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

Another game, and the World Series is even once again. The Red Sox defeated the Cardinals 4-2 in St. Louis to tie the series, 2-2.

St. Louis struck first in the third with a Carlos Beltran RBI single. Yet Boston didn’t let them hold the lead for long. Stephen Drew hit a sacrifice fly to drive in David Ortiz in the fifth, and Jonny Gomes hit a 3-run homer in the sixth to give Boston the lead. Boston’s ability to respond and end Cards righty Lance Lynn‘s night in just 5.2 innings was the true key to the game.

Oct 27, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals center fielder

(43) scores against Boston Red Sox catcher

(3) during the seventh inning of game four of the MLB baseball World Series at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Boston RHP Clay Bucholz was solid through a limited 4 innings of work, and Boston’s bullpen allowed just 3 hits and a single run to finish out the game.  At the plate, Boston was helped by another strong game from playoff hero David Ortiz, who played 1B in the absence of the designated hitter rule. He was 3 for 3 with a walk, scoring twice.

The series continues on Monday night in Busch Stadium. And no matter the outcome, a team will be just one win away from hoisting the Commissioner’s Trophy.

Who’s Starting Game Five: Jon Lester and Adam Wainwright will face off again Monday night after starting Game 1. Lester had the upper hand in that game, throwing 7.2 innings of shutout ball while fanning 8 Cardinals batters. Wainwright was not his usual self, giving up 5 runs (3 earned) in 5 innings.

X-Factor for Game Five: How does Adam Wainwright look in his second start of the series? If he improves on his performance in Game 1, it would be very beneficial for the Cards’ chances.

Prediction: In a series with so many odd events (the king of them all being the obstruction call to end Game 3), it’s getting difficult for me to even attempt to predict the outcome. However, I expect both Lester and Wainwright to put in good performances in a low scoring game. The winner…who knows?