World Series Game Five Review

Oct 28, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman

hits a single against the St. Louis Cardinals in the 7th inning during game five of the MLB baseball World Series at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: H.Darr Beiser-USA TODAY Sports

The Score

Red Sox 3 – Cardinals 1

The Basic Storyline

Jon Lester pitched a gem, while David Ross delivered a big hit to put the Red Sox one game away from a championship.

Football is King?

While this game was going on, the Rams were hosting Monday Night Football for the first time since 2006.  Despite football’s nationwide popularity, the city of St. Louis was much more interested in the baseball game.  There were scores of empty seats at the football game and fans booed when they stopped showing the game on the video board.  I guess that’s why Cardinals fans are the “best in baseball.”

Slightly Below the Radar Story

The Red Sox struck out 14 times, raising their total to a postseason-record 156.  Apparently, strikeouts are not a detriment to postseason success, as the previous record holder was the 2010 San Francisco Giants who won the World Series.

The Heroes

Oct 28, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester (31) picks up a paper airplane that was thrown on the field during the seventh inning of game five of the MLB baseball World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Jon Lester – 7.2 innings, 1 run, 7 Ks.  That’s the type of World Series performance that makes people into legends.

David Ortiz – Speaking of legends, he had three more hits on the night.  There’s a very good chance that people will point to this series when Ortiz becomes the first designated hitter to make the Hall of Fame.

The Goats

The Cardinals Hitters – Aside from a solo home run by Matt Holliday, the Cardinals couldn’t get any offense going.

What it Means

The series shifts to Boston with the Red Sox leading 3 games to 2.  They are now one win away from their third championship in ten years.

What’s Next

Game five will be played from Fenway Park on Friday at 8:07.  Jon Lackey will attempt to close it out for Boston, while Michael Wacha will try to extend the series to a seventh game.