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INSIDE THE GAME BY STEVEN KRASNER: The early innings

Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
Mike Lowell slides safely home after being waved in from second base by third base coach DeMarlo Hale on a single by Jason Varitek in the fifth inning.

DENVER – Third-base coach DeMarlo Hale took a gamble Saturday night in Game Three and waved home Manny Ramirez from second base with one out. Ramirez was out at the plate, making the gamble look bad.

But that didn’t stop Hale from staying aggressive last night.

With slow-footed Mike Lowell on second base and one out in the fifth, Hale waved home the Sox’ third baseman on Jason Varitek’s roller through the right side. Hale was reading the speed of the ball and was armed with the scouting report on the approach to the ball and arm of right fielder Brad Hawpe.

Lowell chugged home and, sliding headfirst to the third-base side of home plate, he was able to elude the tag of catcher Yorvit Torrealba, who had fielded the low throw just a bit to the first-base side of the plate.

As Lowell was sliding past the plate, he was able to reach out with his left hand and drag it across the plate, giving the Sox a 2-0 lead.

* * * *
Jacoby Ellsbury’s considerable skills were on display again last night, right from the game’s second pitch.

Ellsbury lofted that 91-mph sinker from Aaron Cook down the left-field line, the ball dropping in fair territory by a few inches for a leadoff double.

It was further proof that Ellsbury, the Sox’ rookie center fielder, uses the entire field. In Game Three, Ellsbury smacked three doubles – one to left, one to center and one pulled just fair down the right-field line.

Ellsbury also showed good baserunning instincts, moving to third on Dustin Pedroia’s grounder to third baseman Garrett Atkins. The ball was chopped to third, forcing Atkins to come in for the ball, and as soon as he took a step in for the ball, Ellsbury knew he could take third without Atkins being able to make a play on him.

* * * *
Interesting strategy by Colorado manager Clint Hurdle in the first inning.

Obviously, Hurdle and the Rockies had no margin for error last night, facing elimination with a loss in Game Four of the World Series.

So with Ellsbury at third and one out, Hurdle brought in his infield as David Ortiz came to the plate.

Infield in? In the very first inning?

His thinking would seem to be two-fold.

First off, Hurdle was hoping to choke off the run so his Rockies wouldn’t fall behind early again, even by just one run. Also in his thought process had to be that his pitcher, Cook, is a sinkerballer, and if a grounder were to be hit at one of his infielders, Ellsbury would have to hold at third.

Cook got the ground ball he and Hurdle were seeking. But it was a relatively weak bouncer that had eyes. Ortiz’s grounder cleanly found the hole between drawn-in first baseman Todd Helton and second baseman Kaz Matsui. The ball rolled into right for an RBI single, putting the Sox on top, 1-0.

Had the infield been back, Ortiz would have been out, but Ellsbury still would have scored.

* * * *
Another interesting decision by Hurdle.

In the bottom of the fifth, with Colorado losing, 2-0, Hurdle let Cook bat, deciding not to opt for a pinch hitter in this situation. Cook was pitching a solid game, but, as per the cliché, there was no tomorrow for the Rockies.

Hurdle’s bullpen, though, was fried, and ineffective too often, no doubt part of Hurdles’s reasong for sticking with Cook.

Cook pushed a bunt single past Boston starter Jon Lester, on the Rockies’ third hit. But Lester stranded him at first.

* * * *
The Rockies also had a leadoff double in an early inning.

But unlike the Red Sox, they were unable to get him over and get him in.

A grounder to short kept Todd Helton at second base after he had opened the second with a ringing double to left-center. A long fly to center pushed Helton to third with two outs, but then, after a walk, Yorvit Torrealba grounded out to shortstop as Colorado, unable to execute the fundamentals, wasted Helton’s leadoff double.

* * * *
Clearly Ortiz was in the lineup for his bat – and glove.

Ortiz, generally Boston’s designated hitter, was playing first base because the pitcher bats in the National League park in the Series. And he flashed some leather in the second inning, picking a tough short-hop throw from shortstop Julio Lugo with a runner at second and none out in the second inning.

* * * *
Cook hadn’t pitched in a big-league game since Aug. 10. And, as a sinkerballer, he was worried that he would be too strong, keeping his ball from sinking.

Apparently, that was a case of wasted worry in the early going.

Over the first six innings, Cook generally had the Red Sox hitting the ball on the ground. Of the 18 outs he racked up, 13 came on grounders. He also fanned two. There was one flyball out and two popups. And even though he gave up two runs, both RBI hits – by Ortiz in the first and Jason Varitek in the fifth – were ground balls that found their way through the right side of the Rockies’ infield.

Two balls he got up, though, cost him. Doubles by Ellsbury and Lowell set up Ortiz and Varitek, respectively, for their RBI ground-ball singles.

Posted by Art Martone  at 10:23 PM | Permalink

IN-GAME UPDATE: No rust on Cook

Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
Rockies pitcher Aaron Cook, center, confers with shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, left, and catcher Yorvit Torrealba in the fifth inning of Game 4.

BY JIM DONALDSON
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- Colorado pitcher Aaron Cook hadn't started a game since Aug. 10 because of an oblique injury, but, after allowing a leadoff double to Boston's red-hot rookie, Jacoby Ellsbury, and then giving up a run-scoring single to David Ortiz, he retired seven straight batters.

He's been off 79 days. That's the longest between starts for a World Series starter since 1955, when the Yankees' Bob Grim made his first start in 112 days in Game Five against the Brooklyn Dodgers. Grim had, however, been pitching regularly in relief, including an appearance out of the bullpen in Game One of the '55 Series.

Cook was 8-7 this season for the Rockies, with an ERA of 4.12. In six seasons with the Rockies, he has yet to record double-digit wins. His career-high was nine, last year, when he also lost 15.

Posted by Jim Donaldson  at 9:13 PM | Permalink

IN-GAME TIDBIT: Big Papi -- Gold Glover

BY JIM DONALDSON
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- How'd you like Big Papi, gloving Julio Lugo's short-hopped throw to first base in the second inning?

Good thing he did, otherwise the Sox wouldn't have gotten out of the inning, which began with a leadoff double by Todd Helton, unscathed.

As every Red Sox fan knows, it was difficult for Terry Francona to take Kevin Youkilis out of the lineup. But, since there's no designated hitter in the games played at N.L. parks, and Francona wanted David Ortiz's bat in the lineup, "Youk" hasn't started Games Three or Four at Coors Field.

It didn't make sense to shift Youkilis to third base, in place of Mike Lowell, because not only did Lowell lead the Sox in RBI this season, with 120, but he also is very good defensively. If Youkilis played third base, and Ortiz first, that would weaken the infield at two positions, rather than one.

Posted by Jim Donaldson  at 9:05 PM | Permalink

IN-GAME MUSINGS: Wonderful weather

BY JIM DONALDSON
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- It's a fabulous night, with skies clear and the temperature at game-time 68 degrees. It's a far cry from last Sunday here, when it snowed.

That's the way the weather can be in Denver. I once covered a Patriots games here in late September when it snowed heavily, but I also remember sitting in the press box at Mile High Stadium in early January with the windows open at a Pats-Broncos playoff game in '87.

The windows are open in the press box tonight, which creates a much better atmosphere than watching the game behind a sheet of thick glass. It's much louder, but much better.

Mentioning Mile High reminds me that, on the way back to my hotel after Game Three, I heard Gary Glitter's "Rock & Roll, Part 2" on the car radio. The first time I heard that song was at a Broncos game at Mile High, which literally rocked as the Denver fans stomped their feet and shouted ``Hey!" Later, the song came to be played at stadiums across America, and wasn't as exciting. But that first time, in Denver, was terrific.

Posted by Jim Donaldson  at 8:52 PM | Permalink

PREGAME: Francona praises Ramirez

BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- Manager Terry Francona praised Manny Ramirez -- who leads the Sox in batting average, homers and RBI in the post-season – for sharpening his focus this month.

''I think it’s been phenomenal,'' he said. ''Even when we’ve been getting in very late (to other cities after travel days) he’s probably been the first one at the ballpark every time.''

Posted by Art Martone  at 8:03 PM | Permalink

PREGAME: Francona says Sox 'easy team' to manage

BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- Manager Terry Francona said the 2007 bunch has created very few problems for him – on or off the field.

''This has been a very easy team (to manage),'' he said. ''They’ve been very responsible. (In terms of character) our guys have been off the charts. You appreciate that.''

In presiding over a harmonious clubhouse, Francona credited some of the team’s reserve players – led by Alex Cora – for setting the proper tone.

''Guys who don’t play much,'' Francona said, ''you sort of hope they don’t bring people down. Our guys kind of bring people up.''

He added that the organization tries to do it homework on player’s personalities and character, to ensure that they don’t bring in potential malcontents who create problems when they don’t play.

''We’re not running a Cub Scout troop here,’’ he said. ''You’ve got to have talent. But you’ve also got to be aware of what works and how things work.''

Posted by Art Martone  at 8:01 PM | Permalink

PREGAME: New coaches make an impact

BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- Last year, the Red Sox made some tough decisions with their coaching staff, jettisoning popular coaches Dave Wallace (pitching) and Ron ''Papa Jack'' Jackson (hitting) in favor of John Farrell and Dave Magadan respectively.

The fact that they contributed to a pennant-winning team, on the verge of winning a World Series title, speaks volumes about their immediate impact.

''Our staff’s done a great job,’’ said Francona. ''From Day One, they’ve worked hard and been prepared.''

Posted by Art Martone  at 7:59 PM | Permalink

PREGAME: Great chance for Lester

BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- Fourteen months ago, Jon Lester was diagnosed with cancer. Tonight, he has the opportunity to pitch his team to a world championship.

If Lester’s successful battle and comeback has already been a great story, surely tonight has the potential to be a great finish.

''It’s a great story, regardless,'' agreed Terry Francona. ''He understands that. That said, regardless of what he went through, (the Rockies) are not going to be taking a strike. But Jon has a real good understanding of (how to handle everything).''

Posted by Art Martone  at 7:57 PM | Permalink

PREGAME: Ask me later

BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER – Red Sox manager Terry Francona was asked how this afternoon compares to the atmosphere three years ago in St. Louis, with the Sox leading 3-to-0 and a chance to wrap it up in Game 4.

''You know, we stay in the moment,’’ said Francona. ''It’s what we do. I don’t even remember how I felt then. We stay in the routine. I get up, have breakfast, come to the park, play some cribbage and go play the game.

''When that stops, it comes crashing down. It doesn’t wind down. You go 100 mph and then it suddenly stops.''

Posted by Art Martone  at 7:55 PM | Permalink

PREGAME: Dice-K, that big RBI guy

BY STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- Daisuke Matsuzaka told manager Terry Francona that he was a good hitter.

And Francona had seen video of a home run Dice-K had hit when he was pitching in Japan.

But Francona’s advice to Matsuzaka and his other pitchers when they were competing in National League ballparks and batting in the order was to just stand still in the batter’s box and take pitches. He didn’t want them pulling any muscle doing something that has become unnatural for any American League pitcher – swinging a bat.

Matsuzaka, though, came up with a key base hit in Saturday night’s victory that put Boston on the brink of its second World Championship in four years. Dice-K threaded a two-out, two-run single through the right side in the Sox’ six-run third-inning rally.

''That shows you they (pitchers) are athletes. I know they take batting practice (before interleague and World Series games when they have to hit) but to be able to just pick up a bat and make contact, they have to be athletes,'' he said.

Francona said he wasn’t necessarily surprised by the hit.

''Pleased,'' said Francona. ''You never bank on a guy getting a hit who hasn’t swung a bat since June. He got the bat on the ball, it found a hole, good for us.''

Not that he wasn’t a solid pitcher this year, but Francona said he thinks Matsuzaka will show even more next year for the Red Sox, noting all the adjustments he had to go through this season, including cultural and language issues.

''I think he has a great ability to make adjustments,'' said Francona of Matsuzaka, who notched the Game Three win, going 5 2/3 innings.

''I think next year you’ll see more consistency from him. What level does he get to as a pitcher, I think we’re excited about that, to see how it plays out. But I also think there will be a bigger comfort level for him next year just because he was here for a full year.''

Posted by Art Martone  at 7:53 PM | Permalink

PREGAME: Valuable Varitek

BY STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- Catcher Jason Varitek has value far beyond his offensive statistics, though he did enter Sunday night’s game leading the Sox in RBI (4) for the Series.

''He’s our captain. He not only runs our team, but he obviously runs the pitching staff,'' said Francona. ''He has a lot of responsibility. Sometimes you see him after games with those ice packs (generally covering both knees, his right shoulder and lower back). I think he ought to put one on his head, to, because you can tell he’s worn out.

''But on the flip side, when you’re shaking hands after a win, by his demeanor you would never know how many hits he had. If he catches a win, I think he feels like he’s done his job,'' said Francona.

Posted by Art Martone  at 7:51 PM | Permalink

PREGAME: Take a bow, Scouting and Development Departments

BY STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- The Red Sox are a bit more home-grown in the World Series this year than they were in 2004.

At the top of their order, for instance, they have a pair of rookies, center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury and second baseman Dustin Pedroia. Jonathan Papelbon closes, first baseman Kevin Youkilis has been a mainstay all year and Jon Lester started last night in Game Four.

While they have blossomed in the big leagues, manager Terry Francona heaped praise on the Red Sox’ scouting and development departments for their efforts in stocking the big-league team.

''I’m sure there are a lot of people in our player development (department) who are pretty proud right now, as they should be,'' said Francona. ''We’re the ones who get to stand up here and talk about the young kids, but the player development people, the ones that spend all the time with them, they’ve done a great job.''

And being more of a home-grown product is important to the Sox, said Francona.

''I think there’s a lot of pride in that,'' said Francona. ''Any time you talk with (general manager) Theo (Epstein) he’ll bring that up right away.

''Our owners give us a lot of money to go out and spend and get good players. But having guys come through your system is a great way to do it. And when they’re able to come and contribute, and not just contribute but be pivotal players, it’s a huge source of pride.''

Posted by Art Martone  at 7:50 PM | Permalink

PREGAME: Tito more than manages

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- The one thing that has become obvious during the 2007 season is the ability of the Red Sox’ Terry Francona has to successfully manage this club.

All the different personalities – Manny Ramirez specifically – and all the attention that is placed on the Red Sox from a fans and media standpoint, Francona has dealt with it all.

His day obviously consists of a lot of things, but the one daily ritual he truly enjoys is taking money from rookie Dustin Pedroia after beating him in cribbage.

''Yeah, I beat up on him pretty good,'' said Francona. ''He’s not that good. Thankfully he’s a really good baseball player, but he comes back for more. His mentality is he doesn’t quit.''

The job the manager has done this season hasn’t gone unnoticed within the confines of the clubhouse. From veteran Curt Schilling to rookies like Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury, Francona’s leadership is greatly appreciated.

''He’s done a great job with a lot of guys,'' said Pedroia. ''The season always has its bumps in the road, and he’s played and understands that. A lot of guys on our team went through some tough times, but we’ve all picked each other up when guys were down. Tito does an unbelievable job managing personalities and keeping the atmosphere relaxed even when a guy is struggling. That really helps out.''

Posted by Art Martone  at 7:48 PM | Permalink

PREGAME: Pedroia and teammates one step away

BYJOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- From the first day Dustin Pedroia became a Red Sox player, his obvious goal was to reach this level.

In his first full season in the majors, the down-and-dirty second baseman has been one of the main ingredients in the winning formula for Boston and now he’s a step closer to become a World Series champion.

Pedroia, a strong candidate for the Rookie of the Year award, earned some valuable experience in the final month of the 2006 season when he was a September call-up and was able to get a feel for how the Red Sox operated.

Heading into spring training prior to this year he just wanted to make the team, never mind think about a World Series title.

''I just wanted to do anything I could to help the team win,'' he said prior to Game Four of the World Series at Coors Field on Sunday. ''I knew our team goals were obviously win the American League East and win the World Series. We’re one game away from accomplishing both of those. But we’re still a long ways away. That’s a great ballclub over there and we’ve got to find a way to win one more game.''

His postseason resume is quickly writing itself.

Entering Game Four Sunday night, he had scored 12 runs to tie Derek Jeter (1996) for most ever by a rookie in a single postseason. After hitting just .172 in the first seven postseason games, Pedroia’s offensive has been outstanding over the last six contests, including a .444 average (12-for-27) with 4 doubles, 2 homers, 9 RBI, 5 runs and 4 walks.

Posted by Art Martone  at 7:46 PM | Permalink

PREGAME: Wasting a beautiful day

BY JIM DONALDSON
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- It’s a beautiful day here -- the skies clear blue, the snow-capped, Rocky Mountains seemingly within walking distance at the western end of the downtown streets, temperatures warm enough to wear a golf shirt.

If ever an argument could be made to once again play World Series games in the daylight hours, this afternoon would clinch it.

But, instead of seeing Jon Lester on the mound as the shadows start to slip across Coors Field shortly after four o’clock, the Rockies are taking batting practice.

The Red Sox, too, have just come out on the field and are jogging near the warning track in left, loosening up for tonight’s Game Four.

They run out of shadow, into the sunlight, bringing to mind Yogi Berra’s famous line about playing left field in Yankee Stadium: “It gets late early out there.”

World Series games extend much too late into the night, and there is nothing to be done about it.

As long as MLB wants to glean every dollar it can from the networks, then it must play games when it’s best for television – even if that’s not what’s best for the sport, or its devoted fans.

And so baseball cedes this lovely afternoon – a true Fall Classic – to the NFL, and will wait until the sun dips below the Rockies to begin to play.

New England schoolchildren who hope to stay up to celebrate with the Sox if they complete a sweep of the Rockies will be falling asleep at their desks tomorrow.

But, if they’re dreaming of the World Series, is that really so bad?

Posted by Art Martone  at 7:44 PM | Permalink

Galasso's view: Win it now

Frank Galasso / Special to The Journal

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 6:45 PM | Permalink

EDITOR'S NOTE: We're having mechanical problems

As you can see by the lack of activity on the blog -- which normally is jumping by this stage of the day -- we are having severe server issues.

The writers are all filing blog entries via the newspaper production system, and I'll post them at this end as soon as I can.

-- ART MARTONE

Posted by Art Martone  at 6:37 PM | Permalink

PREGAME: Game Four lineups

BOSTON
Jacoby Ellsbury, cf
Dustin Pedroia, 2b
David Ortiz, 1b
Manny Ramirez, lf
Mike Lowell, 3b
J.D. Drew, rf
Jason Varitek, c
Julio Lugo, ss
Jon Lester, SP

COLORADO
Kaz Matsui, 2b
Troy Tulowitzki, ss
Matt Holliday, lf
Todd Helton, lf
Garrett Atkins, 3b
Ryan Spilborghs, cf
Brad Hawpe, rf
Yorvit Torrealba, c
Aaron Cook, SP

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 5:07 PM | Permalink

POSTGAME: Papelbon ready

By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- Jonathan Papelbon said last night's victory came down to one thing. It was the Red Sox' ability to respond when the Rockies began to chip away at Boston's six-run lead.

With Boston holding a 6-0 lead heading into the bottom of the sixth inning, the Rockies scored two in that inning, and pushed three across in the bottom of the seventh to make things interesting.

But Boston responded with four runs over the last two innings en route to victory.

''In my opinion, the way our lineup showed up [in the eighth inning] when we were put through that little point of adversity was the turning point of the game,'' said Papelbon. ''Our bullpen had to battle tonight and we’re going to have to keep battling. Our lineup tonight did a special and great job of going back out there and setting the tone again, and keeping that momentum in our dugout.''

A victory on Sunday would give the Red Sox a World Series title, but the players aren't getting ahead of themselves.

''It feels good, obviously,'' said Papelbon. ''We’re not really thinking about that. We have to go out there and take care of business against one of the best lineups in baseball. We have to play them one at a time just like we’ve been doing.''

It might take only nine more innings.

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 2:21 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: Comparing isn't hard to do

By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER – The Boston Red Sox have a chance to win two World Series championships in a span of four seasons without losing a game.

If the Red Sox can win Game Four Sunday night at Coors Field they will complete a sweep of the Rockies in similar fashion as Boston did to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2004.

Unfortunately for Red Sox fans, both celebratory victories could be on the road.

There are many similarities to both Red Sox teams as veteran pitcher Mike Timlin pointed out after Saturday’s 10-5 victory over Colorado. But he’s not about to think about it too much, especially with one game still to win.

''You have to sit back after it’s all finished and then compare,'' said Timlin. ''You can’t compare when things are moving because that’s hard to do.''

The similarities are both clubs have solid bullpens, explosive offensive, good starting pitching and good defense. The differences are that this club is younger and more patient this time around, according to Timlin.

''It’s a very different team, but it’s also a very similar team,'' said Timlin.

Is this year’s club better?

''Maybe,'' he said. ''Yes. There are definitely aspects that are better now than there were then.''

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 2:17 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: More from Mike Lowell

On Jacoby Ellsbury
''He's not overmatched. He's got talent. He hits offspeed pitches. He hits left-handers. There's a reason he was a number one pick. You could see that in spring training. He has a lot of confidence in his ability and he doesn't change his approach in the pressure of the (World Series) spotlight. He lets his talent do the work. He's going to be a real good player. We think the world of him.''

On stealing third base in the eighth, after he singled and was bunted to third in the eighth. He scored on a sacrifice fly, making it a 10-5 game
''My wheels? They try to turn. When you're safe you look a lot faster. If they're going to give you the base, you take it. They bunted me to second. It was a four-run game at that point, but a five-run lead is better than a four-run lead, especially in this park. That team can score runs in bunches.''

On Hideki Okajima getting out of the seventh without further damage after allowing a three-run homer that cut the Sox' lead to 6-5
''He didn't let (the homer) bother him. We needed to get out of that inning with a lead, and we did.''

On the Sox' approach being ahead, 3-0, needing to win only one more for the World Series title
''We have to show up with the same intensity we have had in the other games. Winning three games doesn't mean anything if you don't win the fourth. We have to approach this (Game Four) with the approach that (the Series) is 0-0. There's no reason for us to approach it any other way.''

-- STEVEN KRASNER

Posted by Steven Krasner  at 2:12 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: Youth prevails, again

By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER – Coco who?

With the way rookie Jacoby Ellsbury has played when called upon all season for the Red Sox -- more importantly, in the postseason – it’s a safe bet once the World Series is over and the offseason begins, general manager Theo Epstein will be on the phone looking to deal Crisp.

Currently Crisp, who was replaced in the lineup with Ellsbury for Game Six of the ALCS against the Indians, is signed through the 2009 season. Because of Ellsbury’s abilities it was obvious he would be the future center fielder in Boston, but some might not have thought it would happen this quick on this stage.

Ellsbury went 4-for-5 including three doubles, a single, two RBI and two runs scored in Game Three of the World Series last night to help Boston to a 10-5 victory. The Red Sox are one victory away from winning their second championship in the last four seasons and the 24-year-old rookie has played a significant role.

Another interesting tidbit from Game Three is the fact Dustin Pedroia and Ellsbury are the first two rookies ever to have hit Nos. 1-2 in the order during a World Series game. They’ll probably do it again in another postseason, only next time they’ll be seasoned pros. Pedroia was also dialed in at the plate with his 3-for-5 performance, including a pair of singles and a two-run double.

''Man, Ellsbury and Pedroia did a great job,'' said Red Sox veteran Mike Lowell. ''They have really good talent and they’re not overmatched.''

The young talent doesn’t stop with Ellsbury and Pedroia. Kevin Youkilis, Jonathan Papelbon, Jon Lester and Manny Delcarmen have all made solid contributions to this club. If the core of young talent remains teammates for a long time, it’s going to be very interesting to see them develop.

''Throw age out of the question,'' said Papelbon. ''Age means nothing to me and I don’t think it means anything to anybody in this clubhouse. They have a bunch of 20-year-olds over in their clubhouse as well. If you can play at this level then you can play at this level, bar none.

''We’re obviously showing that as a young group of guys, and hopefully we can stay together, stick together and keep that in this clubhouse.”

The job Ellsbury did in the lead off spot Saturday night was very impressive. During the four previous games – Games Six and Seven of the ALCS and Games One and Two of the Series – he batted at the bottom of the order. With no DH in the National League park, Youkilis was forced to sit early in Saturday’s game as David Ortiz played first.

''The thing with our lineup I feel like I just have to get on base,'' said Ellsbury. ''With Dustin behind me, and he’s been playing great, he’s going to do the job. He’s going to move runners and with David and Manny behind him, and Mike Lowell as well, you’ve got to like your chances when you get on.''

Crisp was inserted into last night’s game as a defensive replacement for J.D. Drew, and when he batted in the top of the eighth innin he provided a single up the middle. He later scored on a Dustin Pedroia two-run double that gave Boston a 9-5 lead. The hit was Crisp’s first since Game Two of the ALCS.

It wasn’t only Ellsbury’s bat that proved crucial last night.

With the Red Sox leading 6-2 in the bottom of the sixth inning, Colorado began to threaten. With two on and one out, the Rockies’ pinch-hitter Ryan Spilborghs crushed a not-too-fast fastball off Red Sox reliever Mike Timlin that first appeared to possible be a home run.

Ellsbury showed his ability to stay in control of the situation when he made his way back to the center-field wall, right at the 415 mark, and easily made the catch for the second out.

''He’s done well,'' said Timlin. ''He’s come in and infused a lot of enthusiasm. He plays the game hard. He’s consistently moving. He runs balls out and he’s trying as hard as he possible can just to play the game right. When you do that, when you play the game correctly, you’re going to have a good time. And, he’s having great success.''

After the play the close-up shot on TV showed him smiling, pointing and winking at right fielder J.D. Drew, while blowing a bubble.

''I wasn’t sure if I had enough room,'' said Ellsbury. ''I was getting ready to climb the wall if necessary, but I was happy I didn’t have to do that.''

Ellsbury exudes confidence but he’s not cocky.

''To be on the postseason roster and to be here in the World Series has definitely been great,'' he said.

Safe to say he’s not playing like a rookie.

Ironically, the last rookie to have such an impact in the World Series is Red Sox ace Josh Beckett, who was named the 2003 World Series MVP while he was pitching for the Florida Marlins. The right-hander was 23 at the time when he pitched on three days rest to clinch the Fall Classic in Game Six against the Yankees, and that performance was the cornerstone for what he’s been able to do for the Red Sox this postseason run.

Ellsbury appears to be on the same track.

''He’s good,'' said Beckett. ''He’s going to be great. I wasn’t as fresh in the league [in 2003] as he is now.''

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 2:10 AM | Permalink | Comments 1

POSTGAME: More from Julio Lugo

On the contributions of rookie Dustin Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury
''It doesn't matter is they're rookies, you've got to perform. They know they belong here and they're playing well.''

On batting .444 in the World Series to this point, putting in his past the 0-for-33 slump during the regular season that cost him his leadoff job and dropped him to ninth in the order.
''I don't remember the frustration now. We're one game away from (winning the) World Series. This is why I chose to come here (as a free agent last winter) I wanted to go to a place where there was a chance to win. I knew this was a team that could do it. We're one win away from a ring.''

On being so close to winning the World Series
''We feel there's going to be a party tomorrow, but we've got to finish it off.''

-- STEVEN KRASNER

Posted by Steven Krasner  at 2:06 AM | Permalink | Comments 1

POSTGAME: Youkilis gives rookies the seal of approval

BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- In 2004, Kevin Youkilis was a rookie on the Red Sox world championship team. So more than most, he can appreciate the contributions being made by two first-year players on this year's team, now just one win away from another title.

''They're going good,'' he said of teammates Dustin Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury. ''They're in a great position to come out and play a part.''

Last night, in particular, they did plenty. Ellsbury, hitting leadoff for the first time this series, had four hits -- including three doubles -- to go with two RBI and two runs scored. Pedroia, meanwhile had three hits, two RBI and a run scored.

''We have a lot of great veterans on this team to help them out,'' said Youkilis, ''but the credit goes to them. They're really helping us win.''

Posted by Sean McAdam  at 1:58 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: Matsuzaka a hit, on the mound and at the plate

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- Don't try to tell Daisuke Matsuzaka that pitchers can't hit.

''I'm a confident hitter,'' he said after driving in two runs with a two-out, bases-loaded single that was the big blow in a six-run Red Sox outburst in the third inning. ''I love hitting.''

''He's a good hitter,'' Boston reliever Mike Timlin said of Dice-K. ''He's a good athlete. That (timely hit) was a good thing to see. It kind of took the wind out of (the Rockies') sails at that time.''

For the first five innings, Matsuzaka took the bats out of the Rockies' hands.

After giving up a leadoff single to his fellow countryman, and former teammate with the Seibu Lions in Japan, Kazuo Matsui, Dice-K didn't give up another hit until the fifth, when Colorado catcher Yovit Torrealba singled to start the inning.

Matsuzaka also was touched for another single in the fifth, by pinch-hitter Seth Smith, but didn't allow the Rockies to score.

He was lifted in the sixth when, with one out, he issued back-to-back walks to Todd Helton and Garrett Atkins, who later scored when Matsuzaka's successor, Javier Lopez, surrendered RBI singles to Brad Hawpe and Torrealba.

Dice-K left the game having given up three hits and two runs, both earned, in 5-1/3 innings, with five strikeouts and three walks. He received credit for the win, improving his postseason record to 2-1.

''The team won, and I didn't wind up being the one to stop our momentum, so, in that sense, I feel very relieved,'' he said, through an interpreter, in the post-game interview room.

''I felt that their lineup fought very well, and stayed in there. I did feel that I wasted some pitches in the sixth.''

Many times, sending a pitcher to the plate is a waste.

But not in Matsuzaka's case.

His base-hit was the first in a World Series by a Red Sox pitcher since Bill Lee, in Game Seven against the Cincinnati Reds in 1975 -- 32 years ago.

Posted by Jim Donaldson  at 1:54 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: Julio Lugo's key defense

By STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- The final score shows that the Boston Red Sox beat the Colorado Rockies by five runs in Game Three of the World Series.

But if shortstop Julio Lugo hadn't turned in a couple of outstanding defensive plays, the outcome might have been very different.

Lugo, whose defense has been a question mark since he signed with Boston as a free agent last winter and right on through the season, stifled a budding big inning with a heads-up play in the fifth.

And in probably an even bigger play, Lugo robbed pinch hitter Jeff Baker of a run-producing hit in ending what already had been a two-run uprising in the sixth.

On his first key play, the Rockies had runners at first and second with one out. Boston was on top, 6-0, at the time, when speedy Kaz Matsui hit a grounder in the shortstop hole.

Lugo fielded the ball going to his right, and without hesitation threw to Mike Lowell, who also showed good instincts on the play by going back to the third-base bag. Lowell caught the ball a split-second before the Rockies' baserunner arrived for the putout, defusing Colorado's rally.

''That was the easiest play to make,'' said Lugo of his throw to third. ''I didn't know if I could make a play at first, and I didn't think I could go to second. Mikey and I had good communication from playing together.''

Lugo's next chance to star on defense came in the sixth. The Rockies already had pushed across two runs, narrowing their deficit to 6-2. They had runners at first and second with two outs when Baker scalded a liner to shortstop, a sizzling shot that seemed destined to land safely in the outfield for at least an RBI single if not a two-run double.

But Lugo, listed at 6-foot-1, showed some serious ''ups'' in going after the ball. He managed to snare it in the web of his glove, preserving the Sox' four-run lead.

''I knew he hit it well,'' said Lugo. ''When I jumped I didn't know if I could get it. If it was a little higher, I probably wouldn't have caught it.''

Lowell, for one, wasn't sure if Lugo would be able to make the catch. And when he did, the third baseman was ecstatic.

''I think that play might go overlooked. It might have changed the game,'' said Lowell, noting that only one inning later the Rockies closed to within one run, at 6-5.

''When he jumped, I didn't think he had a chance. The ball was rising. But when he caught it, we were pumped up after that,'' he said.

Posted by Steven Krasner  at 1:53 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: Lester goes for the clincher

BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- the fact that Jon Lester is pitching at all is something of a miracle. The fact that the cancer survivor will be on the mound for a potential World Series clincher is beyond belief.

''It's going to be fun,'' said Lester after the Red Sox' 10-5 victory last night, giving them a 3-and-0 lead. ''There's going to be a lot of excitement. I'll just try to take a deep breath and enjoy it.''

Lester wouldn't have started any game -- much less the potential clincher -- had Tim Wakefield been healthy. But when Wakefield's shoulder became a problem, Lester was named the Game Four starter before the Series began.

''My approach is going to be the same,'' he said. ''(I"ll take it) one pitch at a time, one hitter at a time, one out at a time. Obviously, there's going to be some nerves. But you have get control of your emotions.''

It's been quite a journey for Lester since being diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma 14 months ago. Now, he can help the Sox win their second title in four seasons.

''It's nice,'' he said of the opportunity. ''It's nice to get the nod. It's nice the team has faith in me. But I'm not going to go out and try to pitch a perfect game. I just want to battle and give my a team a chance to win.''

Posted by Sean McAdam  at 1:51 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: Sean McAdam -- Rockies' best shot isn't good enough to stop resilient, rampaging Sox

BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER – There comes a time in every postseason series when a team is tested, when a team has to decide what it’s made of.

For the Red Sox, that point came somewhere between the bottom of the seventh and the top of the eighth in Game Three of the World Series.

In the bottom of the sixth, the Red Sox held a commanding 6-0 lead and had outscored the Colorado Rockies 21-2 at that point. Another lopsided win seemed certain and a World Series sweep seemed imminent.

Then it got interesting. The Rockies worked two walks off Daisuke Matsuzaka and Javier Lopez allowed both inherited baserunners to score. In the seventh, Mike Timlin yielded two singles to start the inning and the Sox turned to Hideki Okajima, who had retired all seven hitters in Game Two – four by strikeout.

But Okajima’s first pitch to Matt Holliday – the Rockies’ Game Two baserunning goat – was drilled some 430 feet to straightaway center.

Suddenly, the Series outcome wasn’t assured after all. Suddenly, the Red Sox' command of the Series seemed legitimately threatened. If the Rockies, trailing by six, could steal this one, then maybe, just maybe, the World Series could get interesting after all.

Coors Field came alive. Rockies fans came to life and waved their white rally towels. The energy was palpable.

These were the Rockies, remember, who had won 21-of-22 before walking into the Fenway buzz saw Wednesday night. These were the same Rockies who had been down to their final strike in the National League play-in game against the San Diego Padres. In extra innings. Against baseball’s all-time save leader.

So the Rockies – and their fans – don’t scare easily. Not this month, anyway.

When Todd Helton followed with a single, the Rockies had the potential tying run on base and the potential winning run at the plate with no out.

Then, just as quickly as the Series had turned away from the Red Sox, it turned back.

Okajima dug in and struck out the next two hitters and got the final out of the inning on a comebacker.

''At that point,'' said Timlin, ''you just have to minimize the damage. I thought we did that. The more innings you win, the easier it is to come up big in the end.''

As if to make their point clear, the Red Sox responded by tacking on three more runs in the top of the eighth on an RBI double by Jacoby Ellsbury and a two-run double from Dustin Pedroia.

Colorado’s last best chance to get back into the Series had come in the span of a few hitters, and before they could fully capitalize on it, disappeared just as rapidly.

They were back in it, and then, in the span of a few hitters, they were out again, mere fodder for the Red Sox, on their way to their sixth straight postseason victory.

''That’s the resiliency of this team,'' said Kevin Youkilis. ''We do what we have to do and we did a real good job of that tonight.''

End of story, and in all likelihood, end of Series.

In a way, Game Three was a perfect microcosm of their season.

During the year, the Red Sox led comfortably. In the final weeks of the season, finally put to the test by the late-charging Yankees, the Sox steadied themselves and hung on to win their first division in 12 years.

The World Series has been more of the same. An easy win in Game One, a nail-biting victory in Game Two, and finally, as things seemed guaranteed, a challenge put forth, one which the Red Sox capably answered.

''We knew this wasn’t going to be easy,'' said Julio Lugo. ''We knew they weren’t going to give it to us – we’ve got to take it from them. We’ve got a lot of heart and a lot of talent.''

They can wrap up their second World Series in four years tonight. They can extend their World Series winning streak to eight straight. They can make it look easy and enjoy yet another sweep of the National League champs, just the way they did in 2004.

It will look easy on paper. The scores will show the Red Sox reaching double figures in runs at least twice on their way to victory.

But what the line scores and game results won’t show is how the Red Sox took the Rockies best punch and didn’t buckle, how the Red Sox could have lost control of the Series and didn’t, how the Sox responded like champions.

That’s a title the Sox can’t officially claim until tonight at earliest, but one they might have earned last night, sometime between the bottom of the seventh inning, when the Rockies took their best shot, and the top of the eighth, when the Red Sox answered in kind.

Posted by Sean McAdam  at 1:49 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: More from Manny Ramirez

On the Sox' string of six straight postseason victories since Boston was one game from elimination, trailing Cleveland, 3-1, in the ALCS
''Like I said when we were in Cleveland, we have confidence. Everybody believes in each other. We've been down in a couple of games, but we believe in each other.''

On the contributions of rookies Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia
''He (Ellsbury) and Pedroia are carrying the team. You have to give them credit. (They're young, but) everybody is a professional here. That's why they're here. We expect everything from everybody.''

-- STEVEN KRASNER

Posted by Steven Krasner  at 1:48 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: Postgame notes from MLB

GOING UP 3-0: In World Series play, 22 teams have taken a 3-0 lead, with all 22 winning the series. Of the 22, 19 have been victorious in four games. Three teams forced a Game Five after falling behind 0-3 (1970 Cincinnati vs. Baltimore, loss in 5; 1937 Giants vs. Yankees, loss in 5; 1910 Cubs vs. Philadelphia, loss in 5).

-- DAISUKE MATSUZAKA: DAISUKE MATSUZAKA became the first rookie starting pitcher to win a World Series game since ANTHONY REYES for St. Louis defeated Detroit in Game One of the 2006 Series, 7-2, on Oct. 21, 2006. Pitching line: 5.1 ip, 3 h, 2 r-er, 3 bb, 5 so, 1 hp…101 pitches/66 strikes.

-- JACOBY ELLSBURY collected four hits, the second straight game a player has recorded 4 hits in this World Series (MATT HOLLIDAY in Game 2). It is the third time a rookie has 4 hits in a game in World Series play, joining FRED LINDSTROM (1924 Game Five for New York Giants) and JOE GARIGIOLA (1946 Game Four for St. Louis). Ellsbury totaled 3 doubles, tied for 2nd most ever in a World Series game, behind FRANK ISBELL (CWS), October 13, 1906.

-- DUSTIN PEDROIA collected 3 hits tonight and has 17 for this postseason, 5th most hits ever by a rookie in a single postseason, one behind HIDEKI MATSUI (2003 New York) and MIGUEL CABRERA (2003 Florida). DEREK JETER (1996 NYY) holds the record with 22. ELLSBURY and PEDROIA are the first pair of rookies in World Series history to each collect at least three hits in the same Fall Classic game.

MANY PITCHERS: The two teams established a World Series record by using 12 pitchers in a 9-inning game, one more than the previous mark, done on six occasions, last by St. Louis-Boston on Oct. 23, 2004. The Red Sox tied a World Series record by using 6 pitchers, most by a winning club in a World Series game, previously done by Cincinnati against Oakland, Oct. 20, 1972.

MORE BIG INNINGS: With another 3-run inning tonight in the 8th inning, Boston has totaled 16 3-run innings this postseason and 4 in the first 3 games of this series.

MANY RUNS: With 25 runs in this series, the Red Sox have matched the 2nd-highest total for runs scored in the first 3 games of a World Series. In 1911, Philadelphia scored 25 runs in 3 games, while the 1960 Yankees scored 30 runs, most ever in 3 games. The Red Sox have outscored the Rockies 25-7 in this series.

COMEBACKS: Only twice in World Series play has a team come back from a 6-run deficit to win…Tonight the Rockies were down 6-0 to the Red Sox after 5.0 innings, before pulling as close to 6-5 after 7 innings…Teams to rally from a six or more run deficit to win a World Series game.

Team/Game Deficit/Opposing Team Result
1996 New York Yankees, Gm. 4 Down 6-0 to Atlanta Win, 8-6
1929 Philadelphia A’s, Gm. 4 Down 8-0 to Cubs Win, 10-8

SHORTS: MATT HOLLIDAY hit his 1st home run of the World Series, his 5th postseason home run, a 3-run blast in the 7th inning. The home run traveled an estimated 437 feet, the first of the series for Colorado . . . JONATHAN PAPELBON recorded his 2nd World Series save. He has 9.0 scoreless innings this postseason . . . TROY TULOWITZKI snapped an 0-for-5 stretch with a 7th inning single . . . Tonight was the longest 9.0-inning World Series game, eclipsing the mark of 4:14, Oct. 20, 1993 at Philadelphia (Game Four).

Posted by Art Martone  at 1:48 AM | Permalink | Comments 1

POSTGAME: Hurdle says top of Red Sox order is tops

BY JIM DONALDSON
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- The 1-2 punch of Red Sox rookies Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia had the Rockies reeling in Game Three.

''It was off the charts,'' Colorado manager Clint Hurdle said. ''They're setting the table as well as you could ever want. They put us in some very difficult positions when you get into the middle of the order. They're getting the job done. They've been doing a fantastic job at the top of the order. We've got to find a way to slow them down.''

The speedy Ellsbury, batting leadoff for the first time in the postseason, was 4-for-5, with three doubles. He got Boston's six-run third inning started with a double to left field, then doubled again later in the inning, as the Sox sent 11 men to the plate. He picked up an RBI with that second double, and then drove in another run in the eighth, when he hit his third double of the game. He later scored, giving him two runs and two RBI.

Pedroia also was productive at the plate, going 3-for-5, with two RBI, and a run scored.

''They were on base the whole night,'' Boston manager Terry Francona said. ''They did exactly what you would hope your one-two hitters would do. It created a lot of opportunities.''

Posted by Jim Donaldson  at 1:44 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: Let them eat cake? Not yet

BY STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- The Sox may be up, 3-0, against Colorado, putting them on the verge of capturing their second World Series crown in four years.

But Manny Ramirez says it's a tad early to be celebrating.

''You don't want to eat your cake before your birthday,'' said Ramirez after the Sox' 10-5 Game Three triumph over the Rockies at Coors Field.

''We have to win one more,'' added the sudden loquacious left fielder. ''It feels great (being up, 3-0), but you have to win four games.''

Posted by Steven Krasner  at 1:40 AM | Permalink

FINAL: Red Sox 10, Rockies 5

By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- Now it's down to one.

The Red Sox dispatched the Rockies again Saturday night with a 10-5 victory in Game Three of the 2007 World Series. Boston can win its second championship in the last four seasons with a win in Game Four Sunday night at Coors Field. Jon Lester will start for the Red Sox against the Rockies' Aaron Cook.

Red Sox rookie Jacoby Ellsbury stared for Boston Saturday night with an impressive 4-for-5 performance, including 3 doubles, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored. Fellow rookie Dustin Pedroia added three hits and two RBI. Red Sox starter Daisuke Matsuzaka worked 5 1/3 innings and allowed two runs on three hits to earn the victory.

Oh, how momentum can change.

After the Red Sox scored six runs in the top of the third inning, everyone in Red Sox Nation were sending text messages to their friends probably celebrating a World Series championship.

But, as one Rockies employee said in the press box here tonight in the bottom of the seventh inning: ''Hold the phone!''

Colorado began to chip away at the Sox' massive advantage and by the end of the inning, its deficit was down to one, 6-5.

Fortunately for the Red Sox, Ellsbury provided an RBI-double and Pedroia contributed his two-run double in the top of the eighth inning to give Boston a 9-5 lead. Just for good measure, the Red Sox pushed across one run in the top of the ninth for a 10-5 mark.

Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon recorded the final four outs en route to victory.

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 12:50 AM | Permalink

INSIDE THE GAME BY STEVEN KRASNER: Late-game update

Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
Hideki Okajima, seen pitching in the eighth inning, had his ups and downs tonight.
DENVER _- Maybe the 2 1/3 innings Hideki Okajima threw in helping the Sox capture Game Two on Thursday night had something to do with it. Maybe the fact the Rockies were getting their second look at him made a difference.

Or maybe it was just a case of throwing an 88-mph fastball thigh-high down the middle of the plate to an MVP candidate that was the difference.

Whatever it was, Okajima struggled badly, though the Sox still had a lead – at 6-5 – when he finally finished the seventh.

The left-hander, who had retired all seven batters he faced, punching out four of them, was tagged for a three-run homer by MVP candidate Matt Holliday that narrowed Boston’s lead to 6-5. It was his first pitch of the game after having been called in with two on and none out in the seventh, replacing Mike Timlin.

And he labored after Holliday’s homer, a rocket to dead center. Okajima served up a single to Todd Helton and then, while he fanned Garrett Atkins and Brad Hawpe and set down Yorvit Torrealba on a comebacker, preserving the one-run advantage, it was by no means a breeze.

Okajima, who was dominant in throwing 28 pitches Thursday night, threw 28 pitches last night in the seventh. He was replaced by Manny Delcarmen to start the eighth.
But Okajima’s hiccup was forgotten very quickly because everything continues to come up roses for the Sox.

Boston, fueled by the pesky hitters in their lineup – Julio Lugo (walk), Coco Crisp (single), Jacoby Ellsbury (RBI double) and Dustin Pedroia (two-run double) – got those three runs back in a hurry in the eighth, and suddenly the Red Sox were on top by four runs again, at 9-5.

* * * *
Matsuzaka looked much more crisp with much better command last night than he has looked for much of the second half, at least early on.

Part of the reason was the plate umpire, Ted Barrett, who featured a wide strike zone. That turned some Dice-K pitches just off the plate into strikes.

Also working in his favor was the fact the Rockies had never seen him. And while that factor didn’t stop the Angels from driving up his pitch count and knocking him out in the fifth in an ALDS start, Colorado hitters were unable to do the same early on.
Matsuzaka, throwing mostly fastballs (including cutters) and sliders, needed only 42 pitches to get through the first three innings, a low total for him. Also uncharacteristically, he went to three balls on only one hitter over that stretch.

Dice-K had trouble putting away the Rockies in the fourth, with a seven-pitch at-bat for Matt Holliday and a 12-pitch at-bat for Todd Helton. But he won them both, on a groundout and a whiff, respectively.

The Matsuzaka-Helton matchup was a classic. Dice-K’s first 11 pitches were either fastballs (93-94 mph) or sliders. Helton fouled off four pitches after a 3 and 2 count, three fastballs and a slider. Then Dice-K went to a curveball (82 mph) and froze Helton with the backdoor breaking ball for a whiff.

Helton and Matsuzaka hooked up for an eight-pitch battle in the sixth. Helton won this one, drawing a walk. And when Dice-K then walked Garrett Atkins on four pitches, he was done, having thrown 101 pitches. He left with a 6-0 lead, replaced by Javier Lopez.

* * * *
There was much talk about the mile-high atmosphere at Coors Field and how it might affect balls hit into the air.

The humidor the Rockies now use is supposed to counteract the effect of the altitude on baseballs, keeping them from flying out of the ballpark on seemingly every well hit ball in the air.

But J.D. Drew launched a typical Coors Field double to left-center in the fifth.

He drilled a fly ball to left-center, part of the spacious outfield in the ballpark. And while it was clear the ball was going to land safely, it seemed to take off with some after-burners while in the air. It traveled all the way to the base of the fence for a double.

* * * *
Julio Lugo gets criticized for his defense, and generally there’s a reason for that criticism.

But the Red Sox shortstop made an outstanding mental and physical play in the fifth, helping to short-circuit a budding Colorado rally.

The Rockies had runners at first and second with one out, and for the first time all night Matsuzaka seemed to be laboring, possibly feeling the effects of the mile-high atmosphere.

Kaz Matsui hit a grounder deep in the shortstop hole. Lugo fielded the ball. He knew he had no play at second, nor did he have one at first.

In his mind it was clear when he fielded the ball that he was going to throw to third for a forceout, given the other options weren’t viable.

So he quickly zipped a throw to third baseman Mike Lowell, nipping the baseunner by an eyelash for the out. Instead of the bases loaded with one out, Colorado had first and second with two outs, and inning fizzled when the next batter, Troy Tulowitzki, popped out to Lugo.

Lowell deserved credit for the key forceout, too. After taking a step toward the grounder, he realized he had no play on it and quickly retreated to third, making himself an option for Lugo.

Lugo made his defensive presence felt again in the sixth, robbing pinch hitter Jeff Baker of an RBI base hit with a leaping grab of Baker’s liner with runners at first and second and two outs and Boston on top, 6-2.

* * * *
The plan was for the Red Sox to get a big lead so they could take out David Ortiz, a mediocre first baseman at best, and replace him with Kevin Youkilis, who did not make an error at the position during the regular season.

They made the plan work. The Sox had a 6-0 lead heading into the bottom of the sixth. Ortiz struck out, ending the top of the sixth, and Youkilis trotted out to play first in the bottom of the inning. Big Papi went 1 for 4, an RBI double in the six-run third, and rested his troublesome right knee for the last four innings.

While the plan looked great for Boston in the sixth, one inning later, they had reliever Hideki Okajima and slumping Coco Crisp in the batting order, with Ortiz and Drew on the bench. Drew had come out in a double switch when Okajima was called in to pitch in the seventh.

* * * *
Darn that humidor!

That’s what the Rockies and their fans had to be saying when pinch hitter Ryan Spilborghs’s long fly to dead center was hauled in by Jacoby Ellsbury with his back to the wall at the 415-foot marker.

In the pre-humidor days the ball might have flown several more feet, which would have made it a three-run homer, slicing the Sox’ lead to 6-5. Instead, it was just a long out, and Colorado didn’t score any more runs in the inning.

Posted by Art Martone  at 12:23 AM | Permalink

Photo: Holliday's homer

Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
Colorado's Matt Holliday gets the crowd rocking with a three-run homer in the seventh inning.

Posted by Rich Lee  at 12:00 AM | Permalink