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November 3, 2023
Unfortunately, Tom Haley watched Games One, Two, Three, and Four of the 2023 World Series from the dugout. Only during Game One did he head down to the bullpen, and he never warmed up.
The Series opened on October 30 in Baltimore. The Orioles managed to do something the San Diego Padres had been unable to do--score against Ezra Wells--but they couldn't beat him. The Braves strung together 13 hits and won the game, 6-2.
In Game Two, the Braves staked Arodys Vizcaino to a 7-0 lead after two innings, and rolled to an 11-3 victory. Dani Rivera, the surprising hero of Game Seven of the NLCS, went 3-4 with two RBI, and Emilio Castro belted a three-run homer.
Before a loud, hostile Turner Field crowd, Chris Tillman of the Orioles stepped up in Game Three, pitching seven strong innings and leading the O's to a 7-1 victory. Tillman allowed six hits and one walk, and struck out eight.
The Orioles really missed Stephen Strasburg in Game Four. Their starter, Austin Groulx, would have remained in the 'pen had Strasburg been healthy; instead, he absorbed a ferocious whipping from the National League champions. As the crowd roared in delight, the Braves pounded the Orioles, 19-3. Castro homered again, and went 3-5 with 5 RBI. Jason Heyward (3-4, 2B, 4 RBI) and Joe Hooper (4-5) also played key roles in the Braves' lopsided victory.
Now, the Braves find themselves one game away from their first World Series victory since 2012. They'll send Ezra Wells to the hill, hoping to end the Series right here, before their home crowd.
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