Red Sox advance to 2013 World Series

Victorino was down 0-2. Two curveballs that he could not touch. Jose Veras came set and delivered yet another curve. Shane sat on it. As he watched his homer go over the left-field monster, he raised his arms in the air. He had just channeled his inner David Ortiz and delivered a go-ahead grand slam, this time giving a 5-2 lead. It was not his only postseason grand slam, as he hit a slam against the Brewers for the Phillies in 2007. 

Koji Uehara recorded his third save of the ALCS, pitching a perfect 11 pitch inning to close out the series for the Sox. He went 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in five appearances this series. His job well done continued to be a large part to the Red Sox postseason success, where he has gone 1-1 with five saves and a 1.00 ERA, playing very well for the Red Sox. 

The Tigers were just unable to muster any momentum against the Red Sox, who's slow pace of play can mess up any pitching staff, and can continue to keep the momentum in their favor. Max Scherzer (2-1) started this game, and pitched 6.1 innings allowing three runs, and taking his first loss of the postseason. He ended the postseason with four appearances (three starts) and recording a 2.82 ERA. His mix of pitches kept Red Sox hitters off balance the entire time he was in the game, and kept the Tigers within striking distance. His bullpen, however, allowed the go-ahead runs, in which two of them were charged to Scherzer. 

Clay Buchholz pitched five innings, allowing two runs on four hits while facing twenty batters. He did not get a decision, and improved his postseason ERA to 5.40. He does not fare well in the postseason, as he has a career 4.98 ERA. He and the Red Sox will stay home and face the St. Louis Cardinals for the 2013 World Series. 

The Red Sox have played exceptionally well over this season, and now are getting rewarded for their great efforts. As they head to the World Series, they now have a shot to take baseball's elusive crown, the World Series championship. They have a good team in the St. Louis Cardinals in their way, however. For now, Bostonians should be thanking the Red Sox for signing Shane Victorino to a 39 million dollar deal, and should be thanking Shane Victorino for giving them an ALCS victory.