The World Series standings have a team just two wins away from claiming the championship. The St. Louis Cardinals won in controversial fashion, but they are now up on the series and they have a chance to make more damage tonight. Here is a look at where the series stands entering Sunday's Game 4.
World Series Standings: Game 3- Cardinals Win 5-4
It was a battle, but the Cardinals should feel very proud of themselves. They should be a confident bunch after battling back to beat a Boston Red Sox team that only understands comebacks. The Cardinals tried their best to pull away. They took two-run leads twice in this game, only to see it disappear.
Though it was a great victory, the headlines all relayed controversy at the end of the game. The Red Sox's great play was erased by a clumsy Will Middlebrooks at third base. He could not handle a wide throw by catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who got greedy and tried ending a threat in the bottom of the ninth with a throw to third. Allen Craig, who cannot run, was ironically the winning run as he tripped over the body of Middlebrooks as he scampered home.
The call was obstruction and the Cardinals were awarded a run despite Craig being thrown out at the plate.
Flashback moment: The Cardinals have won back-to-back games on bad throws to third base. Does that ring a bell? Right. When they won in 2006, the Detroit Tigers blew two games because of horrible throws to third base. For the second straight game, the Red Sox committed two errors in a game and take the loss.
Aside from that, it was the Cardinals' bats making all the noise in this ball game. Though the game went tied into the bottom of the ninth after the Red Sox staged a remarkable comeback off right-handed youngster Carlos Martinez, the Cardinals dominated. The three Matt's; Carpenter, Holliday and Adams had two hits each. Adamsfinished with three RBI. Yadier Molin finished with a 3-4 night and an RBI as the top of the lineup handled business for the Cardinals in this game.
David Ortiz played first, but that did not affect his batt as Big Papi went 1-2, lifting his batting average to .625 in this 2013 World Series. Shane Victorino went 0-2, but he scored twice, the second behing the game-tying run in the top of the eighth for the Red Sox.
Game 4 is now a must-win for the Red Sox. Going down 3-1 with Adam Wainwright taking the mound on Sunday is not a great thing for the Red Sox. On the mound today is a hittable pitcher, Lance Lynn. He will face the Red Sox supposed injured hurler, Clay Buchholz, who has clearly lost his game in the postseason after having a dominant regular season.
Note to self (Red Sox) Craig Breslow should permanently remain on the bench.
World Series Standings Records
Game 1- Red Sox Win 8-1
Game 2- Cardinals Win 4-2
Game 3- Cardinals Win 5-4
Cardinals lead series 2-1.
