Newz Forum: BASEBALL: Francona going with Wakefield for Game 1

Knuckleballer Tim Wakefield was named Boston's starter for Saturday's Game 1 of the World Series.

Red Sox manager Terry Francona said Curt Schilling will start Game 2 at Fenway Park so his ailing ace -- who is suffering with an ankle injury -- doesn't have to bat. Pitchers will have to hit when the National League champion hosts the middle three contests.

Wakefield did not pitch in the final two games of Boston's historic comeback victory against the New York Yankees. He tossed three scoreless innings for the victory in Game 5 against the Yankees, a 5-4 triumph in 14 innings.

Houston and St. Louis face off Thursday night in the decisive seventh game of the National League Championship Series.

Pedro Martinez and ALCS Game 7 winner Derek Lowe will round out Francona's rotation for the first four games.

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