WORLD SERIES WATCH: Red Sox look to clinch at home

BOSTON (AP) — A look at Game 6 of the World Series at Fenway Park on Wednesday night as the St. Louis Cardinals take on the Boston Red Sox:

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EARLY ESCAPES: Both starters pitch out of trouble in the second inning.

St. Louis put two on with none out but failed to score. John Lackey threw a two-out wild pitch that pushed the runners to second and third, then struck out Jon Jay.

That left the Cardinals 6 for 36 with runners in scoring position during the Series after setting a franchise record with a .330 mark in those situations during the regular season.

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PACKED HOUSE: Man, oh man, are they fired up in Boston.

Red Sox looking to clinch a World Series title on their own field at fabled Fenway Park for the first time in 95 years, a stretch that's lasted from Babe Ruth to Big Papi.

Needless to say, tickets have been going for quite a pretty penny.

To do it, Boston will have to overcome rookie sensation Michael Wacha, who is 4-0 with a 1.00 ERA in four postseason starts. Can the kid do it again — under save-the-season pressure in this electric environment — and force a Game 7?

Red Sox right-hander John Lackey is trying to become the first pitcher to start and win the clinching game of a World Series for two teams. He won Game 7 of the 2002 World Series for the Anaheim Angels as a rookie against San Francisco.

And we're underway in Game 6. Lackey works a 1-2-3 first inning, helped out by a tough play from second baseman Dustin Pedroia in short right field.

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BALLPARK BUZZ: Fenway Park was jumping early as fans poured into the old yard, hoping for a big night. Program vendors loudly reminded folks to pick up their souvenirs on the way in.

The ballpark organist tried to set a lucky tone, playing "This Magic Moment" and "Daydream Believer" and "I'm Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover" during batting practice.

Great version of the national anthem by local band The Dropkick Murphys. Felt like last call at a packed Irish pub.

That came right after Red Sox greats Carlton Fisk and Luis Tiant threw out the first balls. Fisk, still a king at Fenway for the home run that won Game 6 of the 1975 World Series, got right in the spirit that has taken over this team — before his toss, he put on a playful beard for the ceremonies.

BaseballSports & RecreationBoston Red SoxJohn LackeyFenway ParkWorld Series
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