The Atlanta Braves got the job done.
Despite whispers (or shouts) of a potential collapse, the club was able to silence the outside noise and beat the Houston Astros in the 2021 World Series.
As a result, for the first time since 1995, the Braves are the champions of the baseball world.
Countless folks within Atlanta’s organization deserve credit for what the team just accomplished.
But right now, we’re going to talk about one individual in particular: Max Fried.
The lefty entered his Game 6 start against Houston with a lot to prove and everything to lose.
The pressure didn’t faze him, though.
He rose to the occasion and pitched his team to a World Series title.
It’s hard not to be happy for him.
Game 6 Was A Legacy-Defining Showing For Fried
Fried likely knew that his legacy was on the line in Game 6.
The southpaw has always been a great regular-season pitcher, but after two brutal outings in the 2021 playoffs, many fans started to question his ability to pitch in big games.
Going into his Game 6 World Series start, he had allowed 11 runs over 9.2 innings in his two most recent playoff outings.
Narratives were swirling regarding his struggles.
But in Game 6, he put those narratives to rest.
He left everything on the field, tossing six shutout innings while allowing just four hits.
He fanned six, walked none, and exited with the lead.
.@MaxFried32 pitched the game of his life tonight!#BattleATL | #WorldSeries pic.twitter.com/KeSSkYBXf9
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) November 3, 2021
Atlanta’s bullpen took it from there.
When all was said and done, he was credited with the victory.
Who knows if the Braves would have won this thing without Fried?
He came through when they needed him most.
No one can question his ability to perform on big stages anymore.
Redemption At Its Finest
Before his Game 6 start, Fried spoke about his mindset.
He explained that he wasn’t happy with his postseason struggles and wanted to redeem himself in Game 6.
“Any time that you go out there and you don’t perform the way that you want, you don’t win, you want to go back out there and redeem yourself,” Fried said. “I’m ready to go out there and leave it all on the field. It’s probably going to be my last outing of the year, so there’s nothing to hold back.”
The 27-year-old was fortunate to get another opportunity in this series.
After the Braves lost his Game 2 start, there were no guarantees that he was going to get the ball again.
But he did, and he made the most of the chance.
.@MaxFried32 is the first starter ever to have 6+ Ks, 0 BB and allow 0 R in a potential #WorldSeries clinching game. pic.twitter.com/jyOdkX8ZIQ
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) November 3, 2021
Let’s just call it like it is: No one is going to remember his struggles earlier in the postseason after the way he pitched in Game 6.
When you deliver in the biggest spot of the season, that’s what counts.
Wrap-Up
At 27, Fried is already a World Series champ.
It took him just five seasons at the MLB level to accomplish the feat.
The Braves have Fried under club control until 2025, which is obviously great news for Atlanta.
Young talent is one of the many reasons why the organization isn’t going anywhere.
The club will likely be a perennial title contender for the foreseeable future, and fans shouldn’t be surprised if this title is the first of many for Atlanta.
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