2016 MLB Postseason: Boston Red Sox ALDS Game 3 predictions
By Sean Penney
Big Papi goes yard
You don’t really expect David Ortiz‘s last postseason to end without at least one memorable moment, do you?
The 40-year old slugger is coming off the best season ever produced by a player his age, but so far October has been a dud. Ortiz is 1-for-8 (.125) at the plate in this series and hasn’t driven in a run. His one hit was a hustle double that put him in position to score the tying run, but that run never came home. Which means he’s still due for some postseason magic.
More from Red Sox News
- Red Sox Nation deserves far more from Fenway Sports Group
- Bizarre trade deadline comes back to haunt Red Sox after Nathan Eovaldi departure
- Red Sox’ Moneyball-style offseason continues with Corey Kluber contract
- Rich Hill’s Red Sox departure puts him within striking distance of unique MLB record
- Red Sox offseason takes another nasty hit with Nathan Eovaldi departure
Ortiz enters the day with 17 career postseason home runs, tied with Jim Thome for seventh all-time. Tonight is the night that he breaks that tie.
The postseason record books are littered with Ortiz’s name, but he’ll need to start producing if he hopes to move up any of these lists. He needs one more double to tie Jorge Posada for third all-time, which would also tie him for fourth in total bases. His next hit will also move him up a spot from his current 10th place standing and if the Red Sox can extend this series then it gives Ortiz a reasonable shot at finishing in the top-five on the postseason hit list. He also only needs to drive in two more runs to land in a tie for third place on the postseason RBI list. The records in each of these categories are out of reach, but Ortiz can still rise up the rankings with a few more big hits.
With Boston facing elimination, this could be his last chance. I’m predicting Ortiz helps the Red Sox survive with a couple of hits, including a home run in Game 3.