The Diceman Cometh
The Red Sox pulled away from the Rockies 10-5 in game number 3 of the 2007 World Series bringing them within a game of their second championship in 4 years. Thoughts:
- Dice-K pitched 5 and a third dominant innings of 3 hit ball before, surprise, getting himself into trouble in the 6th with 2 walks. In what might be his last start of the season Dice-K proved once again he can be be a top level Major League pitcher. If the Red Sox can teach Matsuzaka to trust his stuff, attack hitters, and in the process keep his pitch count down, he should be even more impressive next year.
- It’s easy to picture Ellsbury and Pedroia hitting 1-2 in Boston’s lineup for years to come. The fact that their products of the Red Sox farm system makes it even sweeter. The future is bright.
- Yes, Okajima gave up a three run homer on his first pitch. I doubt he had recovered from game 2, he’s human, and Holliday is a hell of a hitter. And yet, you still have to wonder what the Red Sox would have done without him. Timlin was terrible and Lopez is so unreliable he should only be used in games already decided (Francona’a continual use of Lopez against left-handers when he’s proven time after time he can’t get them out, or anyone really, is one of the great mysteries of his otherwise stellar year as manager). Okajima single handedly put a halt to the Rockies rally with 2 stike outs and a weak grounder.
- Mike Lowell’s ninth inning heads up steal of third helping Boston tack on another run was, in about 3 seconds, ever reason the Sox should re-sign him in one play. I can’t imagine next years team without him.
- Lugo normally scares the hell of me in the field (and generally at bat also), but he was a game saver last night with two key defensive plays (putout at third, snagging a line drive). Take away those two plays and the game could have turned out much differently.
- Game 4 is the Rockies best chance for victory yet. It’s doubful Okajima is available tonight, and Jon Lester hasn’t had a start September 26. If he can shake off the rust and give the Red Sox a chance, it could be a great story.
No one can deny the Red Sox are in the drivers seat. It’s their series to lose. Ironically it’s the Red Sox comeback in 04 that helps keep the Rockies slim hopes alive.
