Defending Kolten Wong

Admittedly, Kolten Wong made a terrible base running error as he was picked off first base to end game four.

However, the play is being blown way out of proportion. It is very unlikely with 2 outs and a runner at first, down by two runs (4-2), that the Cardinals would have won game four.

I say Wong has easily been an overall positive for St. Louis in this series, his base running gaffe, not withstanding.

In game three Wong was part of a double switch, inserted into the game at second base also with a (4-2) score but this time his St. Louis team had the lead. The situation was far more dangerous as Boston had the bases loaded with one out and in the 8th inning.

Wong made a very good stop on a smash hit by Boston’s Daniel Nava and got a force out at second base. The Cards eventually won the game.

Clearly the Red Sox chances of winning game 3 at the point of Wong’s big play were so much better than the Card’s chances of winning #4 at the point of Wong’s gaffe.