Thursday, October 16, 2008

The Comeback of Comebacks

Gut check time. With their backs against the Green Monster, the Boston Red Sox did what they've done since 2004: battle. Down 3-1 in the ALCS against a Rays team that has looked unstoppable, the BoSox battled and won. It's that never-say-die attitude that has defined this team the last few postseasons, and I've gotta say as someone who loves the game of baseball, it doesn't get any better than this.

The Red Sox were losing 7-0 going into the 7th inning. The Rays were on cruise control. Or so it seemed. In dramatic and highly improbably fashion, the Red Sox turned the tables on Joe Maddon's Cinderalla team. Pedroia got it started with a two-out RBI single. Then, Big Papi (who has struggled mightily this series) hit a three-run shot. In the eighth, J.D. Drew hit a two-run shot, and Coco Crisp singled in the tying run after an 11 pitch AB. Remarkable. But it's not over yet.

In the 9th, with 2 outs and nobody on, our man Youk gets on base with an infield hit. Longoria throws the ball into the stands. Youk goes to second. Howell intentionally walks Bay to face Drew. Drew drives one to right over the outstretched glove of Gabe Gross. The ball bounces into the bullpen for a walk-off ground-rule double. Youkilis scores. Game over. Series NOT over.

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