MLB
World Series 2021: Braves' star Soler admits bittersweet feelings following Morton's leg injury
Jorge Soler conceded it was a night of mixed emotions as the Atlanta Braves triumphed in Game 1 of the World Series.
Atlanta Braves star Jorge Soler conceded Charlie Morton's injury had taken the shine off his team's 6-2 triumph over the Houston Astros in Game 1 of the World Series.
Morton out for the remainder series
Morton took a hard grounder off the leg in the second inning but remained in the game to finish out the frame, then struck out the first batter of the third before leaving when the pain became too intense.
X-rays revealed the 37-year-old had suffered a broken right fibula, ruling him out of the remainder of the series.
Soler on Morton's injury: "challenging" and "emotional"
Soler, who hit the third pitch of the game for a home run, said of Morton's setback: "It was extremely challenging for us.
"We saw him getting treatment and getting worked on. He went back out there to pitch on that broken leg.
"It was really challenging and emotional for us to have to see him in the game being hurt, our World Series opener, starter."
In the 117th edition of the World Series, Soler became the first player to lead off the top of the first inning of Game 1 with a homer – a welcome development for Atlanta as teams that score first in the 2021 postseason are now 25-7.
"The energy was amazing and electric, especially after we took a 1-0 lead after that home run," said Soler.
Soler grateful for the Braves
"I feel extremely grateful to be here and be a member of this organization. I feel like Atlanta opened its arms for me. They traded for me, and they gave me the opportunity to play every day.
"So as far as I'm concerned, I'm extremely grateful to the organization, to the fans who have definitely supported us, and as I said, I'm very happy to be here."
Adam Duvall, Atlanta's second blast
Astros starter Framber Valdez had been dominant early in games, allowing only one run in the first two innings over his previous six games combined, but he would retire only six of the 15 men he faced Tuesday before departing down 5-0 with no outs in the third inning.
Beyond Soler's leadoff blast, the other big offensive blow for the Braves was a two-run laser over the left-field fence by Adam Duvall in the third that drove Valdez from the game.
Game 2 is on Wednesday in Houston with Max Fried taking the mound for the Braves against the Astros' Jose Urquidy.