The 'WHAT IF' 1975 World Series (Game 3)

The series is at a 1-1 tie, between the Boston Red Sox & Cincinnati Reds, after both teams' bullpens self-imploded. The 'WHAT IF' concept of the 1975 World Series was a healthy Jim Rice & the American League's DH rule in effect at Fenway Park... unfortunately for Boston, Rice ended up getting hurt in APBA play in Game 2 & will be out for the entire stretch in Cincinnati, he will be available to play Game 6 & Game 7 in Boston (if necessary). Juan Beniquez who played good for Boston this series, is out for the remainder of the series, and will no longer play a factor in Boston's possible success.

Game 3 (at Cincinnati)

Boston sends Rick Wise (19-12, 3.95 ERA & 141 K / Grade B-YZ) to the mound, to face the Reds' Gary Nolan (15-9, 3.16 ERA & 74 K / Grade B-Z).

Boston has Carl Yastrzemski playing in left (due to the Rice injury), after playing at first during the first two games. The Red Sox thought about using Bernie Carbo, but kept him out for a bench option, due to the fact he's not a good fielder as well; This also allowed Boston to play Cecil Cooper (Game 1's hero) at first base, since there is no designated hitter at a N.L. ballpark.

It would be Yastrzemski that would kick things off for Boston in Game 3. Fred Lynn would lead off the top of the 4th, by drawing a walk off of Gary Nolan; Carl Yastrzemski capitalized the opportunity with an RBI double. Carlton Fisk followed with a walk, placing runners on 1st & 2nd with no outs for Dwight Evans -- who followed with an RBI single, driving in "Yaz". With runners on 1st & 3rd, Denny Doyle would smack both runners in on a double to right; Nolan would retire the next three batters & get out the four-run inning.

For Rick Wise, that was all he needed, a 4-0 cushion -- Wise cruised on to keep the Reds' bats silent for the most part, allowing only 7 hits, with a complete-game shutout of the "Big Red Machine". Another great thing about Wise's performance is that he gave the Red Sox' bullpen a much-needed rest after their Game 2 failures. Wise struck out 6 Cincy batters & walked one.

No Cincy base-runners would reach third, as their biggest threat was Johnny Bench's lead-off double during the bottom of the 4th.

Red Sox win 4-0, and lead the series 2-1.