Here is a look back at the five best games from the 2013 season:
5. Saturday, April 20. Red Sox defeat Royals, 4-3.
In what was by far the most emotional game of the year, the Red Sox’s first home game following the marathon bombings, they rallied behind the city for a come-from-behind 4-3 win by way of Daniel Nava’s eighth inning three-run homer. With what began as a passionate pregame ceremony with David Ortiz’s famous, “This is our [expletive] city” speech, it was a day Boston needed after what was a long, tragic week.
4. Friday, Sept. 20. Red Sox defeat Blue Jays, 6-3
Although this was just a typical regular season win over the last place Blue Jays, it was the night the Red Sox completed their worst-to-first season by clinching the American League East title in front of their home fans. Jon Lester led the way going seven strong innings, allowing just one run and striking out eight, while utility man Mike Carp picked up three RBIs.
3. ALCS, Game 2. Red Sox defeat Tigers, 6-5.
After getting blanked at home in Game 1 of the series, the Red Sox were staring an 0-2 series deficit right in the face, trailing 5-0 in the bottom of the sixth inning. But after getting one back in that sixth inning, David Ortiz stepped to the plate in the eighth inning and crushed a grand slam into the Red Sox bullpen, ultimately giving his team a 6-5 win and all the momentum they needed for the remainder of the series.
2. ALCS, Game 6. Red Sox defeat Tigers, 5-2
Even though the Red Sox led the best-of-seven series 3-2, Game 6 was almost a must win with the looming possibility of facing Justin Verlander in a Game 7. With the Red Sox trailing 2-1 in the bottom of the seventh, going into the at-bat 2-for-23 in the series, Shane Victorino ripped a line-drive grand slam into the Monster seats, giving the Red Sox a 5-2 win and their 14th American League pennant.
1. World Series, Game 6. Red Sox defeat Cardinals, 6-1.
The Red Sox claimed their third World Series title in 10 years and eighth overall with a convincing win over the Cardinals at Fenway Park. It was the first time the Sox clinched at home championship win since 1918. John Lackey went 6 2/3 innings, allowing one run on nine hits while striking out five. The offense was led by Shane Victorino whose bases-clearing, three-RBI double in the third inning was all the offense the Sox would need in what was a special and electric championship night.
Follow Metro Red Sox beat writer Ryan Hannable on Twitter @Hannable84
