Win Number Two

What the hell was that? It was supposed to be easy. Four runs in the 1st inning was supposed to set the tone. But Francona left Matsuzaka in the game to face Vlad Guerreo for a third (and costly) time. Okajima did what he could. Then Francona left Masterson in the game too long. Masterson started the bottom of the 8th inning. When he let the first batter get on base, Francona then turned to Papelbon to get the final 6 outs. With the game tied 5-5, that was the moment we Sox fans thought the game was lost.

But the players were not going to let Francona's unusual bad day of managing stop them. Varitek's calls, Papelbon's pitches, J.D. Drew's big swing in the top of the 9th, and Youkilis' catch in foul territory marked a dramatic swing of the game back to Boston's favor. Boston had the game, then lost it, and then fought to win it back. It was quite a ride.

ALDS Game 2
Red Sox 7, Angles 5

Care to admit to any mistakes, Terry? Care to take any responsibility? I thought not.

Win Number One

Here we go again. They pulled out a win last night. The Red Sox look strong enough to make it to the ALCS. But first they have to beat the halos two more times. I think they will. Going back to Game 5 of the 1986 ALCS, the Red Sox have now defeated the Angels in 10 consecutive playoff games, 1 shy of a new MLB postseason record.

On Friday night, the ball will be given to Daisuke Matsuzaka, who is 9-0 on the road this season. His opponent will be all-star pitcher, Ervin Santana. The Red Sox are going to have to be aggressive to foul-off pitches and run the bases to wear him down. I may not be as confident in these Sox as last year, but this is still a Terry Francona team. And Francona's teams are experts in wearing-down opposing starting pitchers.

ALDS Game 1
Red Sox 4, Angels 1

Red Sox Lose Forth Straight, Terry Blows Up

Oh dear. August was supposed to be the most fifficult month in the Red Sox schedule, not June. They need to get their offense in-gear. Wake-up guys!