The 2013 MLB season discussion thread

[Luke]

First topic message reminder :

The bands are warming up, people are getting ready, the players anxious as next tues(2nd) major League baseball returns with the start of the regular season.

And some of the questions will be answered like. How will the Yankees fair without half there team?(sorry Kiwi), What will Toronto be like with a new team, coach, kit, pretty much everything? and converseley how will the Marlins do after there salary dump? Will the White Soxs recover from blowing there division after leading it pretty much all season? Are the Orioles a 1 season wonder? Can the Red Soxs improve from the last couple of years. Are the Giants on the verge of becoming a dynasty(2 world series in 3 years is a good start)?

Below is an over all very loose look at the divisions.

The East divisions in both confrences look intresting. in the AL at this moment any one of the 5 teams could win it, all will be fairly confident as what looks the most intresting division starts. in the NL, last years winners the Nationals have strengthened there rotation without really losing anyone. But the Phillies and Braves have both strengthed with experince during the post season. These 3 you have to fancy will win it.
In the Central divisions, the AL again looks fascinating. Like i said above how will the White Soxs bear after last season, Will Detroit shake of there world series blues, these 2 you would think are favorites. But both Cleveland and Kansas have been on the quiet building decent squads and could be in the shake.
The NL again looks like its Cincinnati's to lose, espically given that the Cardinals have lost Chris Carpenter a truely great pitcher.
The West Divisions are really about one city - Los Angeles. In the NL, the Dodgers big signings over the last few seasons next to step up, espcally given there rivals San Francisco's dominence the last few years. Arizona could be the wild card in this division with a compitent squad ready to pounce should the other 2 slip up.
In the AL, Anaheim have once again aquired a big signing, one that strenghthens there batting no end. But strangly let go of 2 pitchers, so will there rotation be any good to back up there batting. Last seasons division winners the A's have lost a couple of big players for them, but continue to churn out promising youngsters and players overlooked by others. And could Seattle upset the apple cart.

All these and more will be answered in the next 6 months.

[kwinigolfer]

"Now the Yanks are hitting, the pitching is wobbly".

Ditto for Friday and Saturday. Record-breaking futility and our season presumably over following a nice little run.

Hopefully Buck's Baltimore can show more fortitude than Girardi's crew and Oakland can win the West. And knock the Red Sox out of the play-offs! Boston success here in New England is unbearable!

[Luke]

Just got back from watching Rovers (the Rugby League team I support), Lose, turn on the radio and what do I find. The Yankees/Red Sox game (1/1 at the moment). And this is going to followed by the A'S/Astros game, great end to a bad game.

Kiwi, we're doing okay (poor tonight 1-0 down), with out doing anything spectacular. Tampa's dreadful run, and your poor run are really helping.
Our schedule from now to the end is, Yankees home for 4, Then Toronto,Boston,Tampa away for 3. Then Tornoto Boston home for 3.
One thing in our favour is they're all in our division, so have played them alot and know what to expect. Bad thing, we've been useless against teams in our division in general. Yankees just taken a 3-1 lead, on a Canoe double RBI double.

[kwinigolfer]

Play Ball!

Two crucial series in the AL East.

If Boston win their series (starting Tuesday) vs Tampa, they will be able to smell the finish line.
If the Yanks LOSE against your Baltimores, we're stuffed!!

Featherstone? Have been in the US for 35 years but used to love those Rugby League results - always seemed like the teams were part of the fabric of their communities. Unlike, say, "London".

[Luke]

The Yanks take tonight's game, leading the series 2-1, with 1 game left and knocking US out of the play offs I think, while boasting there own slim chances.
As for the other divisions, only the NL central is still realistically any ones, with the 3 teams (Cardinals,Pirates & Reds), separated by 2.5 games, the AL west now seems to be Oakland's to lose.

No Kiwi, Hull Kingston Rovers is the team I support. You're right though, most are fabrics in there communities,.

[kwinigolfer]

Another weekend of futility and injuries for the Yankees, with Gardner perhaps lost for the season and Jeter on the 60-day DL.

American League interest has pretty much descended to wild-card hopes, a battle of the losers if you like.

Personally hope the Yankees don't make it, would be perfectly happy to see two of Tampa, Baltimore and the Clevelands. Good riddance to Texas and even more riddance to anyone stupid enough to play A-Roid.

[Luke]

And the first divisional championship is claimed, following the LA Dodgers comeback 7-6 win v the D'Backs, they clinch the NL West.

Agree Kiwi with what you put about the AL, the wildcards are the only intrest, Not sure I want the O'S there, would like to see Cleveland get in, and possibly Tampa given that they were the only team to really challenge Boston.

Mind you, only thing in the NL is the central, though you'd fancy all 3 clubs to be in post season, 1 as champ, the other 2 as the wildcards.

[Luke]

And the Boston Red Soxs confirm at least a play off place with there 3-1 win over Baltimore.

[kwinigolfer]

A pox on the Sox!

ESPN is reporting that Andy Pettitte will announce his retirement later today - final home start on Sunday.
Great career which will fall just short of Hall Of Fame recognition and, sadly, may for ever be tainted by his use of illegal pharmaceuticals used many years ago, not in competition, but to try to heal more quickly following injury.

[Luke]

And the Boston Red Soxs confirm at least a play off place with there 3-1 win over Baltimore.

Scratch that, after tonights win they're divisional champions. Thats the AL east & NL west sorted, with the AL central & west and NL East should be concluded by friday I suspect.
Only the NL Central (which has closed up considrably with 1.5 games between the 3), and wildcards left.

[Luke]

NL east has finally been won by Atlanta, the AL west has been won by Oakland, and the Cardinals confirm a play off place.

And after our series loss against Tampa, think thats us out of even the wild card chase unless something miraculous happens between now and the end of the season.

[kwinigolfer]

Would hope that Tampa and Cleveland now secure wildcard places - Yanks play Tampa this week, but without CC Sabathia who has hamstring trouble and is out for the year. Just one more chapter in a terrible year for Yankee injuries.

[Luke]

And the NL play off picture is now complete. With Pittsburgh & Cincinnati now both qualified for at least a play off place. With the NL central division still to be won ( St Loui, who had already qualified are also in this division), it's now a straight race between the 3 as to who wins the division, and who gets home field advantage in the 1 off wildcard game.

[Luke]

St Louis have clinched the NL Central division, meaning that the all divisions have now been clinched, with the NL wild card game being Pittsburgh against Cincinnati (at the moment at PNC park Pittsburgh). The only thing left is who are going to be in the AL Wildcard game, with Cleveland & Tampa being in the driving seat at the moment.

Boston have clinched the best record, so are 1st seeds in the AL, and will get the wildcard gamein the 1st rd (a 3 game series), Detroit will be against Oakland for there 1st game.

[kwinigolfer]

Musical chairs for managerial appointments.
Dale Sveum already booted out of Chicago by the Cubs - Yankee fans will be nervous that Joe Girardi might be hired to replace Sveum.
And Minnesota commit to Ron Gardenhire for another year.

Tampa in Texas this evening for game 163 of the season - the Rays must be in disbelief it's come to this! I know I am!!
Hope the Rays duff up the Rangers.

Wonderful send offs for Rivera and Andy Pettitte (who ensured he'd pitch his entire Major League career with never a losing season by pitching his first complete game in seven years to beat Houston!

[kwinigolfer]

Good work by David Price last night - probably didn't have his best stuff but pitched like the warrior he is. Off to Cleveland for the Rays now.
Pirates/Reds tonight.

If Girardi leaves New York, which let's hope he doesn't, I'd love for the Yanks to get Joe Maddon.

[Luke]

Glad that the Rays & Indians have clinched the AL wildcards, both deserve it. And now have a team to follow in play offs (Go Rays).

Think the Yanks would be stupid to get rid of Girardi given what he's had to deal with this season. Good coach who deserves at least another season.

Kiwi,
Do you think the Yanks need to trade/buy big in the off season? Will they? Need a few more pitchers, but don't think your batting needs much changing.

[kwinigolfer]

tiger,
I hope you're right, about Girardi and the off-season.
I think one more top starter is essential given that we lose Andy Pettitte and Phil Hughes is expected to leave as a free agent.
Hitting OK, but remember that A-roid will probably be gone for the season, Jeter's health is iffy, and there's a good chance that Granderson will leave as a free agent.
And we HAVE to sign Cano. Hopefully the 2010 model of Teixera will be back at first, but even he ain't getting any younger.

[Luke]

The wildcard games have happened, with Tampa and Pittsburgh winning and progressing through to the play offs proper.

Just about to listen to game 1 of Pittsburgh at St Louis.

Kiwi,
Agree but feel that you like us don't have to make many changes. Given the nature of the division doubt any sides have to make major changes (possible Toronto will change a few).

[Luke]

Burnett's gone in the 3rd, after 4 walks 1 home run and a 3rd inning no out 7 run innings that still going (after all no ones out yet), St Louis look like they are going to win game 1 in the best of 5 series? Though we've not got passed the bottom of the 3rd, so in theory anything can still happen with 5 innings left.

[kwinigolfer]

Four games today, one after the other, rat-a-tat-tat!
Best day of the season if you're in to that sort of thing, tho' I hate to see Division rivals (Boston and Tampa, Pirates and Cards) facing each other this early; that's what the "regular season" is for, surely?
 
Surprised that Texas and Minnesota are sticking with Washington and Gardenhire - would have thought that they've got about as much out of their respective teams as they're ever likely to.

[kwinigolfer]

I see Cincinnatti have got rid of Dusty Baker.

Wish their voters would get rid of John Boehner too.

[Luke]

Pittsburgh rout the cardinals taking it to 1-1, Braves beat the Dodgers to also even it up, and in the AL the 2 expected sides (Red Sox's & Tigers), take a 1-0 lead.

Shame about Baker, though feel that he will always be remembered as a great season manager, an average play off manager who probably should have done better. Really should have won it with that Giants side that suprisingly lost to Anaheim.

[Luke]

And the first team through to a divisional championship game are the Los Angeles Dodgers. After there 3-1 series win against the Braves.

[Luke]

Boston Red Soxs now also through after beating Tampa Bay 3-1.

[kwinigolfer]

And, as for next year, the Red Sox will have to contend with Joe Girardi again; he signed a four-year extension to manage the Skanks thru 2017.
GOOD!

Matt Scherzer a bit lucky last night for the Detroits - loaded the bases with no outs in the 8th, and then got himself out of his own pickle with no runs scored.
Oakland likely to rue missed opportunities with Verlander looking to clinch the Series for the Tigers.

[Luke]

Agree Kiwi, though didn't really know what to expect with the A's given how little coverage was given to them, I know not alot of people will agree, but hope the Cardinals win tonight, as them v the Dodgers could be a fantastic series. Both solid starters, not bad ballpens, though can be blown away. And both have batters that could be big or useless can see it going 7.

If the Tigers get through, think they could beat Red Soxs.

You agree Kiwi

[Luke]

And it is Dodgers against the Cardinals for the NL Championship.

[kwinigolfer]

tiger,
The only problem with the Tigers vs Red Ros is that they would recently have used their pitching aces: Verlander tonight, Scherzer started a few days ago and pitched in relief on Tuesday. Hopefully he'd be ready to take the ball in Game 1 but it's a disruption to his schedule at the very least - and who knows if he'll be called upon again tonight?

Meanwhile, the Bostons can set their rotation.

Agree Cards vs Dodgers should be an excellent series. I fancy the Cards but that could be my wish being father to the thought!

[Luke]

And Detroit go through from there intresting series against Oakland (3-2), to face the Red Soxs for the AL championship.

[kwinigolfer]

So, The Dodgers escaped today - can they survive the next two games?

Boston in Detroit shortly; still can't fathom Leyland lifting Scherzer the other night, and still can't comprehend the Tigers' lack of timely hitting.

Probably the four best teams in baseball made it to the Divisional Championship series so one would think a quality World Series is in prospect, regardless of who wins these Series.

[kwinigolfer]

Order restored in Detroit last night.

[Luke]

So, The Dodgers escaped today - can they survive the next two games?

Boston in Detroit shortly; still can't fathom Leyland lifting Scherzer the other night, and still can't comprehend the Tigers' lack of timely hitting.

Probably the four best teams in baseball made it to the Divisional Championship series so one would think a quality World Series is in prospect, regardless of who wins these Series.

Agree, and given that the divisonal championship games have been good you got to feel that the world series could be as good as the 2011. Sort of hope the Cards get, though this could be a repeat of last years championship v the Giants.

I was wondering Kiwi, do alot of Americans want a Red Soxs/Dodgers series for Nostalgic reasons?

[kwinigolfer]

Red Sox vs Dodgers?

I wouldn't think so, altho' I'm sure the TV Networks would want East vs West, two of the four biggest markets (NY and Chicago would also be Top 4).

But still hoping it's St.Louis to finish things off tonight and fingers crossed for Scherzer and Verlander this weekend. A terrible sequence of brain farts for Miguel Cabrera last night arguably cost the Tigers a win.

[kwinigolfer]

Cards win!
Puig the Ballotelli of baseball. Total wing nut.

[kwinigolfer]

Well done Boston!

Detroit's starting pitching was amazing, but erratic bullpen, poor defence, dismal hitting and grisly base-running trumped by decent pitching and baseball savvy, especially from the core of Ellsbury, Pedroia and Victorino.

Cabrera might be the best hitter in baseball but he didn't show up these past six games, his base-running was terrible and his fielding even worse. Liability. But not as much of a liability as Fielder, what a disgrace he has been. And he probably calls himself an athlete - more like an overweight, out-of-shape knucklehead. Represents everything wrong with baseball.

[Luke]

Never really got the hype with regards Fielder, just think that he average at best. Cabrera intresting, he didn't really show up in the world series last year either, brilliant during the season, goes missing when Detroit really need him.

Really looking forward to this series, between 2 sides that do the little things right more often then not, and are evenly matched. Should be as good as the Cards/Texas or Angels/Giants series' s.

[kwinigolfer]

You're right, tiger, about the two teams who "do the little things right"; it certainly applied during the Championship Series, both of them.

And now: The end of an era as Jim Leyland steps down as Manager of the Tigers. He's built three fine teams, but probably won the World Series with the weakest of them, the 1997 Florida fish.
A LaRussa disciple he probably feels he's run out of gas and, at 68, who can blame him?

A great job in Detroit should inspire an "A" list of applicants.

[kwinigolfer]

Shambles from the Cardinals in the early innings, three errors, one team (pitcher/catcher) error, Beltran hurt, you name it they (Cardinals) ballsed it up.
Things can only get better, but that might not be tonight.

[Luke]

World Series - Game 1.

Fenway Park Boston.

St Louis Cardinals 1
Boston Red Soxs 8.

Well That was disappointing. The Cards in the 1st 2 innings were poor. Wainwright was throwing base hits like they were going out
fashion. Fielders were making errors and were generally sloppy. As the Red Soxs charged into a 5 run lead, capitalising on 2 bases loaded Situations (1 in the first, one in the 2nd), A's Napoli drove in a 3 run RBI double, then Pederoia drove in a RBI  single, and Ortiz had a sacrifice fly, after a superb catch from Beltran stopped a grand slam. After that it was mainly about how many the Red Soxs got, which was 3. Ortiz hit the first HR of the series with a 2 run shot in the 7th, and a sacrifice fly by Zanda added another.
Matt Holiday stopped a shut out with a solo HR in the 9th.

To be fair, as bad as the Cardinals were, Boston were good. Very rarely leaving runners on, taking the fortune and turning it into something. Defensively the were sound, and Jack Lester on the mound was superb before retiring in the 8th inning.

As For the Cardinals, well hopefully they got there bad display out of the way, and better to do it in the first game. Though statistics show, that 20 out of the last 24 world Series winners won the first game.

[Luke]

World Series - Game 2

Fenway Park Boston.

St Louis Cardinals 4
Boston Red Soxs 2

Series tied 1-1.

This was more like the baseball I expected, great starting pitching (and relief pitching with regards the cardinals), both defenses solid for the most part. And a game that both will feel they could have won.
Infact it took till the 4th innings for anyone to get past first base, when Matt Holiday got a triple, before going on to score putting the Cards 1 up.
Boston then took the lead as David Ortiz hit a 2 run Home run (his 2nd of this world Series). In the 6th.
But the Cardinals won it in the 7th, when after getting a bases loaded situation, Carpenter got a sacrifice fly RBI, when a poor throw let in the runner, and an even worse one let in a 2nd. Then Beltran got an RBI single and the Cardinals were 2 up. And then there ballpen came in and shut down the Red Soxs for the win.

You've got to feel for John Lackey after a great performance to have the loss against his name, especially as 2 errors were what did it for him. Boston's offense never really got going. Meanwhile the Cardinals took there few chances, and as I said There pitching was just fantastic all the way through.

So now a day off, and then over to St Louis in this topsy tervy series, that is threatening to be as good as I thought it would be.

[kwinigolfer]

Yup, This was a proper Cardinals performance which would havre ticked a number of boxes for Mike Matheny:
~Terrific start for Wacha, and brilliant relief help.
~Tight defence, Carpenter's error excepted.
~Beltran looked fit after the scare Wednesday night - and he'll only contribute more as the Series progresses.
~And redemption of sorts from Pete Kozma, with fine base-running and a brilliant defensive play which made him look like Derek Randall at his best.

Downside would have to be that they seem to be pitching very defensively to Ortiz - don't give that man any confidence! But Matheny must be encouraged as the Cards return to St.Louis, especially with some mystery surrounding the condition of Clay Buckholz(sp?).

Still too close to call though.

[Luke]

Kiwi,

I thought both Wacha & Lackey were fantastic last night. Though feel they left Wacha in to long which contributed to Ortiz's home run. The major difference was Martinez & Rothbone continued what Wacha started.
And that it was a bad error that cost Boston..

Is the Cards ballpen stronger than Boston's?

A?gree that this series is still to close to call, and I feel that we will be back to Fenway . The next game could be very interesting, an older v younger pitcher again but this time the other way round. Plus with it being the 1st at Busch how will St Louis do, as we know Boston are as good away.

[kwinigolfer]

tiger,
I'd say all aspects of each team are very well matched; looks to me as if each match will come down to basics and, in that context, it was interesting to see Boston lose their composure last night in a similar way to the Cards on Wednesday.
I'd never seen Carlos Martinez pitch before but he was excellent, especially after Matheny resisted the temptation to take him out with Ortiz at the plate. Despite Ortiz's hit, that faith was rewarded. Perhaps Boston's long relief and set up guys aren't so good?

Alan Craig didn't look that good as he comes back from injury and would think he might be glad of the day's rest. But Beltran should only get healthier - still wondering when Holliday will become a force in this Series.

Will Ortiz play first base in St.Louis? Big call for John Farrell, that.

[Luke]

World Series Game 3.

Busch Stadium St Louis

Boston Red Soxs 4
St Louis Cardinals 5.

St Louis lead the series 2-1.

Fantastic game that contained everything, hits, good pitching, comebacks, an exciting Finnish that could also be called controversal (depending on if you follow the Red Soxs or Not).

St Louis started like a house on fire in the first. Getting 4 base hits and scoring 2, thanks to RBI's for Holiday & Molina. Although I thought Peavy didn't pitch that badly it was just very good hitting by the Cards. The next 2 innings were classic pitchers dual battle. But momentum seem to turn in the 4th, were a bases load no out situation was Blown by the Cards as Peavy pitched brilliantly to get out of jail (although why Molina turned back to 3rd base I didn't get). Boston grew in stature, in the 5th Carp got an RBI single to get them on the board. And in the 6th Nava got an RBI single to get Boston level. Just when you thought Boston were in the ascendancy, Holiday's 2 RBI double (giving him his 3rd RBI of the game), turned the game back on its head. Giving St Louis another 2 run lead. But again back came Boston, as in the 8th they capitalised on a bases loaded situation as RBI's to Nava(his 2nd of the game), and Bogaerts pulled them back level.
But in the 9th, after Boston had gone, the Cards took the win, on a strange play. After a sacrifice fly, the first runner was out at home plate, but a wild throw by the catcher led to the 2nd runner having a chance, he was also out but was given in after interference when rounding 3rd (I should say I'm old school regarding baseball, so don't watch it but listen on radio to games). So can't really comment on the call.

So now Boston really need to win tonight's game, as from 3-1 you would have to fancy the Cards, plus one win means were going back to Fenway. But the Cards are finding ways to win, and playing well.
Though there will be worries for both sides. For the Cards, all though they got away with it tonight, blowing a 2 run lead and leaving 11 runners on base they will know could cost them next time.
As For Boston, in what is a must win game I feel, Just how fit is there starting pitcher Buchholz, especially as they've burned up alot of the ballpen in the last 2 games. And they''ve now lost 2 games that they will feel they could/should have won, how will that effect them.

Can't wait for tonight's game, which should be as good and fascinating as the last 2 games.

[kwinigolfer]

tiger,
Rivetting stuff!
Hope the radio commentator saw, as TV viewers did, the third-base umpire signal interference precisely when it occurred. Home-base umpire pointed immediately to 3rd as Craig came home and singalled "safe".
Didn't help that Craig has a damaged wheel of course to make the whole thing even more controversial than it should have been. Red Sox players indignant, but would be good if they spent as long learning the rules as they did growing their beards.

Agree what you say about Buchholz, and the Boston bull-pen; though both Martinez AND Rosenthal will probably not be able to go tonight for St.Louis.

[Luke]

It's the home teams radio station Kiwi (Mike Shannon part commentator last night, how cool the guys a legend), but yes as soon after they calmed down they did make the point that all umpires straight away gave interference, and that it was.

Agree what you say about Martinez & Rosenthal, but don't the cards have that ex closer from the Brewers (sorry forgot his name), and have thanks to game 2 only using 2 of the ballpen, I feel they should be slightly be fresher. Also if Buchholz is not fit, Boston used his natural replacement Doubront (who pitched fantastically), last night as well.

Tonight should be a fantastic, with lots these subplots adding to an already fascinating series between two very even great sides.

[Luke]

World Series Game 4.

Busch Stadium St Louis

Boston Red Soxs 4
St Louis Cardinals 2.

Series tied at 2-2.

So after last night's thrill ride, this went back to good old fashioned baseball. Pitchers trying and more often than not hitting there spots at the beginning (thought Buchholz pitched very well given his injury status, and loss of velocity), backed up by fairly good defenses. Lynn for the Cardinals pitched excellently for his 5 1/2 innings.
In the 3rd the Cards again took the lead thanks to an RBI single for Beltran. But the tide was turning, and in the 5th an RBI single for Drew was just reward for some excellent at bats by Boston. Who were beginning to get the pitch counts high by really steaching there counts when facing. They continued this, and in the 6th were futher rewarded with a 3 run HR by Gomez. This coupled with Doubront's excellent relief spell (until Robinson's double in the 7th, he'd faced 8 batters without allowing a base hit & getting 3 strike outs). Robinson went on to score thanks to an RBI single by Carpenter.
And that was that, as this time the Boston ballpen got the outs. Though the last out (Long tagged at first base while waiting for a pitch to Beltran), was both sloppy and just stupid.

So this topsy tervy world series takes another twist, with the Red Soxs basically doing to the Cardinals what the Cardinals had done to them these last to games. This win also means we are quarantined to return to Boston for at least 1 game.
It also makes tonight's game pivotal, as the winners get a 3-2 lead, in a best of 7 series and first shot at the series win. Given the momentum that Boston have got from the last 1 1/2 games, and the fact that the worst starting pitcher for St Louis in this series is back on the mound (Wainwright), who Boston owned in game 1, I just feel that it would be Boston. Though Wainwright can't be that bad again can he?

Just a one point, the amount of errors & batters left on, while adding to the excitement, are things that during the Regular & post seasons were things these 2 sides were very low at. I just wonder if they are trying/waiting for the spectacular instead of doing what they both were good at.

Also, even should the Red Soxs lose (and if they do this won't happen), but David Ortiz at this moment has to be the Series MVP, he just amazing at the moment.

[kwinigolfer]

Missed some of last night's game, pretty much from Gomes' homer onwards, just crashed.

I feel the Cards have been unnecessarily defensive pitching to Ortiz if he continues at a .727 clip, Red Sox win!

It's got to the state that St.Louis has pretty much has to play error-free baseball from now on in. Friese needs to contribute at the plate and Carpenter needs to be the hitter he has been all season.

But home-field advantage has reverted to Boston and that will be difficult to overcome, especially as they've successfully got past Buchholz in the rotation.
A plus for St.Louis is that Martinez and Rosenthal should be able to go tonight, but I've also been impressed with the left-hander Siegrist.

Bottom line: Wainwright has to show some leadership tonight - if he can't pitch at least a "quality start", the Cards will fold.

[Luke]

World Series Game 5.

Busch Stadium St Louis

Boston Red Soxs 3
St Louis Cardinals 1.

Boston lead the series 3-2.
This game was pretty much about the pitchers. After a RBI double for Ortiz put the Red Soxs up 1-0 in the 1st. After a slightly shaky start, Wainwright settled down to produce a very good spell of pitching till towards the end of his spell.
Trouble was for him, Lester was simply superb, as he bottled up the Cards offence throughout.
His one slight mistake happened in the 4th, as Matt Holiday (who along with Molina has pretty much carried the St Louis offence), hit a Solo home run to tie up the score.
And that was how it stayed, with both pitchers pitching well. Till the 7th, when Wainwright tiring, Boston jumped on top of him, getting 2 runs thanks to a RBI double for David Ross, And an RBI single for Ellsbury. Though the pivotal moment of the innings was Stephen Drews at bat, were he got a walk. And that was that for the rest of the Game.

So know we go back to Fenway tomorrow night, with Boston getting the first shot at the series win.
And with them being at home, momentum being behind them, Ortiz's ridiculous figures, and the hostile crowd you do have to fancy there chances.
For the Cards, they need Wacha to pitch like he did in game 2 (which was also at Fenway so it will hold no surprises for him), to be in with a chance. They also need there batters to turn up, convert there chances (they''ve left a ridiculous number on base), and play like the team that got them through the season/post season.

Although the Cards were here in 2011, losing 3-2, and being stuffed before somehow turning that game around and winning the series. Though the major difference is that they were at home for games 6 & 7 that series.

Also after nominating David Ortiz for series MVP. Can I also give mention to 2 other players who I think have got Boston to this stage. John Lester, who in his 2 games has just pitched Majestically. And Pedroia, who has come up when required at bat, and in an error strewn series, has been safe and sometimes spectacular in Defense.

[kwinigolfer]

The best team will return to Fenway with a commanding lead.
Cards can have no complaints after two games in which they were outplayed.
Batting average for Ortz so far this World Series: .733
Remainder of the Red Sox are hitting at: .151, despite Pedroia at .263 and Bogaerts at .294.
Amazing.

Cardinals just not hitting, though would also add that Beltran has done his bit as well as Holliday and Molina. Carpenter and Friese haven't turned up and the rest of the line-up have been even worse.

Thought Boston would come last in the A.L. East and here they are on the threshhold of their third WS in ten years. Remarkable. And this team should only get better so long as Pedroia keeps his health and fitness.

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