With John Smoltz doing color commentary for World Series Game 3, Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker made a decision that, well, wouldn't have been made in 1991.
Despite not allowing a hit, Ian Anderson was pulled after five innings by Snitker. Anderson had thrown just 76 pitches, and per FOX Sports, he had become the first rookie since 1912 to toss five innings without allowing a hit since 1912.
And yet, with the Braves leading 1-0, Snitker elected to turn to reliever A.J. Minter in the top of the sixth inning, rather than having Anderson face the Houston Astros order for a third time.
Perhaps the most curious part of this decision by Snitker is that opponents slashed .255/.305/.459 with a .764 OPS in the third plate appearance against Anderson this year, hardly alarming when compared to .250/.341/.431 with a .772 OPS the first time through the order.
The Braves are slated to have bullpen games in Games 4 and 5, meaning how well the team's relievers pitch the rest of the way may very well decide whether the franchise is able to capture its fourth World Series title.
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