Red Sox Redemption, Sox Take 2013 World Series
Thursday, October 31, 2013
The Red Sox were led by World Series Most Valuable Player, David Ortiz. Ortiz finished the World Series with an astounding .688 average, two home runs and six RBI. On the night Ortiz went 0-1 with four walks, three of which were intentional walks, tying a World Series record. Ortiz also scored twice on the night.
Going into Game 6 the storyline was whether or not the Red Sox could score on the Cardinals young phenom Michael Wacha. The answer was a resounding yes as the Red Sox exploded for six runs on the night with all six coming off of Wacha in just 3.2 innings of work.
Shane Victorino got the scoring started for the Red Sox with a bases loaded double in the bottom of the third inning, bringing home Jacoby Ellsbury, David Ortiz and Jonny Gomes.
The Red Sox continued the offensive onslaught in the fourth inning. Stephen Drew led off the inning with a solo home run on the first pitch from Wacha. After an Ellsbury double and an Ortiz intentional walk, Cardinals Manager Mike Matheny pulled Wacha in favor of Lance Lynn. The first batter Lynn faced was Mike Napoli who singled to center to bring in Ellsbury to make the score 5-0.
Shane Victorino once again came to the plate with the bases loaded, much like he did in the third inning, and delivered again. This time, Victorino sent a line drive into left field for a single that platted David Ortiz to make the score 6-0. With the bases loaded RBI Victorino extended his MLB career-best with 20 career postseason RBI's with the bases loaded.
The Cardinals finally got on the board in the seventh inning when David Descalso was driven in on a Carlos Beltran single off of Lackey. The Cardinals threatened in the seventh, loading the bases on Lackey, but were shut down by Junichi Tazawa stranding all three men on base.
The final outs of the World Series came in fitting fashion as the Red Sox turned the ball over to Koji Uehara. Although it was not a save situation, Uehara continued his postseason dominance and recorded the final three outs and the Red Sox improbable run to greatness was completed.
The year of redemption was not only with the Red Sox as a team, but also with their starting pitcher for Game 6, John Lackey. Lackey went 6.2 innings giving up 1 run on nine hits with five strikeouts. Lackey finished the 2013 postseason with a 3-1 record and left to a standing ovation by the Fenway Park crowd. Lackey was one of the Red Sox better performers in the postseason following three disappointing years in Boston, including missing the entire 2012 season following Tommy John surgery.
The World Series win and subsequent celebration comes in a year that has seen great tragedy in the city of Boston. Just over six months after the horrific Boston Marathon bombings, the citizens of Boston have a reason to take to the Boston streets and cheer with the 2013 Boston Red Sox. Proving that this team and more importantly this city is truly Boston Strong.
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