By Logan Perrone
Game two of the 2018 World Series was a crucial game for both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox.
For the Dodgers, a bounce back win to tie up the series was a must before the series heads to California for games three, four and five. For the Red Sox, their win streak was on the line as they looked to take a 2-0 series lead on the road. Again, it was a lefty v. lefty matchup in Hyun-Jin Ryu and David Price.
The first sign of action came in the bottom of the second, when Boston second baseman Ian Kinsler hit a two-out RBI single scoring Xander Bogaerts, once again giving the home town Sox an early 1-0 lead.
In the top of the fourth, two singles and a walk loaded the bases for the Dodgers with nobody out. A Matt Kemp sacrifice fly and an RBI single from Yasiel Puig would give Los Angeles their first lead of the series 2-1. Those were the only Dodger runs Wednesday evening.
In the bottom of the fifth, it was two singles and walk to load the bases by Boston first baseman Steve Pearce who himself drew a walk to tie the game at 2-2. Designated hitter J. D. Martinez would drive home two more with an RBI single to give Boston the lead 4-2. David Price finished 6 innings allowing 3 hits, 2 runs, and striking out 5. Relivers Joe Kelly, Nathan Eovaldi, and Craig Kimbrel would finish off the seventh, eighth, and ninth respectively, not allowing a hit to seal the Red Sox win to take a 2-0 series advantage.
The troubles for the Los Angeles’ bats really showed themselves Wednesday night, as the team only recorded three hits, all of which were in the top of the fourth.
On the bright side, the bullpen looked much cleaner, allowing only 2 hits and 1 walk.
Boston just won’t lose. They have now won six straight postseason games and have not slowed down one bit offensively. Outfielder and MVP candidate Mookie Betts went 3-for-4, and scored a run in the win. David Price looked phenomenal once again despite a rough patch through the fourth.
The series heads to L.A. Friday night as young flamethrower Walker Buehler will take the mound at home for his World Series debut. In Game 7 of the NLCS, he struck out 7 en route to a Dodger victory. Boston will counter with former American League Cy Young winner, Rick Porcello, to try and put the Dodgers in a 0-3 hole. The game is set for a 7:09 P.M. CT start on FOX.
Edited by Garrett Jones | [email protected]