The Red Sox lost Game One of the ALCS. With David Price pitching Game Two tonight it’s a time for him to redeem himself. He needs to put the nerves away.
The Boston Red Sox won 108 games, the American League East, and received home-field throughout the playoffs. Having home-field is huge in the postseason. For one thing, the players don’t have to travel. Second, everyone plays better at home, and third, you’re in front of the home crowd.
In the ALDS, the Red Sox won Game One and lost Game Two. They really had to win one of those home games in the ALDS so they weren’t going to New York down 0-2. With David Price‘s track record in the postseason, Game One of the ALDS was a big win. So if Price didn’t pitch well in Game Two they would be alright because they won Game One.
However, last night was a different story. Losing Game One of the ALCS means all eyes are on Price for Game Two of the series.
Nothing the Red Sox did in Game One went their way. From the bad Nunez play at third, the bats going silent, and Chris Sale having an off night, it was a game to forget for the Sox.
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Now turning the page quickly to tonight’s Game Two, it’s a huge night for Price. This is his night to totally redeem himself and prove he can win in the playoffs. Game Two is a must win for the Sox tonight. You can’t lose two games at home and expect to win two in Houston.
Mookie Betts and J.D. Martinez really need to start being clutch in the postseason. They both had great regular seasons but that needs to transition into the playoffs. Martinez hit a home run in Game One of the ALDS in the first inning. But last night he didn’t even get a hit. If they want to win the series they need to have him hit. Same thing with Betts. Regular season numbers don’t matter once you reach the playoffs.
I’m hoping Price doesn’t look at the temperature at game time and just pitches a gem. He really needs to own all of those nerves he has and just pitch as he does in the regular season. They can’t afford him to only pitch one or two innings tonight. Houston is relentless and takes lots of pitches. Price needs to get ahead in the count and the players in the field need to make the plays.
Also, the Sox need to score first because it sets the tone and keeps the crowd in the game. The Sox don’t want to fall behind too much in this game and they lose momentum. If they come out firing and Price pitches well I think they’ll be alright.
If Price pitches poorly again tonight then it will be a long trip to Houston. Alex Cora has faith that Price will be able to redeem himself and pitch well. Pretty much that whole team has faith in Price that he’ll pitch well. Question is though, does the Sox pitcher have faith in himself to pitch well in the playoffs? Also, will the bats get going and start hitting? We’ll find out tonight.