Boston Red Sox: These 3 players are key to World Series triumph
By Gio Rivera
Craig Kimbrel
The man who’s kept Boston Red Sox fans alike, clenching their fists in fury and praying to escape a ninth inning jam.
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It hasn’t necessarily been the ideal 2018 post-season for Craig Kimbrel to say the least. An abundance of pure nail biting appearances out of the bullpen that’ll leave Red Sox fans on the verge of collapsing to the floor. Perhaps even revisiting the haunting memories of the pre 2004 years for some previous Boston sports generations.
When Boston first acquired Kimbrel back in the off-season of 2016, Red Sox fans began to paint the pictures of Kimbrel throwing the 98-plus MPH fastball in October. However they didn’t imagine David Price warming up in Houston with Kimbrel struggling in a save situation. While you can argue that Kimbrel’s miraculously managed to get the job done, it hasn’t been up to par with what we expect from him.
It all began in Game 1 of the ALDS series against New York. Kimbrel entered with a two run lead and managed to escape despite a towering home-run off the bat of Aaron Judge. Then again in that series against New York in Game 5 where Kimbrel looked anything but himself. A deep fly ball off Gary Sanchez’ bat which left the heart of Red Sox nation at a stop.
Then yet again against Houston in Game 5 when perhaps the clutchiest catch in Red Sox history by Andrew Benintendi bailed Kimbrel out. Cora was on the verge of making the bullpen call and Houston was just a shot away of tying the series.
Related Story. Eyes will again turn to bullpen in World Series. light
Through 5 games this post-season, Craig Kimbrel’s ERA stands at an uncharacteristic 7.11. That’s third worst in the pitching staff and ahead of just Eduardo Rodriguez with 7.36 and Brandon Workman with a matchless 45.00 ERA. Alex Cora is gonna need Kimbrel back in regular form in order to get four more wins. The same Craig Kimbrel that earned him 2018 Reliever of the Year honors. Boston’s gonna need him back and ready for Game 1.