Red Sox have the hammer now
When the Red Sox closed out Game 6 of the ALCS late last night, they won their ninth straight postseason elimination games under manager Terry Francona (left). They haven't lost a sudden-death playoff game since Aaron Boone's dramatic ALCS home run kept them out of the World Series in 2003, the year before Francona took over the club.
They're the team that will not die, and -- despite the impressive home record of the Tampa Bay Rays -- that sudden-death streak probably will reach 10 tonight when Jon Lester takes the mound for Boston against Rays right-hander Matt Garza.
Garza gave up just a run on six hits to register a huge victory in Game 3 at Fenway Park. Lester gave up five runs (four earned) on eight hits over 5 2/3 innings to get the loss. So, under normal circumstances, you'd think that all the indicators point to the Rays, except that they had nothing to lose on Monday and they have everything to lose in Game 7. They've got the weight of that seven-run collapse two nights ago and it's a lot heavier now than it was before last night's game.
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Comments
no way the rays win. before game 5 i thought if the rays don't just finish it out, the sox are going to come back. Hey, it's the Rays first time in the playoffs... I'm sure they will be back and they're going to completely understand the importance of winning the FIRST time they've got a chance of eliminating their opponent next time.
Posted by: cbm in tampa | October 19, 2008 12:39 AM
Looks like you were right Peter, we have seen this before. I kind of knew it too, only I was in denial. I saw the same thing locally with the 79' Orioles, when the Pirates won game 5 after trailing in that game they took on a whole new demeanor. I wouldn't give a plugged nickle for the Rays chances tonight, but of course will be rooting for a miracle and hopefully some drama.
Posted by: Joe in Va | October 19, 2008 5:19 AM
Pete -
I realize the bubble is about to burst on the Ray's season, but if I'm Joe Maddon, I got to find a way to loosen up my players. Kind of like Bill Walsh back in the 80's dressing like a bell hop in the Niner's hotel before the Superbowl to loosen up his team, and remind them this is about having fun.
If I'm Joe Maddon, I get the team out there a little early, clown around a little, and remind the youngsters that no one gave the team a chance at winding up in the playoffs when the season started. I tell em, take your best shot, and if the Bo-Sox win, tip your hat knowing you took them to 7 games, actually had them on the ropes, and focus on getting ready for 2009.
In reality, the pressure is on the Sox, not the Ray's. Which is the veteran team that's been here before? Joe, tell your kids it's about having fun, take your shots and let's see what happens!
Posted by: TX O's Fan | October 19, 2008 11:37 AM