Best 2018 Red Sox postseason moments

reggiecleveland

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Benitendi having to navigate that stupid irregular outfield to go around the box to catch the last out, is underrated. Kimbrell was having mini a meltdown and that play was far harder than he made it look.
 

jaytftwofive

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One I haven't seen mentioned yet that instantly came to my mind was JBJ's bases loaded, bases clearing double in Game 2 of the ALCS.

Sox are down 1-0 in the ALCS. They're down 4-2 in the game. Bottom of the third, so still early. But Gerrit Cole, Houston's Ace 1B, is on the mound. David Price, at this point still "the guy who can't get it done in the playoffs," is on the mound for the Sox, and off to a rough start.

Sox had gotten off to an early 2-0 lead. The Astros tied it on a 2 run, 2 out double, then took the lead on a 2 run, 2 out HR. This is basically a must win game for the Sox (not really) because heading back to Houston for 3 games facing an 0-2 deficit is.... not a good situation.

JD starts the inning with a K. Then it goes: Xander single, Steve Pearce double, Devers walk. Bases loaded, one out.

Kinsler strikes out. Because of course he does. (No hard feelings!)

JBJ up. Last hope of the inning. He went 1 for 17 with the bases loaded during the 2018 season, a stat mentioned at the time by the TV announcers. At this point, he was 2 for 16 in the playoffs, with 4 walks and 0 RBI. Hadn't done any damage.

Then he does this:


Slices a wall ball double that, somehow, manages to bounce up onto the left field padding and then bounce again along the top of the padding, enabling Devers to score from first. I can't recall ever seeing a ball bounce twice on that padding. The slow-mo replay is almost comical as Marwin Gonzalez waits twice for the ball bounce off into his glove, only to see it bounce a foot in front of him. Sox take the lead 5-4.

That felt like a big turning point.

Yeah, it's still way early in the game. It's still early in the series. But if JBJ makes an out there and Cole gets out of the jam, maybe doubts start to creep in. Cole retired the next 10 Red Sox he faced, with the Sox not scoring again until the Astros bullpen came in.

Instead, with one swing, the Sox took the lead in the game, ended up tying the series, and never really looked back.
  • The more I think of it this was it. Like a turning point. When they were down 4-2 I thought this isn't good. We're in trouble. Plus they were the 103 win defending world champs. JBJ gave them life as did this win.
 

ledsox

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One I haven't seen mentioned yet that instantly came to my mind was JBJ's bases loaded, bases clearing double in Game 2 of the ALCS.

Sox are down 1-0 in the ALCS. They're down 4-2 in the game. Bottom of the third, so still early. But Gerrit Cole, Houston's Ace 1B, is on the mound. David Price, at this point still "the guy who can't get it done in the playoffs," is on the mound for the Sox, and off to a rough start.

Sox had gotten off to an early 2-0 lead. The Astros tied it on a 2 run, 2 out double, then took the lead on a 2 run, 2 out HR. This is basically a must win game for the Sox (not really) because heading back to Houston for 3 games facing an 0-2 deficit is.... not a good situation.

JD starts the inning with a K. Then it goes: Xander single, Steve Pearce double, Devers walk. Bases loaded, one out.

Kinsler strikes out. Because of course he does. (No hard feelings!)

JBJ up. Last hope of the inning. He went 1 for 17 with the bases loaded during the 2018 season, a stat mentioned at the time by the TV announcers. At this point, he was 2 for 16 in the playoffs, with 4 walks and 0 RBI. Hadn't done any damage.

Then he does this:


Slices a wall ball double that, somehow, manages to bounce up onto the left field padding and then bounce again along the top of the padding, enabling Devers to score from first. I can't recall ever seeing a ball bounce twice on that padding. The slow-mo replay is almost comical as Marwin Gonzalez waits twice for the ball bounce off into his glove, only to see it bounce a foot in front of him. Sox take the lead 5-4.

That felt like a big turning point.

Yeah, it's still way early in the game. It's still early in the series. But if JBJ makes an out there and Cole gets out of the jam, maybe doubts start to creep in. Cole retired the next 10 Red Sox he faced, with the Sox not scoring again until the Astros bullpen came in.

Instead, with one swing, the Sox took the lead in the game, ended up tying the series, and never really looked back.
Ah yes, the first leg of the JBJ trifecta in the ALCS. That ball dancing on top of the padding was one of those moments, like the Will Myers hears ghost in the outfield moment in 2013 when you just knew there was some extra special sauce mixed in with the amazing talent on this team. It was there all season really, but to have it show up in that spot was pretty magical. 3 runs to take the lead and I don't ever remember a ball bouncing on the padding like that. I am still waiting for a ball to slip into the camera hole on the Monster, though.

And speaking of the JBJ MVP trifecta I have to mention how Vazquez set him up in game 4. 1 run down, Vaz crushed a 2 out double that Springer could not handle and then Jackie brought him home with the go-ahead HR. Houston never lead after that in the series.. Vaz really had some big hits this PS.
 

Pitt the Elder

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  • The more I think of it this was it. Like a turning point. When they were down 4-2 I thought this isn't good. We're in trouble. Plus they were the 103 win defending world champs. JBJ gave them life as did this win.
At this point, the TBS crew of Anderson and Darling were openly discussing Houston as one of the all time great teams and marveling at their plailyoff dominance. It's amazing how that script was flipped on its head over the next few days.
 

garlan5

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Except that, by having a third catcher on the roster, they were able to pinch hit Devers for Leon in game 4. That pinch hit ended up being the 9th inning go-ahead RBI. Also, Swihart avoided the DP in his ensuing AB, which moved Devers up and forced the IBB of Mookie, keeping the chain moving for more runs down the order. Swihart then survived his one critical inning behind the plate. Not a "heroic" moment, but a pivotal contribution.

Also, all kinds of awesome in that the Sox engaged in roster gymnastics all year to keep Swihart around, played him just enough to be sure he could be trusted in a pinch, and ended up needing him for exactly one critical double switch.
Yeah you're right he did hit it and devers was stealing and avoided the DP. He struggled catching and cost us some strikes by either getting crossed up or just being rusty catching Kimbrel. I'm not trying to be hard on him. Tough spot to finally get a moment in the WS. It's amazing that everyone that got a in the game made some positive contribution. Blake was the only name that I thought didn't contribute. Sure it was small but you're right it was positive. Even Workman or Hembree got in and got someone out.
 

nayrbrey

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Watching some of the highlights on YouTube and there are many things I forgot about. The most glaring one is Cora getting tossed In ALCS game 1. Protected Beni from getting tossed and let loose some steam at the inconsistent zone.
 

TFisNEXT

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Ah yes, the first leg of the JBJ trifecta in the ALCS. That ball dancing on top of the padding was one of those moments, like the Will Myers hears ghost in the outfield moment in 2013 when you just knew there was some extra special sauce mixed in with the amazing talent on this team. It was there all season really, but to have it show up in that spot was pretty magical. 3 runs to take the lead and I don't ever remember a ball bouncing on the padding like that. I am still waiting for a ball to slip into the camera hole on the Monster, though.

And speaking of the JBJ MVP trifecta I have to mention how Vazquez set him up in game 4. 1 run down, Vaz crushed a 2 out double that Springer could not handle and then Jackie brought him home with the go-ahead HR. Houston never lead after that in the series.. Vaz really had some big hits this PS.
It was already mentioned, but the Vazquez HR off Britton didn't seem big at the time in game 4 of ALDS. It put them up 4-0 and Porcello was still cruising.

The Red Sox wouldn't score again that game and it turned out to be the difference in eliminating the MFY.
 

S. H. Frog

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Devers not breaking the rhythm of his gum chewing while jacking Verlander was pretty sweet.
 

curly2

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1. The last out of the ALDS. When Torres hit it, I thought it was going to be an infield hit. Nunez's play and (especially) Peace's stretch were epic, and seeing that first replay that showed he was out was a huge sigh of relief. Then there was a low-angle, super slo-mo replay that showed Pearce's eyes opening really wide as the throw came to him that was amazing.

2. Beni's catch in Game 4 in Houston. A do-or-die play that was tremendous -- and caused Joe Castiglione to fall out of his chair.

3. JBJ's homer in Game 4 in Houston. The grand slam the day before was great to break it open, but this one turning a deficit to a lead was even better.

4. The last out. Not only did it seal the World Series, it was Sale making Machado look like a Little Leaguer -- and a play that was sure to be repeated countless times.

5. Pearce's three-run double in Game 4. His homer tied it, but this was the hit that made it clear the Sox would win Game 4, and I felt the Dodgers would never come back from 3-1 down.

6. Pearce's homer off Kershaw in Game 5. Set them off and running in the clincher.

7. Devers' homer in Game 5 at Houston. Needed breathing room against the defending champs, and the kid provided it.

8. J.D.'s homer in Game 1 against the Yankees. Nothing like showing off the bat this wasn't going to be like the last two postseasons.

9. Nunez's pinch-hit grand slam in Game 1 of the Series. What a "holy shit" moment.

10. Lots of other things. Price, Eovaldi and many others did amazing jobs, but for single-play "moments," the ones above were the ones that stood out for me.
 

jasail

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ALDS:
  • Workman's strike out of Torres to get out of bases loaded jam in G1. Huge out in that game to get to the back of the bullpen.
  • Barnes' strike out of Stanton the next inning with bases loaded and no outs. Was the first inkling that the post-season bullpen was not the regular bullpen. Barnes then got the next two guys to groundout allowing on 1 run to score.
  • Benny's bases clearing double to break open G3. Thank you for pitching Lynn.
  • Holt's homerun off Romine to hit for the cycle in G3. Just a great moment in baseball history.
  • Kimbrel striking out Stanton to get the first out in the 9th in G4. Huge sigh of relief but also indicative of how bad Stanton was in the playoffs.
  • Nunez making the play on the ball and Pearce making the stretch to get the last out in G4. Awesome play by the both of them to get Craig out of the game.

ALCS:
  • JBJ's bases clearing double that bounced awkwardly around the wall in foul territory in LF in G2. Gave the Sox lead the wouldn't relinquish.
  • Pearce's go ahead HR in G3.
  • Brasier's strike out of Springer in the bottom of the 7th in G3. Springer battled but eventually strikeout for the 2nd out of what seemed like it could be a very long inning.
  • JBJ's GS in G3. Broke the game open.
  • JBJ's 2-run jack in G4. More two out clout from the series MVP to put the Sox ahead.
  • Benny catch to end and save G4. I still think that one play may have been the difference in the series.
  • JD striking first with a HR off Verlander in G5.
  • Devers jacks a Verlander FB into the boxes in G5 to give the Sox some breathing room.
  • Eovaldi striking out Bregman with the heat in G5. Sweet, sweet revenge.
  • Kimbrel getting Correa looking in the 9th of G5. Felt like whatever Gagne told him stuck.

World Series:
  • Benny's double off Kershaw to open G1. Felt Kershaw could be had after that and Benny kept doing it to him.
  • Devers 2 run single to RF against Madson. Knew at that moment he was going to be the guy you wanted to see come in from their bullpen.
  • Kimbrel getting Turner and Muncy looking in the 9th of G1. Seemed like Craig was back at that point.
  • JD's bases clearing single to right against Madson in G2. Thanks again!
  • JBJ's HR in G3 off Jansen to tie. Felt at that point Jansen could be had and it made the Dodgers seem vulnerable late in games. Their bullpen with Urias and Baez up to that point was shut down. Plus, that 1-0 lead seemed insurmountable and after JBJ hit that t felt like it was the Sox game to lose.
  • That 13th inning. Holt works a walk. Nunez plays recklessly: first he is chop blocked by the catcher on the block for Holt to steal 2nd; then he makes a hustle play down the line to cause an errant throw that Holt scores the go ahead run on; then in the bottom half he breaks himself while chasing a foul for out 2. Unfortunately, then there was Kinsler.
  • Moreland's PH moonshot off Madson to give the Sox some life in G4.
  • Pearce's tying HR against Jansen in G4. Could feel the wind get sucked out of the Ravine.
  • Holt's double down the LF line and Devers single up to score him G4 against Floro who had that ball sinking.
  • Pearce's bases clearing double against Maeda to break the game open in G4.
  • Pearce's first inning HR in G5.
  • Price getting Manny swinging at a change up in the 1st and at heat in the 4th.Vaz giving Kershaw his money's worth in the 5th before flying out hard to LF. Kershaw was dealing, but it felt like if the Sox stayed in it the RHH could get to him.
  • Mookie finally getting off the schnide with a blast of Kershaw w/one out in the 6th and JDM leading off with another in the 7th.
  • Feeling terrible that Price couldn't get the out to start the 8th but then having Kelly come into to strike out three in a row with straight fire.
  • Sale's 9th. Each strikeout pitch was nastier than the last. Made Turner, look terrible on a slider in the dirt; broke Hernandez with a slider on the hands; and had Machado swinging from one knee at a slider at his toes.
  • Price sprinting out of the dugout to jump on Sale and Vaz.
 
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InsideTheParker

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phrenile

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Here's the ad:


They did the same last year for the Astros:

 

jasvlm

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Watching some of the highlights on YouTube and there are many things I forgot about. The most glaring one is Cora getting tossed In ALCS game 1. Protected Beni from getting tossed and let loose some steam at the inconsistent zone.
There were so many Red Sox moments that were mentioned in this thread, but I wanted to put up a few names and achievements from the opposition that will help highlight the competition the Sox had to overcome to win this title:
Alex Bregman was a vacuum cleaner at 3b for Houston. He made at least 4 well above average plays at 3b that were instrumental in keeping the Red Sox from putting runs on the board.
Walker Buehler absolutely overmatched this offense in Game 3 in LA. At that point in the playoffs, his outing was the single most impressive of any starter in either league. I might argue that Eovaldi's efforts later in the same game warrant similar consideration, but Buehler shut out the World Champs for 7 innings in a pivotal game.
Rich Hill was baffling with his now infamous 2 pitch mix, and he also merits mention as someone who came up big in a huge situation. Until his bullpen imploded, Hill singlehandedly could have tied the series at 2-2 in the always crucial Game 4.

In the end, I'm thrilled that these performers weren't enough to overcome the Red Sox title freight train, but I wanted to tip the cap.
 

RedOctober3829

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The afterparty in LA was a total rager.

"We knew the total bill was around $300,000 -- but now we've seen the itemized receipt and confirmed it's legit.

The rundown ...

48 bottles of Dom. 43 bottles of Ace of Spades. 60 bottles of Moet. 5 bottles of Veuve. 12 bottles of Perrier-Jouet. And, a bottle of Cristal for good measure.

On top of that, the guys also got bottles of Don Julio, Belvedere vodka, 11 bottles of Jameson and 17 bottles of Jack Daniels.

All of the booze plus the tax and other fees added up to around $300k. The tip was around $195k ... totaling an even $500,000 final bill."

http://www.tmz.com/2018/11/02/boston-red-sox-tip-world-series-party/
 
Jul 18, 2005
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This is gold! These are perfect for rewatching, compared to the DVD sets which are a pretty big time commitment. Do any of these exist for 2013 (or, less likely, 2007/2004)?
 

singaporesoxfan

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Seems very impressive given the climate of vilification-of-enemies atmosphere we live in today.
True, but there's no way a true Sox fan would ever vilify Dave Roberts. He got a hero's welcome in Boston, and for me the only downside to the way the Sox won is that I hope it doesn't cost Roberts his job
 

Al Zarilla

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True, but there's no way a true Sox fan would ever vilify Dave Roberts. He got a hero's welcome in Boston, and for me the only downside to the way the Sox won is that I hope it doesn't cost Roberts his job
MLBN did a silly on what baseball people might have dressed up as for Halloween. They showed Roberts as a mummy with his hands and arms all bound up. His hands were tied! I have no idea how people decide what managers do get directions from the GM or other about lineups, when to pull pitchers, etc. Why decide that about Roberts? He errs on the side of too early when it comes to pulling pitchers.
 

DennyDoyle'sBoil

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Kimbrel striking out the side after the Judge home run in the first game of the ALDS was pretty cool. Could be the best he's looked all playoffs.

I was on a plane during that game and didn't see it as it was happening but was trying to follow along on ESPN on crappy in flight internet somewhere over Siberia. Every time I refreshed it seemed like the Yankees had another run. I got connected to see that Porcello got out of the 8th and that it was 5-3. I figured it would be about 30 minutes until the game ended. I got through again what seemed maybe 10 minutes later and saw that the score was 5-4 and I was initially bummed until I also saw that it said the game was over!

I recently rewatched some of the game. Other than game 4 of the ALCS that might have been the best game of the playoffs.
 

moondog80

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The afterparty in LA was a total rager.

"We knew the total bill was around $300,000 -- but now we've seen the itemized receipt and confirmed it's legit.

The rundown ...

48 bottles of Dom. 43 bottles of Ace of Spades. 60 bottles of Moet. 5 bottles of Veuve. 12 bottles of Perrier-Jouet. And, a bottle of Cristal for good measure.

On top of that, the guys also got bottles of Don Julio, Belvedere vodka, 11 bottles of Jameson and 17 bottles of Jack Daniels.

All of the booze plus the tax and other fees added up to around $300k. The tip was around $195k ... totaling an even $500,000 final bill."

http://www.tmz.com/2018/11/02/boston-red-sox-tip-world-series-party/
65% on a bill of 300K is one hell of a tip.
 

Koufax

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The article says that the team handled the bill. Thank you, John Henry. Does some of all of that count towards the luxury tax? Sounds pretty luxurious to me.
 

E5 Yaz

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I'm sure this has been said -- either in here, or in some other thread -- but Joe Kelly's postseason finally proves the Red Sox won the Allen Craig trade
 

nvalvo

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I just watched all of these consecutively while tidying my apartment and making dinner — it was fascinating viewing and I recommend it to everyone who has ~2 hours to kill. Thanks for collecting them.
 

tims4wins

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Not sure how long it runs but it appears MLB network is currently running condensed versions of all their wins. It just started, it is game 1 vs the MFY.
 

Papelbon's Poutine

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You know a big chunk of that went to the club, as service and bottle fees.

But the servers hopefully made out well, too
Clubs generally make their money on the bottles (that’s why a $35 bottle of Jack costs you $400) with a minimum for table service and private area. If it was left as a gratuity (and not a service charge or ‘room fee’; the article says ‘drinks, taxes and other fees’ so I’d imagine it was straight on the tip line) it’s illegal in almost any state for the club to take any of it. Given California has some of the most hospitality friendly laws (unions, minimum wages, etc) I’d imagine the servers got it.

I’m actually surprised the tab wasn’t higher for such a large group in an LA nightclub. A bottle of Ace will run you Tripp’s digits easy easy; if they got 43 of them you’re at $50k easily right there. Shit, a normal bottle of Armand de Brignac is at least $300 retail and goes up depending on the cuvée and vintage. That giant one Papi was drinking in 2013 was a Nebuchadnezzar of it that was worth like $100k or some shit. 169 bottles of high end champagne adds up quick in a club; then throw in the other stuff and I’m sure there was bottles of beer, other drinks, bottles of $10 Voss, etc. Figure it was at least 50 guys and yeah, I’m surprised it’s that low. Good on the ownership to go heavy on both ends.
 

bigq

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I’m still smiling about the Red Sox hitters making several of the best pitchers in the game look entirely pedestrian. Happ, Severino, Verlander, Kershaw, Ryu.

Also this picture from Puerto Rico is pretty sweet. Man, I love this team.

 
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Biggs

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I just wanted to throw this out up front that I am biased and I won’t apologize for it. I am a Red Sox fan currently living in Boston but I grew up in Columbia, South Carolina. Home of the mighty University of South Carolina Gamecocks. I am a USC alum and have been a Gamecocks and Red Sox fan since I was a kid. I cannot express to you how enjoyable this post season was with two former Gamecock players Jackie Bradley Junior and Steve Pearce playing a huge role in deciding the final outcome of the 2018 season. I have had the distinct pleasure of being able to see both of these players up close and personal from the beginning of their college careers up to both of them getting a World Series ring with the Red Sox of 2018.

At USC In 2010, Bradley batted .368 and 13 home runs, driving in 60 runs while scoring 56 times in 67 games. Then, he went 10-for-29 at the plate in the 2010 College World Series (CWS), earning CWS most outstanding player honors. Jackie Bradley Junior has caught a lot of grief over the years (rightfully so) for his inconsistent contributions at the plate. Nobody who knows anything about this game can criticize what he does with the glove, but he is one of the streakiest hitters in of all of MLB. That said, without his bat in the ALCS, I doubt we make it to the World Series. Congratulations JBJ on the ALCS MVP

Steve Pearce transferred to the University of South Carolina (from junior college and led the team in batting average, home runs and RBIs in 2004 and 2005, hitting 42 home runs in his two seasons with the Gamecocks, to become the first player in school history to reach the 40-homer plateau that quickly. As a transfer junior in 2004, he hit .346 with 21 home runs and 70 RBI, helping to lead the Gamecocks to their third consecutive appearance in the College World Series. Pearce was named the team's Rookie of the Year and was selected to both the NCAA Regional All-Tournament Team and the College World Series All-Tournament Team. Pearce’s signing by DD went very much under the radar at the trade deadline but down the stretch of the regular season and into the playoffs it proved to be the most important trade deadline deal made by the Red Sox! Congrats to Steve Pierce on the World Series MVP.

The performances and contributions of these two Gamecocks are easily my favorite thing about the championship team!
 
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