If there is one game the Red Sox must have, it's Game 1 of this series. Boston ace Chris Sale is tabbed with the daunting task of shutting down a lineup that led the majors in batting average (.282), on-base percentage (.346), and slugging percentage (.478).

Quite a task, in defeating Verlander, and quieting the bats. But if one guy can do its Sale.

Chris Sale is 5-1 with a 1.31 ERA over six starts while producing 65 strikeouts against five walks in 48 innings.

Now, after 260 regular-season trips to the hill, Sale will make his first postseason start. I think he thrives with confidence here on Thursday afternoon. Take the RedSox.