Braves’ Dylan Lee opener backfires almost immediately on Brian Snitker

Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker’s decision to use Dylan Lee as opener for Game 4 did not go as he had hoped.

Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker is no stranger to making debatable decisions thus far in the World Series, most notably pulling Ian Anderson in Game 3 despite carrying a no-hitter through five innings. The decision was not devastating, as Atlanta won 2-0.

For Game 4, Sniker announced that he was going with an opener, and it would be Dylan Lee who would receive the honors.

That decision backfired pretty quickly, as Lee only got one out in the first inning. After loading the bases, Snitker decided that he saw enough, pulling Lee for Kyle Wright.

Brian Snitker’s decision to open with Dylan Lee backfires

The tone was set early, as Lee surrendered a single to Astros second baseman Jose Altuve on the very first pitch of the game. He then walked outfielder Michael Brantley before striking out third baseman Alex Bregman on five pitches. But after walking on four pitches, that was when Wright entered the game.

Wright did force shortstop Carlos Correa to ground out, but it allowed Altuve to score, giving Houston an early 1-0 lead. But Wright got out of the jam relatively unscathed by striking out outfielder Kyle Tucker.

Lee had only pitched in two regular-season games this year, where he posted a 9.00 ERA and 1.50 WHIP. After appearing in two postseason games, he received the start for Game 4, becoming the first pitcher to have their first career start in the World Series.

Snitker gave the opener a shot, but it didn’t work out.