MLB Notebook: Astros just one win away from World Series

We’re deep into the 2021 Major League Baseball playoffs, and as of this writing, two teams are just one win away from the World Series. Updates on the two series, naturally, top this week’s MLB Notebook!

Houston Takes Pivotal Game 5

Fun fact: All communications types must use the word "pivotal" when describing a Game 5 between two teams tied at two wins apiece. If you didn’t get the memo, please contact HR.

Anyway, the Houston Astros walloped the Boston Red Sox 9-1 Wednesday night and can clinch the series when play resumes Friday in Texas. Houston put the game away with a five-run sixth inning, and Framber Valdez kept Boston in check by pitching eight innings of one-run ball.

Atlanta On The Verge Of NL Pennant

Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves roughed up LA Dodgers starter Julio Urias early Wednesday night. They jumped out to a 4-0 lead after three innings, held off a brief Dodger rally in the fifth, and added four more runs in the ninth to record a 9-2 rout.

Eddie Rosario belted a pair of home runs in the win, and he now has 10 hits in the series, which could end with another Braves win Thursday at Dodger Stadium (or over the weekend in Atlanta).

Boone Back In The Bronx

The New York Yankees have announced manager Aaron Boone will return to the club. Boone’s future was in question after an early playoff exit this season, when the squad fell to the rival Red Sox in the AL Wild Card Game. He’s never missed the postseason in four years as the Yankees’ skipper, but management has made it clear that deep runs are expected.

Progress For Minor Leaguers

We’ll end with a story that’s a bit off the beaten path. Earlier this week, Major League Baseball announced that teams will be required to provide housing for players on affiliated minor league teams.

Minor leaguers have become far more outspoken about low pay and less-than-ideal housing situations, both of which can weigh heavy on players looking to take the next steps in their careers. MLB says an effort to modernize minor league baseball is underway, and that more changes are coming in the next few years.