The Cleveland Indians Fan’s Guide to the World Series: Game Two

It didn’t take long for one of the major league’s best offensive clubs to show off their firepower.

The Boston Red Sox defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 1 on Wednesday night, winning their ninth straight World Series game and putting them just 3 wins away from their third championship in less than a decade.

The Sox put the pressure on Cards ace Adam Wainwright (5 IP, 6 H, 3 ER) early, scoring 5 runs in the first 2 innings of play. Mike Napoli put Boston on the board with a 3 RBI double in the bottom of the first inning, and they would lead for the rest of the game. The game was defined by a series of bizarre defensive blunders in which the Cardinals missed routine fly balls and ground outs that could have limited the overall damage.

Oct 23, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher

throws a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning during game one of the MLB baseball World Series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles Krupa/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports

Jon Lester shutout the Cards in 7.2 innings of work, striking out 8 and allowing just 5 hits. St. Louis managed to score just 1 run after shelling Clayton Kershaw in game 6 of the NLCS, and they lost 8-1.

Cards star outfielder Carlos Beltran was pulled in the third inning with bruised ribs after robbing a potential David Ortiz grand slam.

Key Moment: Mike Napoli started the Sox off early with his double in the bottom of the first after Pete Kozma botched a double play, scoring 3 and setting the tone for the rest of the game. Boston’s ability to capitalize on several Cardinals miscues swung the game in their direction early.

Who’s Starting Game Two: Cardinals rookie sensation, Michael Wacha, faces off against John Lackey who is having one of the best years of his career. Wacha has been dominant in the playoffs thus far, with a WHIP of 0.57 and 22 strikeouts in 21 innings of work. He’s won every game that he has started this postseason.

X-Factor for Game Two: Cardinals pitcher Michael Wacha has pitched increasingly well in these playoffs and has allowed just one run in total. In a series where every inning is crucial, there’s a lot resting on his shoulders. If he continues to pitch like he has, the Cardinals have a good chance to even the series. The difference between 2-0 and 1-1 is a big one, and down the road we could be looking at this game as a turning point. Anyone who can be the hero is important in such a short series.

Prediction: The Cardinals win this one behind another strong start from Michael Wacha, 4-1. I’m hoping to see a game filled with fewer mistakes and more competitive baseball.

Topic for Discussion: Seriously, are Boston’s beards magic? There’s got to be something going on there.