Red Sox close in on World Series sweep

Pedro Martinez allowed only three hits in seven scoreless innings as the Boston Red Sox posted a 4-1 triumph over the St Louis Cardinals in Game Three of the 100th World Series.

The Cardinals, after losing two games in Boston, were hoping a return to Busch Stadium would change their fortunes.

But a pre-game downpour and drizzle during the contest left the 52,015 fans at Busch Stadium flat in the early stages and a first-inning homer by Boston’s Manny Ramirez did not help.

Boston have now won seven straight post-season games and will go for the sweep on Wednesday night.

Hoping to end Boston’s 86-year title drought will be Derek Lowe, who closed out the stunning comeback against the New York Yankees with a win in Game Seven of the American League Championship Series.

The Cardinals seek to force a Game Five behind right-hander Jason Marquis, who has lasted a total of seven-and-a-third innings in his two post-season starts.