Boston Red Sox Defeat Detroit Tigers, Head To World Series

The Boston Red Sox defeated the Detroit Tigers on Saturday night to advance to the World Series. The Red Sox advanced as slumping outfielder Shane Victorino hit a home run to clinch the game and the series.

Victorino leaped up and down as he rounded the bases before jumping into the arms of his teammates. Before that homer the Detroit Tigers held a 2-1 lead. After he touched home plate his team went up 5-2.

After what can only be described as one of the most joyful celebrations of the 2013 MLB season Victorino found it necessary to apologize to the Detroit Tigers and their fans.

“All the emotions went through my mind,” Victorino said. “The pounding on my chest…I hope they understand it was a special moment, for me, for the city.”

One hour later and the Boston Red Sox players were drenched in champagne as they celebrated in the team clubhouse. Boston Red Sox player Mike Carp even went so far as to spray champagne on Boston Red Sox fans.

Last year the Boston Red Sox collapsed in September, then they were forced to deal with the demons left behind by ex-manager Bobby Valentine. For a moment Victorino’s home run seemed to erase those memories. A World Series victory would completely eradicate the last year.

Victorino adds, “It’s been a special year, and good moments like this, you cherish it.”

Fans in Boston needed something to celebrate after a year in which the Boston marathon was bombed and three lives were taken and 250 people were injured. Speaking about the city he loves catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia said, “This city, this is the best city I’ve ever played in. When you get attacked on your home turf like that, it’s a feeling of pride here. Everything that Boston Strong says represents exactly what this city is about.”

Team president Larry Lucchino tells the Wall Street Journal:

“By the end of April, we had a pretty good feeling this was going to be a good team. But I don’t know that anybody, none of us were smart enough to say we were going to win 97 games and the American League pennant. I wish I could say that our business plan called for it.”

The six-game set was an impressive win for the Red Sox who were outmatched almost every night by etroit Tigers starters Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Anibal Sanchez and Doug Fister. While the Tigers started were brilliant for most parts of each game, the Red Sox sluggers managed to make hits and drive in homers when they counted.

Next up will be the World Series where the Boston Red Sox will take on the St. Louis Cardinals.

Are you surprised that the Boston Red Sox knocked out the Detroit Tigers to reach the MLB World Series?