Boston Red Sox: Doug Fister finds his groove with complete game

While we were all focused on Kyrie Irving and the Boston Celtics, Doug Fister threw a gem of a game for the Boston Red Sox.

The Boston Red Sox played a great game on Tuesday night behind the stellar pitching of Doug Fister. He’s struggled at times since signing with Boston, but with a gem against the Cleveland Indians, he proved what kind of pitcher he can be.

Fister could be a difference maker down the stretch and in the postseason for Boston if he’s able to keep his momentum going. On Tuesday night, Cleveland had just one hit off Fister. That hit happened to be a lead-off home run. Fister became the first pitcher since 1991 to pitch a complete game after allowing a lead-off dinger.

Only six Indians struck out, but Fister walked just two. The Indians could not get men on the base paths. Making things more impressive is that Fister was able to pitch this well while also dealing with a delay.

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Meanwhile, the Red Sox offense exploded for 6 runs against Carlos Carrasco. They added 3 more off of the Indians bullpen for a 9-run night. Both Jackie Bradley Jr. and Eduardo Nunez got the long ball going, as the game was never in question with Fister pitching.

The Red Sox now have a 4.5 game lead in the American League East over the New York Yankees. The Rays, Orioles, and Blue Jays all seem to be out of the race for the division. In the postseason, Boston could have a rotation of Chris Sale, David Price, Eduardo Rodriguez, Rick Porcello, and Doug Fister. That’s a rotation that can get the job done in October.

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If things ended now, Boston and Cleveland would face off in the ALDS, while Houston would take on the Wild Card game winner, either New York or Minnesota. The Angels, Royals, Mariners, and Rangers are all within 2.5 games of a Wild Card spot though, so the Yankees and Twins will have to hold pat if they want in.

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