David Ortiz Red Sox
In Game One of the 2004 World Series, David Ortiz hit a home run with current Cardinals manager Mike Matheny behind the plate. Reuters

In 2004, the Boston Red Sox swept the St. Louis Cardinals to win their first World Series in 86 years. Almost a decade later, the Cardinals are looking to return the favor.

"Some of us have some pretty bad memories of being here in 2004, and we're looking to kind of right that ship," Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said.

Matheny was the starting catcher for the team that lost four straight in the 2004 Fall Classic. Backing him up was the only player from the St. Louis roster that is still with the team. Yadier Molina was just a rookie, who was playing for a championship in his first season. Now, the 31-year-old is a veteran and considered by many to be the best catcher in the MLB.

For the Red Sox, David Ortiz is the last remaining member of the team that broke the “Curse of the Bambino.” While Molina was just starting out, Ortiz was at the peak of his career, registering career-highs in every major statistical category. Nine years later, Ortiz remains one of the best power hitters in the American League, finishing the 2013 regular season third in slugging percentage.

On Wednesday, both Molina and Ortiz will lead their respective clubs into Game One at Fenway Park. First pitch is scheduled for shortly after 8 p.m. ET, with Adam Wainwright taking the hill for the visitors against Jon Lester.

St. Louis will finally have one of their best hitters back in their lineup. Allen Craig hasn’t played since Sept. 4 because of a foot injury, but is set to DH in the first two games at Boston. The 29-year-old hit .315 with 13 home runs and 97 RBI in 134 regular season games.

"He's such a prolific hitter it's definitely worth the chance," St. Louis general manager John Mozeliak said. "My understanding is he's swinging the bat pretty well. If nothing else, he adds a little pop off that bench."

MLB.TV will provide a live stream for international users outside of the United States and Canada. Customers from the U.S. and Canada can listen to every World Series game live, or watch a replay of the contests in their entirety.

Las Vegas Betting Odds: Boston-122, St. Louis+112

Start Time: 8:07 PM Eastern Time

Where To Watch Online: Postseason.TV

TV Channel: FOX

MLB