Gamethread: Astros at Atlanta (World Series Game 4)

Hey, some of us prefer our Ian Andersons with a flute, but it was hard to argue with the one on the mound for Atlanta last night. With both clubs severely depleted of arms, Anderson gave his club a huge shove, with no-hit ball. When the “controversy” surrounding your team is whether you should have left a starter in who’s throwing a no-hitter, not a heartbreaking loss or weird lineup decision, things are looking good.

And things are looking good for Atlanta, despite welcoming a former “world leader” to the ballgame tonight, where he will undoubtedly be serenaded with boos, profane cheering, and probably some chop sprinkled in. Can’t wait for even more things to detract from baseball itself while the sport plays on its brightest stage.

Zack Greinke, who has pitched just a handful of innings in the past month, will get the start of Houston, who will be hoping for a miracle, three-inning effort. Atlanta will run out some form of opener/bullpen game. Who’s pitching? Well, if the vaunted bats of the Astros don’t wake up (hmm ... a dead offensive game outside of Houston, huh?) the hosts could run out Cecil Upshaw, Danny Frisella, Maximino Leon and Pablo Torrealba and take a commanding, 3-1 lead in the Series.

The game is at 7 p.m. CT on Fox, and if you can take the chop sounds but not the visuals, ESPN radio is for you.