The Braves accomplished what they needed to in Houston, getting a split in the first two games of the World Series, and now they come back to Truist Park for Games 3,4, and 5.
As the series switches to Atlanta for the weekend, the rules also change to NL rules, which means no DH, double switches, and defensive replacements. It's a change that could be the advantage the Braves need.
The Braves will start Ian Anderson in Game 3, and it's another chance for him to cement himself as a go-to arm in the playoffs. Anderson has a career 1.47 ERA in the postseason, and the Braves have won six of his seven career playoff starts.
It's a good thing his playoff record is as good as it is, because the Braves might be desperate for a win in his Game 3 start. Game 3 is almost always the turning point in a 7-game series, and even more-so with what is facing the Braves.
Teams that win Game 3 to take a 2-1 series lead have gone on to win the World Series over 70% of the time, and it could be viewed as a must-win for Atlanta.
To make matters worse, unless the Braves are planning to bring back Max Fried on short rest, they are looking at either bullpen games or games started by someone who wasn't in the rotation a week ago in both Game 4 and Game 5.
The Astros will have a few questions of their own to answer on Frida, specifically how do they set up their outfield? Does DH Yordan Alvarez play a corner spot or will he be relegated to a reserve role for the games at Truist Park?
Dusty Baker is a long-time manager who spent decades in the National League and knows how to handle the NL-style game, but if there is one advantage the Braves have right now it might be that.