Boston Red Sox: Proving They Can Win World Series

Oct 23, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz hits a two-run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals in the 7th inning during game one of the MLB baseball World Series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

It was a night at Fenway Park that was meant to be. As soon as Jon Lester threw the first pitch in front of Boston Red Sox fans, the home team seemed to have the advantage. Starting with a three up, three down inning from Boston’s power-pitcher, the folks at Fenway were treated to an all-night domination that was seemingly over when the two teams stepped on the field.

The Red Sox played like it was the World Series–calm, focused, and clean. The St. Louis Cardinals on the other hand, looked like a little league team that just stepped on the diamond to play their first scrimmage game. Riddled by errors and poor at-bats, the Cardinals weren’t able to manage a single run through eight innings in the 8-1 domination. But the Red Sox did what they needed to, capitalizing on mistakes and quite possibly making this the most lopsided Game One in recent memory.

David Ortiz was big. No, I’m not just referring to his massive size and strength, the DH was simply CLUTCH. His three-RBI night should have been accompanied by a few more runs, as he nearly smashed his second grand slam of the Postseason, coincidentally in the exact same spot as his first crush. (This time, there were no screaming policemen or flipping outfielders.) “Big Papi” isn’t done. He might make this series his. When you think of the 2013 World Series, I have a good feeling Ortiz will quickly come to mind. Forget his struggles, Papi is taking the word “slump” and laughing at it. His performance is just getting started.

Sure, Adam Wainwright looked like he was throwing little league batting practice in the first few innings, but the Sox earned all of their runs and simply played good baseball. They only left four runners on base on offense and got a fantastic performance on the mound from Lester. John Farrell expressed his faith in his starter before the series and Lester made him look great. Mowing down eight guys in 7.2 innings, the left-hander delivered a monumental performance.

It’s just one game, but Boston knows what they need to do. They didn’t fire up their running game in this one, so imagine how valuable that tool will be when they need it the most.

Everyone seems to be playing at a high caliber when Coach Farrell needs them the most. Is it possible that this series could end in five games or less?