdez.

With the loss of Charlie Morton, Atlanta will likely use Game 5 as another bullpen game.

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World Series - Atlanta Braves v Houston Astros - Game Four ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 30: Guillermo Heredia #38 and Dansby Swanson #7 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates the team's 3-2 win against the Houston Astros in Game Four of the World Series at Truist Park on October 30, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

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