It wasn't pretty, but a win is a win. The Boston Red Sox defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 11-9. Boston's looseness, which has been a great strength, proved a great weakness in game one. Specifically, Manny Ramirez made a number of bonehead defensive and baserunning moves--none of which seemed to phase him--that potentially might have cost the hometown team the victory. But, as the saying goes, you got to dance with them that brung you.

Studs in game one include Marc Bellhorn, Keith Foulke, Senor October, and Doug Mirabelli.

The key to game one, as I suspect it will also be the key to the series, was Boston's superior pitching. St. Louis's offense is impressive, arguably better than Boston's and, thus, arguably the best in Major League Baseball. They are well coached, and have a better defense. But pitching, ultimately, wins baseball games.

Sorry, Woody Williams doesn't cut it as a game one starter. Jeff Suppan, the Sox's fifth starter last year, doesn't really match-up well with Pedro Martinez either. The Cardinal defense and hitting is great, but their pitching is just okay. That, and hometown bias, is why I believe the Red Sox will win the series.

Where was Manny Ortiz? Hopefully the Sox are just saving him for when it matters...

Game 6, 1986. Mookie Wilson. Bill Buckner. Even this lifelong Yankees fan, imbued with a passionate hatred of Queens and its Mets, rooted for Mookie.

Go Cards. Red Sox suck. Their cops can't even contro crowds without killing an innocent bystander. That would never happen in NYC.

It wouldnt happen in NYC this year cause there was nothing to celebrate! Go S$$t on someone else's parade, this is Redsox country dude!!! Dont hate the team, hate the game!!!!

I'm pleased to see I've raised your hackles. Cards in 6. Tears in Beantown. Again.

tough to do that down 2-0