Big Papi wasn’t the only grand slam hero in the 2013 ALCS. Boston doesn’t move on to the World Series without Shane Victorino‘s game-winner in Game 6.
This game was coincidentally started by Scherzer as well, who provided the Tigers with another dominant effort before beginning to unravel in the seventh inning. A Jonny Gomes leadoff double and a one-out walk by Xander Bogaerts pressed Detroit into making a call to the bullpen while clinging to a 2-1 lead.
Drew Smyly entered to face Jacoby Ellsbury, who reached on an error by the shortstop. A ground ball up the middle that seemed destined for an inning-ending double-play resulted in the Red Sox loading the bases when Jose Iglesias bobbled the routine play.
Victorino would make the Tigers pay. Reliever Jose Veras hung a breaking ball on a 0-2 count. Victorino took a massive uppercut swing that sent the ball sailing into the Monster seats at Fenway. Boston would hold on to the 5-2 lead to clinch the ALCS in six games before advancing to the World Series where they beat the Cardinals for their third championship of this century.
If Boston does indeed advance in this year’s ALCS against the Astros, we may look back on Bradley’s slam as fondly as these iconic moments on the postseason stage.