ATLANTA -- Here it comes, the ultimate analytics move, another egregious attack on the heart of the game. After five no-hit innings in Game 3 of the World Series, manager Brian Snitker walked toward Ian Anderson in the Braves' dugout and informed his starting pitcher that he was taking him out before he could face the top of the Houston Astros' order for the third time. Gather 'round, all you nerd-haters -- this one was shaping up to be a classic of the genre.
Except the man who made the decision said it was nearly the exact opposite.