For Game 3 of the World Series, Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker handed Ian Anderson the role of starting pitcher. And the 23-year-old didn’t disappoint, aiding the NL Pennant winners to a 2-0 victory over the Houston Astros.

Overall, the Braves fielded four more pitchers after Snitker pulled Anderson from the game following the end of the fifth inning. However, the 23-year-old made history in the time he spent on the mound despite the pressure he had on his shoulders.

Ian Anderson sizzles for the Atlanta Braves in Game 3 of the World Series

Anderson joined the MLB in 2020 with the Braves. Although the Braves failed to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS last year, history didn’t repeat itself this year. This meant he would make his first appearance in the World Series as a starting pitcher yesterday and he didn’t fail in making an impression.

Anderson recorded four strikeouts without conceding a single hit, let alone an earned run. Overall, the Braves conceded just two hits as the Astros failed to score a single run, which is rare given the talent in their roster.

Recording five no-hit innings, Anderson emulated a feat achieved by former New York Yankees pitcher Don Larsen. In the 1956 World Series, Larsen threw a perfect game in Game 5 against the Brooklyn Dodgers (now the Los Angeles Dodgers).

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While Anderson didn’t play all nine innings, he became the first player since Larsen to throw five innings without conceding a single hit.

Overall, Anderson threw 76 pitches in Game 4, of which more than half were for strikes. Along with four strikeouts, the 23-year-old also walked three to cap off an impressive display in Truist Park.

READ MORE: Atlanta Braves Match Historic Boston Red Sox Feat to Tame Houston Astros at MLB World Series Game 3

Can the Braves continue their red-hot form?

While Anderson might not start Game 4, the Braves’ bullpen showed its capabilities yesterday. With pitchers like A.J. Minter, Max Fried and Tyler Matzek, they have the depth needed to take the fight to the Astros.

However, the Astros will look to tie the series, given a 3-1 deficit will be extremely difficult to overturn. Whether the Braves can bank on the support of their fans to pull off another crucial victory, only time will tell.