Chills every time, I tell you. Red Sox broadcaster Dave O’Brien calling David Ortiz’ grand slam in ALCS Game 2 vs the Tigers. This one was an instant classic.
Unfinished business
When the Red Sox headed to St. Louis after losing World Series Game 2 at Fenway, I remarked that this 1-1 position was similar to the American League Championship Series after its first two games. But unlike the ALCS, the World Series momentum had shifted to the Cardinals because, while the Tigers won Game 1, the Red Sox dramatically rallied to win in Game 2 and headed to Detroit on that emotional high.
In Detroit the Red Sox won 2 of 3 games and came back to Fenway to finish the Series and become the 2013 American League champs.
The trip to St. Louis was about as good as anyone might reasonably expect. Boston again took 2-of-3 on the road and now return to Fenway in a strong position. With just one win in St. Louis, we were assured that there would be at least one game at Fenway. With the two wins we have the luxury of having two chances to get just one home win.
RED SOX ARE 2013 AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPS
A memorable series and a very memorable last game. With just 5 hits, including an improbable 2nd Red Sox grand slam of this series, Boston has defeated Detroit and the Red Sox are the 2013 American League Champions. It’s their 13th AL Pennant, the first since 2007 and their 3rd time ever clinching the victory at home, as they did in 1986 and 2007.
Victorino’s 7th inning blast was the 56th grand slam in MLB postseason history and just the 22nd of those ever to give a team the lead. It was the 5th in Red Sox postseason history, the 3rd-most of any team behind only the Yankees (11) and the Braves (6). Victorino joins Jim Thome as the only players with two grand slams in their postseason careers. Shane’s other came in 2008. Thome has his in 1998 and 1999. [Read more…]
Red Sox at Tigers in Game 6
Here’s an updated look at Red Sox and Tigers hitters’ lifetime batting performance vs tonight’s starters. These tables now include the performance of the teams through all ALCS games.
Cardinals drub Kershaw, advance to World Series
The Dodgers, their backs to the wall Friday, turned to their best pitcher. It was a win-or-go-home night for Los Angeles.
Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw was 16-9 in 33 starts this season. His 16 wins were well behind the 21 in 32 starts of the Tigers ALCS Game 6 starter Max Scherzer. But in so many other ways, Kershaw is the better pitcher. [Read more…]