The Red Sox are on the brink of a World Series berth. The man standing in their way: Max Scherzer.
Boston Red Sox (3-2)
- Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
- Shane Victorino, RF
- Dustin Pedroia, 2B
- David Ortiz, DH
- Mike Napoli, 1B
- Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
- Jonny Gomes, LF
- Stephen Drew, SS
- Xander Bogaerts, 3B
Starting Pitcher -- Clay Buchholz
Detroit Tigers (2-3)
- Torii Hunter, RF
- Miguel Cabrera, 3B
- Prince Fielder, 1B
- Victor Martinez, DH
- Jhonny Peralta, LF
- Alex Avila, C
- Omar Infante, 2B
- Austin Jackson, CF
- Jose Iglesias, SS
Starting Pitcher -- Max Scherzer
It's becoming clear that the lineup spot that had so long eluded Xander Bogaerts is now his to lose. The same, for better or worse, can apparently be said for Jonny Gomes. If nothing else, it's nothing Daniel Nava isn't used to after years and years of this.
The real focus of this game, though, is Buchholz vs. Scherzer. We haven't really seen Buccholz' best in the postseason--even his first game against Tampa Bay had some notable imperfections. And given what Max Scherzet did against the Red Sox last time, there's reason to be concerned if he can't bring it 100% tonight.
Then again, the Red Sox did just get done scoring four on the previously untouchable Sanchez. This isn't Game 2--if it were we could just rely on an inevitable bullpen implosion. If the Sox can get to Sanchez, if they could get to Scherzer for even just a pair in the regular season--they can do so again tonight.