The David Ortiz era of the Boston Red Sox will be closing soon. It’s hard to wish the team another title because they’ve become a mini dynasty after breaking the “curse,” but it’s always great to see legends go out with a championship.
Helping Big Papi retire with a ring is Rick Porcello, the starting pitcher for Game 1. The 27-year-old did not play up to par after the All-Star break, and it brought his ERA into the below-average 3.15 (22-4 WL). Despite that, though, Porcello is still considered by many as the front-runner for this season’s Cy Young award.
The Red Sox’s hitters will be going up against Trevor Bauer. No one in the roster has faced Bauer for more than six times, and they only total to 44 at-bats. Their batting numbers, however, are at a high .386 (17-of-44 with 14 RBIs and four walks).
As expected, Ortiz and Mookie Betts are among the most effective batters opposite the pitcher, going 7-of-10 with seven RBIs, two homers, and no strike outs.
Cleveland should be feeling good about their pro teams this year, well, except the Browns… because… they’re still being the Browns. There’s really not much we can say about that. Anyway, yeah, the Cavaliers ended the city’s 52-year championship drought last June and the Indians are finally World Series contenders again. This is just the Indians’ third playoff appearance in 14 years.
With Carlos Carrasco, arguably the best pitcher on their roster, out with injury, and Corey Kluber still recovering from quad issues, the team will be starting Trevor Bauer (12-8, 4.26 ERA) for Game 1. Bauer had a rough regular season, especially during September, where he gave up 24 earned runs on 34 hits and 10 walks over 32 innings (6.75 ERA).
Opposite Rick Porcello, the Indians are netting a respectable .290 BA, but they will be hoping for Carlos Santana and Jason Kipnis to deliver the most offense. The two veteran hitters are combining for a .305 BA against Porcello (22-of-72, with four homers, 12 RBIs, and nine walks).
Santana led the team in homers (34) this season, and joins Kipnis as one of the team’s top run scorers and hitters.
The Indians are 7-3 in their last 10 games at Progressive Field.
