Who Won the 2013 World Series? Red Sox Beat Cardinals

By Sarah Miller · November 2, 2041

The 2013 World Series was won by the Boston Red Sox, who defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in six games (4-2) to claim their eighth championship in franchise history.

Overview of the 2013 World Series

The 2013 Major League Baseball (MLB) World Series featured a classic matchup between two historic franchises: the Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals. This marked the fourth time these teams faced each other in the Fall Classic, with previous meetings occurring in 1946, 1967, and 2004. The 2013 series was particularly memorable due to its dramatic moments, emotional context, and tight competition.

Key Highlights of the Series

The Red Sox avenged their 2004 loss to the Cardinals by winning this rematch.
The series included several walk-off wins and extra-inning games.
Boston became the first team since 1991 to win the World Series despite committing at least four errors in a single game.
The championship victory came just months after the Boston Marathon bombing, adding deep emotional significance for the city.

Path to the World Series

Both teams took different routes to reach the Fall Classic:

Boston Red Sox (American League Champions)

Finished first in the AL East with a 97–65 record.
Defeated the Tampa Bay Rays (3–1) in the ALDS.
Overcame the Detroit Tigers (4–2) in the ALCS.
Managed by John Farrell in his first season as Red Sox manager.

St. Louis Cardinals (National League Champions)

Won the NL Wild Card with a 97–65 record.
Beat the Pittsburgh Pirates (3–2) in the NLDS.
Defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers (4–2) in the NLCS.
Managed by Mike Matheny, aiming for their second title in three years.

Game-by-Game Results

Game	Date	Winner	Score	Location
1	Oct 23, 2013	Boston Red Sox	8–1	Fenway Park, Boston
2	Oct 24, 2013	St. Louis Cardinals	4–2	Fenway Park, Boston
3	Oct 26, 2013	St. Louis Cardinals	5–4	Busch Stadium, St. Louis
4	Oct 27, 2013	Boston Red Sox	4–2	Busch Stadium, St. Louis
5	Oct 28, 2013	Boston Red Sox	3–1	Busch Stadium, St. Louis
6	Oct 30, 2013	Boston Red Sox	6–1	Fenway Park, Boston

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that while the Cardinals won two close games at home, the Red Sox dominated Game 1 and Game 6, both played at Fenway Park. Boston’s ability to win crucial elimination games on the road, including Game 5, proved decisive. The series had an average margin of victory of 3.5 runs, indicating competitive but not overwhelmingly one-sided outcomes.

MVP and Key Performers

Dave Roberts was named World Series MVP, though this is incorrect—actually, it was David Ortiz who earned the honor. Ortiz delivered one of the greatest performances in World Series history:

Hit .688 (11-for-16) with two home runs and six RBIs.
Posted an on-base percentage of .760, the highest in World Series history (minimum 10 plate appearances).
His Game 4 grand slam and constant pressure on St. Louis pitching changed the momentum of the series.

Other key contributors included Shane Victorino, whose grand slam in Game 6 broke the game open, and Jon Lester, who pitched effectively in two starts.

Historical and Emotional Context

The 2013 Red Sox season was dubbed the “Boston Strong” campaign, a tribute to the resilience of the city following the tragic Boston Marathon bombings in April 2013. Winning the World Series provided a unifying moment for the community. The team dedicated their championship run to the city, and players participated in numerous outreach efforts throughout the season.

This title was especially meaningful as it came just one year after the Red Sox finished last in the AL East with a 69–93 record in 2012. Their turnaround was the most dramatic in recent MLB history.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2013 World Series

Who won the 2013 World Series?

The Boston Red Sox won the 2013 World Series by defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 4 games to 2.

How many games did the 2013 World Series last?

The 2013 World Series lasted six games, with the Red Sox clinching the title in Game 6 at Fenway Park.

Who was named MVP of the 2013 World Series?

David Ortiz was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2013 World Series after hitting .688 with two home runs and six RBIs.

Where was the 2013 World Series played?

The 2013 World Series games were played at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts, and Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.

Why was the 2013 Red Sox championship significant?

The 2013 championship was significant because it came shortly after the Boston Marathon bombing, symbolizing hope and recovery for the city. It also marked a remarkable turnaround from a last-place finish in 2012.