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October 25, 2007
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- It’s not hard to figure out if a team can keep the Sox’ top two hitters – Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis – off the base paths, then there’s a pretty good chance the opposition has a chance to win.
The problem with that formula, however, is the Colorado Rockies couldn’t execute that too well Wednesday night as Boston’s two hottest hitters are clearly dialed in right now.
Even though Pedroia went 1-for-5 with two runs scored, it was his solo home run to lead off the bottom of the first inning that jumpstarted the offensive barrage for Boston.
''I wasn’t thinking too much about it,'' said Pedroia. ''I was just trying to get a good pitch to hit and get on base. I was fortunate enough that it got out.''
Red Sox captain Jason Varitek talked about how important that at-bat really was.
''Petey set that tone,'' he said. ''Petey can handle the bat.''
Youkilis, who started to come around in Game Four of the ALCS against the Indians, went 2-for-5 Wednesday, including a pair of doubles and three runs scored.
''We went out and put some good at-bats together,'' said Youkilis. ''We made (Colorado starter Jeff) Francis work a little bit and we just jumped out early. That was the biggest thing to score early and often. Getting a huge lead for Josh is always comforting . . . We did an unbelievable job tonight.''
Boston banged out 17 hits and scored 13 runs, but it was the performance by Pedroia and Youkilis early in the game that proved crucial.
''Youk and everyone else was swinging the bats great,'' said Jacoby Ellsbury. ''It’s perfect timing.''
It certainly was.
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