Opinion

Braves Come Out Strong In World Series But Star Pitcher Pays A Price

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Everything looked good for Atlanta Braves ace in the hole pitcher Charlie Morton after reaching the mound in the bottom of the third inning of Game One of the World Series, he had a five-run lead, had fought his way out of a bases-loaded jam in the first inning, and had suffered a fractured right fibula.

One of the best pitchers the Braves has was forced to exit game one after only two and a third innings due to an injury sustained in the second inning on a one-hopper off the bat of Yuli Gurriel. Morton took a ground ball off his right thigh and proceeded to strike out the next two hitters in the second inning before undergoing an X-ray in between innings.

“That one got me good,” Morton told Braves catcher Travis d’Arnaud after the second inning.

Morton returned for the third inning and struck out Astros second baseman Jose Altuve before being relieved. Another X-ray confirmed a fractured fibula, thereby terminating Morton’s season.

“RHP Charlie Morton underwent X-rays tonight that revealed a right fibula fracture. He will miss the remainder of the World Series and is expected to be ready for Spring Training in 2022,” the Braves said in a statement.

“I hate it for him,” Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said. “He’s such a great person — great person and teammate. I really hate it for him because I know he’s really looking forward to this run with us. So we’ll move on.”

Morton’s teammates were floored by his performance and his toughness.

“It’s incredible that he even thought of going out there, and I bet you it was so A.J. [Minter] could have some more time to get ready. He sacrificed himself,” d’Arnaud said. “I don’t think he knew it was broken right away, but he knew it was hurting. For him to sacrifice himself to make sure A.J. was ready and for him to strike out Altuve is incredible.”

Despite the setback, Atlanta was able to win the first game 6-2, jumping out to a 5-0 lead after three innings and never looking back from that point on.

Jorge Soler hit a solo home run to start the game, becoming the first player in the history of the World Series to do it in the opening inning.

 

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