Jon Lester kicked off the World Series with a rousing 5 hit 8 strikeout Game One performance. Following that 8-1 win that the Sox extended their World Series game winning streak to 9 games over 3 series appearances, it seemed that Boston had the caliber to pull off a 3rd straight series sweep. But we all know what happened next. The Sox lost home field advantage with their loss in Game 2 and then fell behind in the series following that teeth gritting obstruction call that ended Game 3.
When Jon Lester comes to pitch tonight it will be a whole new situation compared to that surrounding Game One. First and foremost, the scene will be different. Lester went 8-7 on the road this season and posted a road ERA almost a full run higher than his home ERA. However in his 1 road start of this postseason there was no discrepancy between his home and road performance. Lester earned the win in Boston's 4-3 victory in Game 5 of the ALCS. And although he allowed 7 hits in 5.1 innings he limited a potent Tigers attack to just 2 runs. The second and far more prevalent aspect that makes this start different from others is the fact that due to recent events, the Sox bullpen door will be all but pinned shut. They have no fresh pitchers, a fact that was emphasis by John Lackey pitching out of the pen last night. In addition to that, the guys who are fresh are not desirable in clutch situations. Craig Breslow has been slipping of late and has solicited just ONE out in 3 appearances. But he is not the only man who is struggling. Ryan Dempster had flopped in the pen this postseason allowing a home run in his lone appearance back in Game 1. As for starters converted relievers like Lackey, that is not an option tonight. Lackey will be starting on Wednesday and after Clay Buchholz barely made his start yesterday, he is not an option. You can cross out Jake Peavy and then with Lester starting tonight, that is it.
Finally, even guys who are already in the bullpen will not be available tonight as a combination of previous long stints of relief and the looming possibility of a game seven in which they will likely have to fill in for upwards of 6 innings means Workman and Dubront will need to be monitored work wise.
There is no doubt about it, a win tonight is crucial for both teams and for the Sox to win, we know that Jon Lester needs to be good. As you delve deeper 'good' means innings. At least 8 of them.
0 comments:
Post a Comment