Red Sox Squeeze by Angels

Just when it was all about to blow up in their faces, the RS got a huge break on a missed suicide squeeze bunt by Eric Aybar (the best bunter on the Angels) and prevailed in the bottom of the ninth on a 52 hop single to right by Jed Lowrie scoring Jason Bay. For the third consecutive post season series the RS have played them, the Angels once again were vanquished by Boston. Unlike their first two tries though, this time was not at all easy.

As chronicled in yesterday's blog, Jon Lester proved to be the genuine article. He was DOMINANT here, even better than his first start where he handcuffed the Halos and got the win. He featured that overpowering heater at 96 for most of the night to go along with his nasty cutter and probably the best curveball he's had all year. What a performance !! The Angels had no chance of beating him tonight.

For the Angels, Lackey again was very good, but ran into trouble in the fifth when the RS inched across two runs. Still he persevered and kept his club right in it. Steve Shields was very effective striking out 3 batters in a row until things unravelled in the ninth. The Angels defense was shoddy most of the night, with Figgins making a bad throw to second, Kendrick bobbling a double play ball to let the first Boston run score, and Aybar letting a grounder by Bay get by him. Curiously, manager Scoscia inserted Reggie Willits into right for the pivotal ninth instead of Gary Matthews (a much better outfielder), who might have caught Bay's dying fly ball.

I thought Francona made some glaring mistakes. In the 7th, with a skinny 2-0 lead, there is NO WAY Varitek should be allowed to swing away. The sacrifice bunt there may have squeaked across another run. If nothing else, the pressure surely would have been greater on the pitcher. Just a terrible decision in a really close game. Once again, I was convinced Tito stayed too long with Masterson while Delcarmen was more than ready in the pen for the ninth. Unfortunately, I was proven right as Delcarmen was summoned only AFTER the Kendry Morales double and sacrifice, with Willetts on third with only one out. What a spot to bring someone in, but by then the RS had to try for the K. When Manny went to 2-0 on Aybar, you had to KNOW that Aybar would try to squeeze, since Delcarmen HAD to throw a strike. Somehow, Aybar jabbed at it and MISSED, then was run down by Varitek. What luck !! Past editions of the RS surely would have watched a successful squeeze and have gone home a loser. Not anymore, as Boston now has Leprachauns helping them out when they need it most !! It is very hard to beat a very good team that has luck on it's side.

Overrall, Boston's pitching was slightly better in the series. They hit well with runners in scoring position and the DEFENSE was superior to the Halos. Still, the series was hanging in the balance until the failed squeeze. LA lived by the sword and eventually died by it.

Now, Boston travels to Tampa for the right to go to the World Series again. The Hub baseball junkies just keep getting their fix !!

Jack