Boston Strong: Red Sox World Series Champs

For the first time since 1918, where Babe Ruth came in as a defensive specialist for the Red Sox, Boston takes the World Series title at Fenway. It’s their third title since 2004, in where they broke the 86 year curse of the Bambino. Now, they are one of the best teams in baseball.

They dominated the Cardinals in a 6-1 victory, with Koji Uehara striking out Matt Carpenter to clinch it. The Cardinals left nine men on base, and the reporters were criticizing that a lot, but in fact, the Red Sox left eleven men on. The Cardinals also had more hits in the game (9) than the Red Sox (8). So how did Boston crush?

They got to Michael Wacha early. Yes, they did not strike until the third inning, but unlike the times where they were getting no hit, they were threatening. In the first inning, Dustin Pedroia, who actually only batted .208 in the world series, hit one that looked gone from the swing of the bat, but just went foul. It was just like his hit in Game 6 of the ALCS, and that foreshadowed a strike by the Red Sox after.

The same thing would occur. It wouldn’t be until the third inning, but the Red Sox were able to load the bases after Wacha beans Jonny Gomes. Guess who stands in? Shane Victorino.

I hope you remember what happened the last time Victorino had the bases loaded. He hit one out. This one was close to going out – but instead it hit the green monster. No matter- he would clear the benches with a triple. It’s 3-0 Boston.

Victorino with the bases loaded in the postseason has put up 20 RBI’s in his career. Yes, 20. That’s a record.

Here’s a tough part that Michael Wacha had to deal with: David Ortiz. If one runner got on, they would have to intentionally walk him. He is just too dangerous. Ortiz would actually go 0-for-1 in the game, but his 1.948 OPS is by far a World Series record.

The third inning came, and it started off with an unfamiliar bat. Stephen Drew, who was terrible in the postseason this year offensively, would crack a solo shot to break his cold streak. That I did not see coming. It’s 4-0 Boston.

Michael Wacha would not want to relive that 4^th inning ever again. The Red Sox batted around the order, including Shane Victorino singling with the bases loaded AGAIN, and Wacha would be removed with two outs in the inning. He gave up five hits, six runs, four walks, and five K’s.

There was a touching moment between Yadier Molina and Wacha when he was pulled. Molina, the veteran, knew that he had to cheer up the rookie, who probably feels like he’ll regret this for the rest of his life. It’s a shame because he pitched so well since the end of September. In fact, I don’t think the Cardinals would be in the World Series if they didn’t have Wacha on the mound.

It’s gotta be tough. But a good point to watch is how Clayton Kershaw got rocked in Game 6 against Wacha and the Cards, and St. Louis clinched. Kershaw is the best pitcher in baseball. Yes, it’s an elimination World Series game, but it just goes to show ya that even the best can falter in times like these. Cheer up Wacha – you have a bright future ahead.

Lance Lynn would come in, and he was no solution. Lynn would not get out of the 4^th, giving up two hits and a walk. It would be Seth Maness, who gave up the home run to Jonny Gomes in Game 4, to close out that 4^th inning.

It’s 6-0 Boston, and they were not stopping there.

John Lackey pitched very well. Remember, this isn’t the first time that he was placed in this situation. In the 2002 World Series, he pitched Game 7 against the Giants, and won. That Giants team was expected to crush the Angels (they had Bonds, who batted .370/.582/.799 that year, winning the MVP with ease).

This time, the Red Sox were the favorites, but Lackey still proved strong. He would go 6-and-two-thirds, giving up nine hits, but allowing only one run and one walk while striking out five.

In the 7^th inning, he had runners on 2^nd and 3^rd, with Matt Holliday stepping up to the plate. Lackey, who you have to literally force the ball out of his hands, refuse to give up the ball when John Farrell came out. This time, and for the first time Farrell ever had done, he let his starter stay in.

Unfortunately, it won’t be as memorable as we think it’ll be. He ended up walking Holliday.

Nevertheless, the bullpen pitched scoreless innings; Brandon Workman needed only nine pitches in the 8^th, and Uehara only 13.

The Red Sox are your World Series champs, winning it in six games. David Ortiz would win the MVP, and rightfully so. If you rule him out of the game, the Red Sox would bat under .200. ORTIZ BATTED .688! Jeez!

Don’t rule the Cardinals out completely. They fought valiantly, and proved that they are still an amazing team. Remember, they have some young talent and a great farm system. They will be back to the World Series sooner than you think.

In 2004, it was Keith Folke who tossed it to Doug Mientkiewicz to secure a World Series for the Sox for the first time since 1918. Three years later, Jonathan Papelbon was the closer, getting a K to win it. Now, it's Uehara, the guy who my friends and I loved two years ago from a board game that we play, strikes out Matt Carpenter to win it.

Congrats, Boston, on your well-deserved win. Watching the Red Sox and Boston celebrate makes me wonder what Chicago will be like when the Cubs win it all. Sad, I know, but it’ll be worth to see when it happens!

Tomorrow I’ll look at the Red Sox 2013 season, from Spring Training to their trip to Disneyworld. Email me at statsbuddy42@gmail.com for any questions/comments/concerns.

-Evan Boyd