Soler, Braves overcome Morton injury, top Astros in Game 1

The Atlanta Braves celebrates after their win against the Houston Astros in Game 1 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, in Houston. The Braves won 6-2. (AP Photo / Sue Ogrocki)

The Atlanta Braves, despite the loss of pitcher Charlie Morton to a broken leg, hushed the Houston Astros 6-2 in Game 1. Morton is done for the World Series after leaving with a broken right calf bone in the third inning of the opener.

Making his first start since testing positive for COVID-19, Jorge Soler became the first player to begin a World Series with a home run.

Atlanta Braves' Jorge Soler celebrates with Ozzie Albies after a home run during the first inning of Game 1 in baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, in Houston.
Atlanta Braves’ Jorge Soler celebrates with Ozzie Albies after a home run during the first inning of Game 1 in baseball’s World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, in Houston. (Associated Press / Ashley Landis)

Boosted by a strong bullpen effort, a two-run homer by Adam Duvall and a late sacrifice fly from Freddie Freeman, the Braves coasted in their first Series appearance since Chipper Jones and the Big Three aces ascended in 1999.

Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and the Astros mostly looked lost at the plate. This is their third World Series in five seasons — and first since their illegal sign-stealing scheme was revealed.

Atlanta Braves center fielder Guillermo Heredia and shortstop Dansby Swanson celebrates their win against the Houston Astros in Game 1 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, in Houston. The Braves won 6-2.
Atlanta Braves center fielder Guillermo Heredia and shortstop Dansby Swanson celebrates their win against the Houston Astros in Game 1 of baseball’s World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, in Houston. The Braves won 6-2. (Associated Press / David J. Phillip)
Game 2 is Wednesday night, with Braves lefty Max Fried starting against right-hander José Urquidy.

 This article appears on Now Habersham as part of a news partnership with GPB News