lafko06's Blog

The Rays got out early in the Fenway games and the Sox now have the opportunity to repay the favor. In Game 2 the Sox did just what they had to do and scored in the first inning only to have the rays get to Beckett. The Sox having first bats can play a huge part of the final 2 games. If the nerves are jumping and Shields stomach is rolling Saturday night the Sox could get out to a big lead.

Games 3-5 we're easy to play for the Rays. They were in a place where no one ever thought they could be and were very successful. Now the tables have turned after the collapse of Thursday night. The pressure has shifted squarely on their shoulders and the Sox have nothing to lose. The Sox  were buried and the champagne was being chilled but something happened......The Sox woke up. Now the Rays have the mighty awake Boston Red Sox coming to their park and with the aged veterans of past World Series teams they know how to handle the pressure. Paplebon and Papi. Youk' and Pedroia. Drew and Bay. This is a very dangerous team that has been given a second chance and we all know what's happened in the past.....

The events of innings 7 through 9 Thursday night were like a pressure relief for the Sox. Kotsay is a big part of the immediate success and if he gets on a hot streak and the Sox have production form the bottom of the lineup it would be huge. I still would go with Crisp at leadoff and look for Ellsbury to provide a spark on the basepaths late in the game. Ortiz and Bay hit very well in the Trop and Pedroia hits anywhere. The Sox have hit close to 15 Hr's in their last 3 games there and this offense could outscore the Rays by 15 runs in games 6 and 7. This offense is ready to explode.

Lets all say a Red Sox prayer and hope for the best Saturday Night.

I know I'll be watching.