World Series Game Two Review

Oct 24, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; St. Louis Cardinals outfielders

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(7) celebrate after game two of the MLB baseball World Series against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The Score

Cardinals 4 – Red Sox 2

The Basic Storyline

Cardinals rookie pitcher Michael Wacha continued to excel in the postseason, and after taking advantage of Cardinal errors in the first game, it was the Red Sox’ turn to make some fielding gaffes.

Redemption

After being the goat in game one, Cardinals shortstop Pete Kozma was benched in favor of Daniel Descalso.  But Kozma was later used as a pinch runner, and stole third base during the Cardinals key rally.

Slightly Below the Radar Story

After Wacha provided a strong start, the Cardinals bullpen made sure it held up, giving up no runs and only one hit in three innings of relief.

The Heroes

Oct 24, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Michael Wacha throws a pitch against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning during game two of the MLB baseball World Series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Jared Wickerham/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports

Michael Wacha – According to ESPN.com, Wacha is the 4th pitcher to win each of his first 4 career postseason games and allow 2 runs or fewer in each game.

Carlos Beltran – Due to bruised ribs suffered in game one, it was questionable if he’d even be able to play.  Not only did he play, but he delivered a key hit.

The Goats

Jarrod Saltalamacchia – After Kozma stole third, the next batter hit a fly ball caught by outfielder Johnny Gomes.  Kozma tagged up on the play, and Gomes’ throw got away from Red Sox catcher Saltalamacchia.  While the throw was offline, Saltalamacchia simply can’t allow the ball to get past him.

Craig Breslow – Red Sox reliever Breslow was wisely backing up the play, but ended up making things worse when his throw to third base sailed into left field allowing another run to score.  The next batter was Beltran, who singled to drive in yet another run.

What it Means

The series now heads to St. Louis tied at one game apiece.

What’s Next

Game three will be played in St. Louis – in front of the Best Fans in Baseball – on Sunday at 8:07.  Starting pitchers will be Jake Peavy for the Red Sox and Joe Kelly for the Cardinals.