So, Red Sox Game #162 was yesterday. With this being the last game of the 2021 regular season; there were several teams in the hunt to play in the Wild Card Game and make the playoffs.
Red Sox Game #162
In the first place, the Sox need this win to have a home-field advantage for the Wild Card game. Though Chris Sale started the game, he was replaced in the 3rd inning after loading the bases and walking in a run.
Because the Red Sox and the New York Yankees were in a two-way tie before Game #162 started; there were hopes that the Sox would win their final game of the season.
But, the Nationals took the lead early and continued to add on throughout the game. Due to the number of walks, the Nationals took the early lead. But, in the 7th inning, the Sox were able to tie it up 5 – 5.
Finally, they were able to take the lead in the top of the 9th inning and they held on to take the top spot for the Wild Card Game.
No doubt, there was a lot of chaos on the final day of the season.
Looking Backwards
When the season first started, the Toronto Blue Jays were predicted to win the division and be in the World Series. Indeed, the Blue Jays have had a great season and have a great team. However, I wondered why last year’s World Series, American League – Tampa Bay Rays weren’t factored into the equation when I wrote my 2021 Boston Red Sox Season Predictions – How Will the Team Perform post.
Now hitting rewind; a lot of what I wrote ended up coming to fruition. For instance, the team surprised a lot of people by being in first place until the All-Star Game.
Before the All-Star Game; the team was starting to show a lot of their weaknesses.
When the trade deadline came and went; I was quite surprised they weren’t more active. To read more about this year’s trade deadline; be sure to visit my Did the Red Sox Become a Better Team After the Trade Deadline post. For example, there were questions marks on who could play at first base? And, why didn’t the team acquire some better relievers?
2021 Wild Card Game
The final score – Red Sox 7 – 5 Nationals. The Yankees beat the Rays with a score of 1 – 0. Since neither the Red Sox nor the Yankees lost; the Blue Jays 2021 season is over. So, much for them being predicted to win the division and go to the World Series.
Since the Red Sox won; the New York Yankees will play on Tuesday, October 5th in Fenway Park in Boston at 8:08 p.m.
As always, I welcome your comments on if you think the Red Sox will go further in the playoffs.
