3 Bold Predictions for Astros vs. Braves World Series Game 4

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Ian Anderson threw five no-hit innings against the Houston Astros in Game 3 of the World Series would have been a very bold prediction. It’s also bold to remove Anderson after five no-hit innings considering that Charlie Morton won’t be back for the rest of the series.

After the Braves 2-0 win last night, Game 4 is shaping up to be another close contest, as WynnBET Sportsbook has Atlanta as slight favorites at -108 on the moneyline over Houston at -102.

To win a World Series game, there are some bold performances needed. 

Here are three bold predictions for World Series Game 4.

Both the Astros and the Braves Will Score in the First Inning

It appears to be Jesse Chavez getting the start tonight for the Braves in what will be a bullpen game for manager Brian Snitker. This is when a manager earns his paycheck.

Chavez made four spot-starts in the regular season and produced a 2.57 ERA in just seven innings as a “starter”. 

Astros outfielder Michael Brantley has homered off of Chavez three times in 14 career at-bats, and will be batting near the top of the order.

Zack Greinke has recorded a 7.71 ERA in just 2 ⅓ innings pitched this postseason. He could be looking to shake off some rust at the wrong time. 

The only Atlanta Brave that Greinke faced in the regular season was Eddie Rosario, when Rosario was still a member of the Cleveland Indians. Rosario went 1-for-3 against Greinke with a home run.

There will be no zeros on the scoreboard when the second inning gets underway.

Michael Brantley Will Have Four RBI

Some players never seem to slump, and Brantley is one of those players.

Brantley is batting .328 this postseason with nine RBI, and he will add to that RBI total tonight. Brantley batted .355 during road games in the regular season, so he has no issue hitting away from the friendly confines of Minute Maid Park. 

The outfielder also batted .363 against right-handed pitching, so Chavez could be in trouble against Brantley in the early part of Game 4.

Brantley has only driven in one run so far in the series, but that low total won’t last.

Zack Greinke Will Not Make It Past the Third Inning

The 38-year old Greinke has not pitched much lately, and he won’t pitch much in Game 4. This contest will become a battle of the bullpens when Greinke gets pulled early. 

Greinke has done next to nothing in the postseason for Houston and dating back to his last seven appearances in the regular season, he recorded a 6.03 ERA.

The Braves might be a little nervous to have a bullpen game in the World Series, but Greinke getting shelled will even things out.