2011: Red Sox Worst Nightmare

The Boston Red Sox were predicted by many not only win the AL East, but also to return to the World Series. After a road trip to Texas and Cleveland, the Sox head home 0-for-the-season. While a rough time might be expected by the energized AL Champion Texas Rangers, certainly a trip to the mistake by the lake would cure even the worst start. Remember the Cleveland Indians surrendered 23 runs in their first TWO home games this season.

Sadly for the Sox, things only got worse. After dropping the first two in the series, certainly the Tribe didn’t have it in them to complete the sweep. Did they? John Lester threw a great game, but received no help. After Cleveland scored the only run of the game in the bottom of the eighth on a suicide squeeze, you just had a feeling something else freaky was going to happen.

Sure enough, nervous Indian fans thought their magic and the Red Sox curse was going end when David Ortiz drew a two-out walk in the Boston ninth off Chris Perez. Big Papi was lifted for pinch runner Darnell McDonald. J.D. Drew then bounced a single that ricocheted off Perez and went to Indians third baseman Adam Everett. McDonald rounded second base too far, fell down and tried to scramble back to the bag. Everett made a snap throw to second baseman Orlando Cabrera that nailed McDonald. WATCH for yourself. Replays showed the play was called correctly. Moments later, Twitter was buzzing with rumors that Boston ticket brokers were terrified that they may not even get FACE for Friday’s Fenway Park home opener again the New York Yankees. They may be right.