World Series 2013: Red Sox Take Advantage Of Cardinals' Mistakes In Game 1

The Boston Red Sox took advantage of some uncharacteristically poor play by the St. Louis Cardinals in Game One of the World Series at Fenway Park on Wednesday with a convincing victory, 8-1.

The Cardinals committed three errors, which contributed to three unearned runs from the St. Louis pitchers. At one point, catcher Yadier Molina and starting pitcher Adam Wainwright, who both have won Gold Gloves, failed to handle a routine popup that landed between them.

But the pitching also failed the Cardinals. Wainwright lasted just five innings, allowing three earned runs off six hits and a walk, while the bullpen allowed two earned runs.

“This entire game should be squarely put on my shoulders,” said Wainwright. “There were very, very few pitches that I threw quality tonight at all. My delivery was the worst it’s been all year.”

In the seventh inning, lefty reliever Kevin Siegrist allowed a home run to slugger David Ortiz with Dustin Pedroia on first base after a throwing error by David Freese.

To add the Cardinals’ woes, Carlos Beltran left the game in the third inning after suffering a rib contusion. He is listed as day-to-day after a CT scan came back negative. Beltran, who was a hero for St. Louis in the National League Championship Series, is one of the most productive hitters in postseason history.

The Red Sox received an excellent pitching performance from Jon Lester. The seven-year veteran didn’t allow a run in seven and two-third innings, and just five hits and a walk, while striking out eight.

Ryan Dempster failed to maintain the shutout when he allowed a solo shot to outfielder Matt Holliday in the ninth inning.

First baseman Mike Napoli was responsible for the first three runs, by doubling home Jacoby Ellsbury, Pedroia, and Ortiz in the first inning. Pedroia also added an RBI with a single in the second inning that allowed Stephen Drew to score. Six Boston batters scored a run.

Game Two is on Thursday, with rookie Michael Wacha taking the mound for the visitors, while John Lackey goes for the Red Sox.