MLB
What to Expect?
It’s World Series time, and the MLB could not have asked for a better matchup. The Dodgers and Red Sox begin what promises to be an extremely entertaining Best-of-7 series. There is no lack of exciting story-lines for this series, starting with Kershaw vs Sale. What are the keys for Boston to start off 1-0 in this series?
Scoring First
Scoring at all off of Kershaw can be a big challenge, but scoring first is key. Playoff teams scoring first win over 85% of the games played, a huge advantage. If Boston is able to work Kershaw for an early run or two, it will allow Sale to settle in while providing a big boost for the fans. Sale has looked a bit shaky to say the least throughout these playoffs, so he will likely be battling his own World Series nerves. Kershaw has been here before, just last year – Sale can’t say the same.
Get Mookie Going
Boston made quick work of Houston on their way to their World Series berth, coming away with a surprisingly dominant 4-1 series win. While they have to be riding high, a lot of the production came from Jackie Bradley, Jr., and the rest of the bottom of the order. Mookie hit only .209 in the ALCS, and they will need him to be better. The Astros’ bats went quiet, but the Dodgers are likely to put up more resistance. If Betts is able to hit anything like his regular season batting champion form, this offense may be unstoppable.
Closing It Out
No one in their right minds would say the Dodgers should be favored in this World Series. Unless they live in L.A., of course, or perhaps even nearby. The Red Sox have been the best team in the league all year long, and have now won 7 of 9 playoff games vs AL powerhouses. The scariest thing about their postseason has been the surprising struggle of perennial All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel. While he has yet to blow a save, he has come perilously close on multiple occasions. His 7.38 ERA this postseason is not great, to say the least. in 6 1/3 innings, he has given up 5 ER on 6 hits and 4 walks. In his previous postseason appearances, he’d given up only two ER in 10 innings, so this is the first year he has really struggled. This is a concern for Boston, especially vs a Dodgers team with a tendency for late-inning heroics. If Kimbrel can regain his old form, the Red Sox’s chances of taking home the crown increase drastically.
Photo Credit to Keith Allison via Flickr
