World Series Game One Review

Oct 23, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman

(back) celebrates with teammates after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals in game one of the MLB baseball World Series at Fenway Park. Boston won 8-1. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

The Score

Red Sox 8 – Cardinals 1

The Basic Storyline

Cardinals shortstop Pete Kozma botched a potential double play ball at second base, leading to a three-run first inning by the Red Sox.  The Cardinals couldn’t get their offense going, and the Red Sox coasted to victory.

The Controversy

On the botched double play, second base umpire Dana DeMuth initially signalled that the runner was out.  After conferring with the other umpires, that call was reversed.  The Red Sox were slightly peeved about this, since calls in baseball are rarely reversed in this manner.  But its hard to feel too bad for them since the umpires did come up with the correct call.

Below the Radar Story

Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran injured his ribs when making a home run saving catch.  His status is in doubt for the remainder of the series.

The Heroes

Oct 23, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli hits a three-run double against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning during game one of the MLB baseball World Series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Napoli – Even after that botched play, somebody on the Red Sox still had to come through and get the runners home.  Mike Napoli did just that with a three-run double.

Jon Lester – It may have been a bit overshadowed by the rest of the happenings, but Lester pitched an outstanding game, giving up zero runs in 7 2/3 innings.

The Goats

Pete Kozma – If he makes that play, the entire game might turn out differently.

Adam Wainright – While Kozma’s play certainly didn’t help him, Wainright could have minimized the damage and pitched out of trouble.  He did not.

What it Means

Despite an overwhelming victory, it still only counts as one win for the Red Sox.

What’s Next

Game two is tonight.  Boston will send veteran starter John Lackey against Cardinals’ rookie sensation Michael Wacha.  Game time is 8:07.