What the Red Sox’ wild Game 3 loss means for Game 4
These teams will meet again after less than 17 hours.
As wild as the Red Sox’ epic 3-2 loss to the Dodgers in Game 3 of the World Series was, perhaps the most remarkable part is that these teams are set to meet again less than 17 hours later.
Friday turned to Saturday, midnight turned to 1:30 a.m., and 1:30 turned to 3:30, but the Sox and Dodgers kept playing. In the end, the game lasted seven hours and 20 minutes, and the Dodgers prevailed in a battle that will be remembered more for its length than anything else. It was officially the longest game in World Series history, both in innings and time, and it quickly spiced up a previously one-sided series.
Game 3 will always have a special place in baseball history, but Game 4 is quickly approaching. Here’s what you need to know:
Nathan Eovaldi won’t start
No, he’s not going to start Game 4 after pitching six masterful innings in relief. But you already knew that.
Eovaldi was scheduled to take the mound Saturday, but now it will be Eduardo Rodriguez instead.
The Red Sox used nine pitchers in total in Game 3, so Alex Cora’s job just got a lot more tricky. Starter Rick Porcello, David Price, Rodriguez, and Eovaldi all pitched, which complicates all the permutations in the days to come.
Andrew Benintendi should be well-rested if he gets the start
Andrew Benintendi didn’t get much sleep, like the rest of the Red Sox, but he also didn’t play much, either. He didn’t get the start to make room for J.D. Martinez in the outfield, but he came in to pinch hit for pitcher Matt Barnes in the 10th and struck out.
Benintendi delivered four hits in Game 1 and an improbable catch in Game 2, but he wasn’t given much of a chance to deliver in Game 3.
Cora used 23 players
The Red Sox went deep into their bench in Game 3. An 18-inning game would always necessitate such action, but in this case, it was especially imperative because it was at a National League ballpark.
Cora had the daunting task of choosing which players to insert and how to maximize each of their capabilities. Game 4 will likely feature fewer players, but it’s worth watching how the Sox adjust after such an eventful roller-coaster.
There were struggles at the top
Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, Mitch Moreland, and J.D. Martinez went a combined 0 for 23, striking out nine times and only reaching base twice. The Red Sox will need more production out of the top part of their order going forward.
Tonight brings a pivotal matchup
If the Red Sox had closed out the Dodgers, they’d be looking at a commanding 3-0 lead. Instead, it’s a tight 2-1 series, and Game 4 is pivotal. It’s not a must-win for the Red Sox, but it would go a long way toward finishing what they started.
