Three Keys to Victory for Red Sox in Game 1 of ALDS

It’s all on the line now as the Red Sox get ready to take on the Angels. This is the playoffs, where the little things become the key moments and there’s no room for error.

Here are the three keys to success for the Red Sox in Game 1 on Thursday night.

1. Take an early lead.
The Angels are very aggressive on the basepaths. If they are forced to play from behind, Mike Scioscia‘s group is less apt to attempt steals or hit and runs, which have proven to be the strength of this potent offense. Also, a Red Sox lead might cause the Angels, who are a confident bunch right now, to revisit past postseason woes.

2. Jacoby Ellsbury must get on base.
The Red Sox’ leadoff man needs to set the table for the heart of the lineup. His presence on base puts added pressure on John Lackey to vary his looks and speed up his delivery, which will result in mistakes over the plate. The quicker Boston can get to the Angels’ bullpen, the better the Red Sox’ chances of winning.

3. Jon Lester needs to continue to pitch like an ace.
A team is only as good as the day’s starting pitcher. Over the last four months, Lester has been as good as any pitcher in baseball. Getting ahead in the count will allow Lester to keep the Angels off balance and attack them with any one of his four pitches (fastball, cutter, slider, change). This plan will allow Lester to go deep in the game and hand the ball off to the best bullpen in the American League.