Boston Red Sox World Series 2018: Game 3 will have lasting effects

The 3-2 loss in Game 3 of the 2018 World Series proved to be crucial for the Boston Red Sox, especially with a depleted pitching staff.

Game 3 of the 2018 World Series was historic for a number of different reasons. The Boston Red Sox ended up on the losing end of a 3-2 game that featured seven hours and of baseball, and 18 mind-bending innings.

Not to mention, Nathan Eovaldi basically pitched an entire start length during his relief stint (six innings pitched, 97 pitches from the eleventh to the eighteenth).

The righty’s performance would have gone down as one of the most clutch in postseason history, especially considering the circumstances.

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No World Series game has gone beyond the 14th inning. Not to mention, this contest went an hour longer than any game in playoff history, while consuming 15 more minutes than the entire 1939 World Series combined.

It was truly a sight to see, but unfortunately for the Boston Red Sox, Max Muncy ended it with a home run off a cutter from Eovaldi in the bottom half of the 18th.

This came after Boston took a 2-1 lead in the top half of the 13th, only to give it all away on a major slip-up from Ian Kinsler at second base during the bottom portion of that same inning.

After giving the play a closer look, I can’t really blame him for getting the ball out early, especially with a speedy Yasiel Puig. However, the play could come back to bite them later on in the series if the Dodgers do end up swinging the momentum.

If that becomes the case, then I think fellow Chowder writer Sam Minton has a case with his Bill Buckner argument.  It’s not like it was Game 7, and at least Boston still has lead in the series.

On top of that, there were other instances where the Boston Red Sox should have won, specifically in the 10th, where Cody Bellinger made a sick play to throw out (ironically) Kinsler, ending the rally, and taking the life out of their offense.

The major issue moving forward

The real problem with Game 3 for the Boston Red Sox was the depleted pitching staff, which doesn’t bode well considering Games 4 and 5 will be played out before the end of this weekend.

Guys will have to come in off of short rest. And while both teams are unclear who is currently starting on Saturday night, Boston might be in a worse position.

Yes, LA’s bullpen is thin, but at least they were able to use all of their relievers. The Red Sox do not have the luxury of a deep bullpen, probably because of their ridiculous payroll on the starting staff. Other than Rick Porcello (who was the actual starter), the Boston Red Sox also gave David Price, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Eovaldi all a shot to shut down the Dodgers’ lineup.

While all of them did a fantastic job, the consequences that came out of it could negatively impact the rest of the series.

Incidentally, Boston may have to throw Drew Pomeranz out there for Game 4, someone who hasn’t even pitched yet in these playoffs. Depending on what happens in that game, Chris Sale will probably come in for Game 5 Sunday.

After jumping out to a quick 2-0 lead, Boston’s organization must stay well-aware of their current fatigue in all facets. If LA does win, then they’re the ones in driver’s seat, especially with one more game at home.

Alex Cora has a lot of decisions to make over the next few days. Hopefully, for the sake of history, they’re the right ones.