Carlos Correa

Washington, November 1 (PL)-- The Houston Astros ruined the Atlanta Braves' dream of winning the World Series crown at home with a 9-5 victory in the fifth game of the U.S. baseball World Series.

The Astros thus guaranteed their return to Houston after recovering from a grand slam hit by Adam Duvall in the very first inning, which convinced many at Truist Park that this Sunday there would be a party in Atlanta.

However, the Astros scored almost in dribs and drabs, until the third inning, thanks to Yulieski Gurriell's driving home run, who consolidated his position as the Cuban with the most runs in the postseason (34).

In addition to connecting three hits and scoring two runs, Gurriell also equaled his compatriot Atanasio "Tany" Pérez, a member of the Hall of Fame since 2000, as the Cuban with the most hits in the "Fall Classics" (11).

Puerto Rican catcher Martín "Machete" Maldonado was a mainstay for Dusty Baker's disciples, pushing in three runs, while his compatriot Carlos Correa hit three hits and drove in two to delay his farewell to the Astros.

For Atlanta, starter Freddie Freeman also hit a home run, but only one, in a game in which pitcher Zack Greinke's hit as a pinch hitter stood out.

Greinke is the first pitcher to hit a lead-off single in the World Series since Jack Bentley in 1923.

The Astros and Braves will meet again on Tuesday in Houston, where the hosts need another win to force a seventh and final game.