Update--- CLICK HERE for Game 5 Results
The 2013 World Series is now tied 2-2 as the Boston Red Sox won Game 4. It was not pretty, but they made it a series once again, avoiding the possibility of facing a 1-3 deficit. Why did they win? Probably because they did not an error on a throw to third base, but because Clay Buchholz and Felix Doubrant held the Cardinals' offense to a run.
They were doing side-by-sides of Buchholz's speed in comparison to the hard-throwing righty, Lance Lynn. The Cardinals' starter was lighting up the gun, while Buchholz was barely reaching 90. The Red Sox could not get their pitcher the lead, but they at least gave him some comfort, tying the game before he exited the game.
That is when Doubrant came out of the bullpen and began dealing. He threw strike after strike. However, he could not pitch three innings and Craig Breslow allowed a run, which was charged to Doubrant.
Manager John Farrell has to address two issues, defense and Breslow. It is one thing to trust a guy who is struggling at the plate, like Jonny Gomes who was tonight's hero, but Breslow is scuffling. When he comes into the game, he allows a run. He cannot shutdown the opposition and the Cardinals have him sized up.
Gomes provided the pop, giving the bullpen enough breathing room with a three-run shot. It took David Ortiz's offensive excellence to once again rally the Red Sox. He did not drive in a run, but Ortiz scored two runs. Gomes, who was 0-9 entering the game, made the start because Shane Victorino had a stiff back, disabling the starter from starting Game 4.
Gomes had a pivotal at-bat that led to a walk and eventually helped the Red Sox load the bases. Stephen Drew tied the game with a sac fly. Then in the sixth inning, Gomes launched a high sinker over the left field fence and the Red Sox played confident baseball from then on.
The World Series will now definitely go back to Boston. However, the Cardinals still have the advantage with Adam Wainwright and Michael Wacha taking the ball in the next two games. For the Red Sox, Game 5 is a must-win, while the Cardinals can confidently give the ball to Wacha down 2-3 in the series.
A Game 7 in this series would draw up question marks. There is no doubt that the Red Sox's pitching is thin, leaving Jake Peavy and Joe Kelly as the possible series-ending starters, IF the series goes 7.
Game 5 sees both Game 1 starters, Jon Lester vs. Wainwright. The Cardinals' ace will attempt to redeem himself and provide a true pitchers' duel that was not witness in the series opener.
