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October 16, 2007
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
CLEVELAND -- Red Sox manager Terry Francona continuously talks about the importance of keeping the line moving, meaning the batting order needs to hit around in order for the club to be successful.
Well, in order for that line to keep moving, it has to get started.
Rookie second baseman Dustin Pedroia is the one in charge of doing just that from the lead-off spot in the order. Throughout the regular-season he was solid in that role and thrived on a consistent basis. In the postseason, however, he said he’s been pressing a little too much and it showed again last night with his 0-for-4 performance.
“I just stunk tonight,” said Pedroia. “You play this game all year for this and it’s tough. We’ll bounce back. That’s why it’s a seven-game series.”
He struck out in his first at-bat, grounded out in the third and sixth innings, and finished his night at the plate with another ‘K’ in the seventh.
“I got some pitches to hit tonight, I just didn’t hit them,” he said. “This is all on me. (Cleveland starter Jake Westbrook) kept us off balance with his sinker, change-up and slider. He was good.”
Pedroia faced Westbrook three times and Indians reliever Jensen Lewis once.
“They blew the ball by me,” Pedroia said. “I have to go back to drawing board and figure some things out.”
Pedroia is 4-for-25 in the postseason and if there’s anyone who can quickly turn it around, it’s the gutsy rookie who plays the game like a 10-year veteran.
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