World Series roundup: Cardinals grounded, Victorino expected back, more
We’re still more than 24 hours from Game 6, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t things to report.
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
The arrival of the St. Louis Cardinals in Boston has been "significantly delayed" because of mechanical problems with their plane, reports Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
The plane has been delayed for such a long time that manager Mike Matheny was forced to do his scheduled conference call while sitting on the tarmac, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
While a delay like this could cause problems during the long slog of the regular season, it’s likely to be little more than a nuisance in this case. As the first pitch of Game 6 isn’t scheduled until 8:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, there’s still plenty of time for the Cardinals to reach their destination and get a good night’s sleep.
While the symbolism of a team named after birds being left flightless is not lost on me, I think the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel’s Tom Haudricourt may be pushing it by calling the plane problems a “bad omen.”
Victorino back in lineup
Red Sox right fielder Shane Victorino is expected to be back in Boston's lineup for Game 6, reports Mike Silverman of the Boston Globe.
The Flyin’ Hawaiian was forced to sit out the last two games because of tightness in his back. Victorino went 0-for-10 in the first three games of the series and is batting just .188/.304/.271 overall this postseason, which may be because of his back or possibly just small sample noise. Choose your narrative at your own risk.
Daniel Nava filled in at the corner outfield spot for Victorino, but was also left hitless. Red Sox right fielders are now 0-for-18 in the series.
Ross, Gomes starting Game 6
David Ross and Jonny Gomes will start behind the plate and in left field, respectively, for the Red Sox on Wednesday, reports Jason Mastrodonado of MLB.com. Daniel Nava and Jarrod Saltalamacchia will be available off the bench.
Ross caught just two of John Lackey's 29 starts during the regular season, but is likely getting the start due to his hot hitting Monday night. The 36-year-old backstop went 2-for-4 with the go-ahead RBI double in Game 5, earning his third straight World Series start.
Gomes has started in left field for all but Game 3 of this series. Typically a platoon guy, Gomes has been pitted against same-handed pitchers all postseason and has delivered the results you’d expect. He’s batting .154/.233/.282 this October, and has just one hit in 16 World Series plate appearances. (Of course, that one hit was a three-run home run.)
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