BETTER LATE THAN NEVER

Game five of the ALCS at Fenway last night started as another downer for the hometown crowd and stayed that way right up till the seventh inning. In true Red Sox style, the team finally pulled it together when Big Papi finally let loose with a three run homer beginning the rally which put them back in the running. As the clock struck midnight, it was the bottom of the ninth and both teams were even at seven runs. The first two Boston batters failed to get on base and Kevin Youkilis stepped to the plate. After numerous foul balls, Youk made it to second on an error. Jason Bay followed but the Rays pitcher purposefully walked him. Next up, J.D. Drew slammed it into the field where it plopped to the ground behind the center fielder. As soon as the ball made contact with the bat, Youkilis ran for all he was worth then rounded third base to cross the plate for the win that kept the dream alive.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, this Boston Ball Club plays better with their backs against the wall. It would be a miracle for any team to come back from a 3-1 deficit. But this group has proven that miracles can and do come true. Game six takes place tomorrow back at Tropicana Stadium and just like last night, it’s do or die for the Sox. So once again I’ll remind you, keep the faith.

CAN HISTORY REPEAT ITSELF?

In 2004 the Red Sox were down 3-0 against their biggest rival, the Yankees, in the ALCS and came back to make history by breaking the dreaded “Curse of the Bambino”. In 2007 they were down 3-1 against the Indians and came back to see another World Series Championship. So, am I worried? You bet. But I’m holding tight to the old adage, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going,” and as history has proven, the Red Sox play harder when their backs are against the wall.

As the Rays clinched another victory against the Red Sox at Fenway Park last night with a huge 13-4 point lead, the faithful Beantown fans tried to keep the hope alive. No easy task considering the way the Rays offense hit them out of the park time and time again and the Red Sox batters couldn’t seem to get any distance on the ball. With an off day to regroup, the series swings back into action Thursday night in Boston. Down 3 games to 1, the Sox are on the cusp of losing it all. But this team is used to being the underdog and if a comeback is at all possible, the Red Sox are the ones to pull it off. Keep the faith.

Cream, No Sugar

Yes, you got that right; the Red Sox got creamed last night with a final score of 9-1. While the Rays hit one ball after another over the Green Monster, the hometown favorites could barely connect. It was a sad day in Mudville as Haverhill native, Rocco Baldelli, playing for the opposition, hit another homer, bringing in three more runs for the Rays. With his little brother enjoying the action from the visitor’s dugout, Baldelli mentioned the thrill of playing in the park he idolized as a child. Unfortunately, for the Boston Ball Club, he played Fenway from the wrong side of the field.

Even BoSox power hitters couldn’t seem to get the job done last night. Designated Hitter, David Ortiz, seems to have lost his touch as of late, and last night the rest of the team followed suit. But hey, I’m an optimist, and everyone has an off day now and then. Tonight’s game will take place under the lights at Fenway and with a little luck and a lot of hard work, the Sox will play like the World Champs they are. It ain’t over till it’s over, or until Big Papi swings; whichever brings in the winning run.

The National League

Okay, just a quickie today. I didn't watch the game last night, but I've read the Dodgers won on their home turf 7-2 against Philadelphia. Phillies are still up two games to one for the best four out of seven. Game four will again take place in L.A. at 8:22 on FOX.

However, Game four of the American League is this afternoon at 4:30 on TBS. With the Red Sox back at Fenway, I've got high hopes. Nobody knows how to play off that Green Monster like the home team!

HOME RUN RALLY

The second game of the ALCS started like every other game, however, by the fifth inning both teams began aiming for the fence. By the time it was over Boston had three homers under their belt and the Rays had two.

When the Rays tied the game 8-8 in the eighth, nine innings turned into a seemingly all night battle. Finally, in the eleventh, at approximately one thirty in the morning, the game ended with bleary-eyed fans on their feet. With bases loaded, Ray’s batter, B.J. Upton hit a high fly to right fielder, J.D. Drew. Drew caught the ball for out number two, but couldn’t get it home before third base runner, Fernando Perez reached the plate. The Rays came away victorious with a 9-8 win over the Red Sox.

Game three swings into place at Fenway, Monday afternoon at 4:30. It should be an interesting game in the shadow of the Green Monster with both teams at even strides. Let’s hope the Sox will benefit from the home team advantage.

Meanwhile, the NLCS continues with game three tonight in L.A. As it stands, the Dodgers are down two games to the Philadelphia Phillies. Will Joe Torre prove his value to this ball club despite adversity with the Yankees? And will Manny end up face-to-face with his old comrades in the 2008 World Series? Only time will tell. Stay posted.

BOSOX ROLL THE DICE FOR A 2-0 WIN

In game 1 of the ALCS last night between the Red Sox and the Rays, pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka once again proved his worth to the Boston Bull Pen. For nearly eight innings Dice-K stood firm under pressure and as a result the opposition failed to score. As the rest of us sat biting our nails this veteran pitcher never batted an eyelash. Even with the bases loaded due to three walks in the first inning, Matsuzaka stayed focused and played the game one pitch at a time. Needless to say, that inning and every one after, ended in his favor and the Sox won with a 2-0 victory.

Meanwhile, halfway up the coast, in game 2 of the NLCS, Joe Torre’s Dodgers fell two games down to the Phillies with an 8-5 loss. The National League will have the evening off as the teams travel to the west coast to play game 3 tomorrow night.

Game 2 for the American League takes place tonight at Tropicana Stadium with Josh Beckett on the mound. It is scheduled to begin at 8:07 pm on TBS.

Red Sox Nation becomes the "Bay" State

Who needs Manny when we've got Jason Bay? For any of you Red Sox fans out there today is surely a day of celebration. Just 4 games into the AL East and we're on our way to the ALCS! The trade made when Manny left ranks proved to be a good one from the very start, but last night's amazing slide into home plate has cemented Bay's position in the heart of every loyal BoSox fan. I guess we can say it's just Jason, being Jason, and thank God for that!



Now if we can get David Ortiz back in the "swing" of things and get the injured Mike Lowell back in the game, we could give the Rays a run for their money. And who knows, if all goes according to plan, we just might end up face to face with Benedict Arnold (Manny) as the Dodgers begin their chase for the NLCS this Thursday.



As for me, Friday night has my attention. Don't call after 8:30 unless you want to discuss the game. Red Sox Nation on TBS. Be there!