Odd Things Expected as Red Sox Meet Cards in Game Three

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Another Day, Another Dollar
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ST. LOUIS (Reuters) - A World Series that has already produced some odd sights could produce more on Tuesday when Game Three of the Fall Classic between the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals is played out under a lunar eclipse.

If the Red Sox can register a win at Busch Stadium, it would leave them just one victory away from one of the rarest sights of all -- Boston celebrating a World Series championships.

Without a World Series title since 1918, the stars seem to have suddenly aligned for the Red Sox. Despite committing a record eight errors, they will take a 2-0 lead into St. Louis for Games Three, Four and, if necessary, Five.

An equally strange sight as been of the Cardinals, with one of the most frightening collection of sluggers ever assembled in one team, unable to capitalize on the Red Sox gaffes.

Albert Pujols has three hits in seven at bats but has yet to drive in a run while Scott Rolen and Jim Edmonds are a combined 1-for-16 with a single RBI.

The St. Louis bats will have to make some noise in Game Three against three-time Cy Young winner Pedro Martinez, who has become Boston's forgotten man with the spotlight now firmly focused on Curt Schilling and his injured ankle.

One of the Major League's most feared pitchers, Martinez has been less than intimidating during the postseason, going 1-1 with 5.40 ERA.

GEARED UP

"I think Pedro is geared up and ready to pitch a good game," offered Boston manager Terry Francona, speaking for Martinez who has not talked to media before starts during these playoffs.

The Cardinals will send former Red Sox Jeff Suppan to the mound, the right-hander having been their best pitcher in the regular season (16-9) and their most consistent performer in the postseason (2-1).

The biggest edge, however, that the Cardinals will take into Game Three is home advantage in front of over 50,000 raucous fans at Busch Stadium where they have been unbeatable this postseason, going 6-0.

"I think it's a big edge," said St. Louis manager Tony La Russa. "There's no doubt that the home crowd being excited pumps up the home team. It gives you an edge.

"We'll see if we can take advantage and make that edge count for more runs than the other club.
"We like playing on the road but we love playing at home. Our fans are going to be crazy and look to give us a boost." <!-- article text ends -->

http://www.reuters.com
 

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