[Nick Soulis]

Series #17
Preliminary Round



1937 New York Giants
Record: 95-57
Finish: Lost in WS
Manager: Bill Terry
Ball Park: Polo Grounds
WAR Leader: Mel Ott (6.8)
Hall of Famers: (2)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYG/1937.shtml

2011 Boston Red Sox
Record: 90-72
Finish: 3rd in AL East
Manager: Terry Francona
Ball Park: Fenway Park
WAR Leader: Jacoby Elsbury (8.3)
Hall of Famers: (1)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BOS/2011.shtml
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Red Sox Overwhelm Giants



In a best-of-seven playoff series that transcended time and generations, the 2011 Boston Red Sox squared off against the 1937 New York Giants, giving baseball fans an exhilarating glimpse into what might have been. In the end, the 2011 Red Sox prevailed, taking the series in just five games. Led by the outstanding performance of Carl Crawford, who was named the series MVP after hitting .368, the Red Sox showcased their dominance. On the other side, Mel Ott was a standout for the 1937 Giants, batting a remarkable .412 with six crucial RBI.

The series commenced at the iconic Polo Grounds, and the 1937 Giants drew first blood with a resounding 9-3 victory in Game 1. Giants ace Carl Hubbell displayed his prowess on the mound, securing the win, while a booming home run from the legendary Mel Ott set the tone.

However, the 2011 Red Sox came roaring back in Game 2 at the same venue, defeating the Giants 5-2. Josh Beckett was the star of the day, with a powerful performance that earned him the Player of the Game (POG) title. Beckett's pitching was complemented by home runs from Jed Lowrie and Josh Reddick, who made a significant impact with his bat.

As the series shifted to Fenway Park for Game 3, Clay Buchholz took center stage for the 2011 Red Sox. He went the distance, pitching a full nine innings, allowing only one earned run, and guiding his team to a 5-1 victory. Drew Sutton's bases-clearing triple was a highlight in a game that showcased the Red Sox's resilience and ability to dominate in their home ballpark.

With the 2011 Red Sox up 2-1 in the series, Game 4 proved to be another close encounter. This time, it was the Giants who claimed a 2-0 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth inning. However, the Red Sox rallied in dramatic fashion, with Josh Reddick delivering a game-changing RBI double that led to a 3-2 victory. Tim Wakefield's stellar performance, pitching a complete game, was instrumental in securing the win for Boston.

In Game 5, the 1937 Giants showed their fighting spirit, but the 2011 Red Sox once again proved to be a formidable opponent. With a final score of 3-2, Jon Lester played the role of hero, pitching a complete game and earning the POG honors. A three-run surge in the ninth inning, ignited by David Ortiz's RBI single, sealed the fate of the Giants.

With this hard-fought victory in Game 5, the 2011 Boston Red Sox officially clinched the series, winning four games to one. The impressive performance of Carl Crawford, who was instrumental throughout the series, earned him the MVP title.

2011 Boston Red Sox Win Series 4 Games To 1

Series MVP:

(.368, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, .947 OPS, 1 SB)