After finishing the regular season with a historic 108-54 record, the Red Sox are in the World Series for the first time since winning it all in 2013, where they face the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Game one of the World Series ended in favor of the Red Sox, 8-4, after pinch-hitter Eduardo Nunez hit a line-drive three-run home-run in the bottom of the seventh over the Green Monster to put the game away.
Starting pitcher for the Red Sox in game one, Chris Sale, had never pitched in the World Series before last night, so this game marked a first for the ace. The lefty was replaced by Matt Barnes in the top of the fifth after walking the first batter of the inning.
As for the Dodgers, lefty Clayton Kershaw, who pitched 11 innings against the Milwaukee Brewers and only gave up six runs, started in game one. Kershaw was eventually replaced by Ryan Madson in the bottom of the fifth, with the game tied, 3-3. Being the highest paid player by salary in the MLB, Kershaw brings a big reputation that was matched by Boston’s strong offense.
Boston’s postseason run started against rival New York Yankees in the American League Division Series. The Sox beat the Yankees three games to one in the best of five, first round series. After defeating the Yankees, the Red Sox faced Houston Astros—2017 World Series champions—in the American League Championship Series (ALCS). The Astros were one of three teams winning over 100 games in the regular season, finishing 103-59.
In the ALCS, the Red Sox finished multiple games strong to earn each win and secure a spot in the World Series. In game three, center-fielder Jackie Bradley, Jr. ripped a grand slam in the top of the eighth inning to add to Boston’s two-run lead, aiding the 8-2 victory. In game four, the Astros had the bases loaded and hoped to turn the game around, until left-fielder Andrew Benintendi took a chance with a diving catch to his right to end the game, 8-6 Red Sox. Boston ended the series against the tough Astros team in five games, winning the series four games to one, with 25 total runs.
On the other end, the Dodgers defeated the Brewers in the National League Championship Series in game seven, 5-1, to advance to the World Series.
Game two of the World Series is in Boston tonight, with the first pitch scheduled for 8:09 p.m. The Sox lead the series, 1-0.
