World Series Game 2 Recap: LA Blows Lead

Wednesday’s World Series matchup featured a second night of lefty starting pitchers: Hyun-Jin Ryu of the Dodgers against David Price of the Red Sox, who was looking for his second postseason win as a starting pitcher. The visiting Dodgers were able to take the lead against Price in the top of the 4th, but failed to hang on, allowing 3 runs in the bottom of the 5th en route to a 4-2 defeat.

Red Sox 4, Dodgers 2

W: Price; L: Ryu; S: Kimbrel

Player of the Game: Christian Vázquez (1-3, 1 R – sparked 2-out rally in 5th inning)

Boston Leads Series 2-0

Ryu was sharper than he was during his last outing in NLCS Game 6, but he only lasted 4.2 innings, allowing 4 runs on 6 hits with 1 BB and 5 SO. Ryu was outpitched by Price, who had another quality start to earn the victory. Price was charged with 2 runs on 3 hits with 3 BB and 5 SO in 6.0 IP. He was helped out by an acrobatic catch made by OF Andrew Benintendi in front of the Green Monster in the 5th inning to prevent a leadoff extra-base hit by INF Brian Dozier.

Boston was the first team on the board with an RBI single by INF Ian Kinsler scoring INF Xander Bogaerts in the bottom of the 2nd.

LA climbed on top with a 2-run 4th inning thanks to a sacrifice fly by DH Matt Kemp driving in INF David Freese and a single by OF Yasiel Puig to plate INF Manny Machado. However, the Dodgers had loaded the bases with no outs prior to Kemp’s at-bat and failed to do significant damage, which would end up costing them later in the game.

With 2 outs in the bottom of the 5th inning, C Christian Vázquez singled to spark a 3-run rally to give Boston the lead and the victory. His single was followed up with another single by OF Mookie Betts. Ryu then walked Benintendi to load the bases, which prompted his removal from the game by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts in favor of RP Ryan Madson. Madson would walk INF Steve Pearce to force in Vázquez and tie the game. DH J.D. Martinez then singled to score Betts and Benintendi, giving Boston a 4-2 advantage.

There was no further scoring in the game as Boston manager Alex Cora brought in trusted middle reliever Joe Kelly to replace Price, as well as SP Nathan Eovaldi, who has been used as a setup man for closer Craig Kimbrel. Kimbrel worked the top of the 9th to rack up another save for the Red Sox and complete their second victory of the series.

Thursday will be a travel day as the series moves to Los Angeles for three games (if necessary). The World Series will resume at 8:09 PM ET on Friday. Probable starters: TBD (BOS) vs. Walker Buehler (LAD) – 2.62 ERA. If you have enjoyed these recaps, please consider supporting the site!