Manny Ramirez's Power and Defense Shine in World Series

Red Sox left fielder Manny Ramirez crushed a three-run home run in the first inning, and his defense made several key plays, including a strike to catcher Jason Varitek that ended the inning and killed the Cardinals' best threat.

Key Takeaways:

• Manny Ramirez's home run was a trademark power display, crushing Jeff Suppan's fastball 386 feet into the left-field seats.
• Ramirez's defense in the bottom of the first inning was critical, as he fired a perfect strike to Varitek, tagging Larry Walker for a double play.
• Ramirez has held his own in left field, making seven errors in 209 chances for a .967 percentage, a slight drop-off from last year (.982) but still solid.
• Ramirez has hit safely in all 13 postseason games, and he is hitting .462 in the World Series.
• Ramirez's first home run of the Series gave him 18 career postseason home runs, tying him with Hall of Famers Reggie Jackson and Mickey Mantle for second all-time.
• Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona has kept Ramirez in left field despite his errors, citing his overall solid performance.

Statistics:

• Manny Ramirez's home run was 386 feet, showcasing his trademark power.
• Ramirez has made seven errors in 209 chances for a .967 percentage in left field.
• Ramirez has hit safely in all 13 postseason games.
• He is hitting .462 in the World Series.
• Ramirez has 18 career postseason home runs, tying him with Hall of Famers Reggie Jackson and Mickey Mantle for second all-time.

Sources:

• "Red Sox Notebook: Ramirez's throw saves the day," USA TODAY, H. Darr Beiser, October 2004
• Unnamed sources within the Boston Red Sox organization
• "World Series," MLB, October 2004