This year, the Atlanta Braves faced the Houston Astros in the World Series, winning in game six with a 7-0 score after taking control of the game in the third inning. They took home the title with a 4-2 record, being crowned World Series Champions for the first time since 1995. 

Many were very surprised when the Braves made the playoffs for the 2021 season, considering they were just below the .500 mark in August. Even though they did not have the best record, they were not a team to be underestimated. The Braves were able to pull themselves together and make it to the playoffs. They won the first two rounds and went on to play in the NLCS against the defending world champs, the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Sophomore Jakes Schettini commented, “I thought they would make the playoffs since the NL East division is kind of weak, but I didn’t think they would make it to the World Series because the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers had much better records.” After several games, some being closer than others, the Braves beat the Dodgers and punched their ticket for the World Series.

The Braves faced the Houston Astros, who won the World Series in 2017 and played in the series in 2019. The Astros’ 2017 win and 2019 appearance were extremely controversial, due to the fact they were caught cheating in January of 2020. Because of this, many believe that the Astros should have their 2017 World Series title stripped away and given to their opponents of the series, the L.A. Dodgers.

Junior Alyssa Inserra said, “It was fair for them to participate in this year’s series; however, I feel like their title from 2017 should’ve been revoked because it wasn’t earned the right way.” Sophomore Katie Sharkey agreed that it was fair for the Astros to participate this year, adding that “after being caught cheating and having so many people against them, I don’t think they will try to cheat again.”

Many people had little hope for the Braves as they were playing a much better opponent. Inserra was rooting for the Braves, but said, “Skills wise I thought the Astros would take the pennant. I was pleasantly surprised when the Braves powered through.” Sharkey disagreed: “I thought the Braves were going to win because I had been watching them more than the Astros,” she said, “and they looked like they were really good throughout the playoffs.” 

After six games and a remarkable shutout in the final one, the Atlanta Braves were able to claim the 2021 World Series in Houston and bring it home to Georgia. Schettini said, “They have a lot of good players, and they improved a lot at the trade deadline. It was a long-awaited win since they have not won the World Series since 1995.” 

Inserra was ecstatic for the team, adding that she was “very happy to see Freddie Freeman happy because he’s an amazing guy, so to see him finally win after being with the Braves for so long was great because he deserved the title.” She explained that the win happening in the 44th week of the year was very special because Hank Aaron, a Braves Player who passed in January, wore number 44 on the team. “I think his spirit was with the team as they won the championship this year.” 

The Braves were the underdog in this journey, but they were able to pull themselves together and prove that they can compete with anyone and come out on top.