Big 6th inning and tough bullpen propel Sox into ALCS
The Cinderella stories in both leagues continue as the potential for a Red Sox v. Cubs World Series remains intact after Boston pulled out a 4-3 series clinching victory in Oakland despite the Athletics bases-loaded threat in the bottom of the ninth. Derek Lowe excelled once again in his former role, closer. Adam Melhuse got the nod over Jermaine Dye and looked a back door breaking ball for strike three and after Chris Singleton loaded the bases, Terrence Long was frozen by almost the exact same pitch.
A moment of trepidation overcame Network Associate's Coliseum in the 7th when Damian Jackson and Johnny Damon viciously collided while converging on a Dye flyball. Jackson walked off under his power, but Damon was carted off on a stretcher and in an ambulance. Reports are that it's a concussion and he will be all right. His status for the New York series is uncertain. The Red Sox enter their first LCS since 1999.
Meanwhile, Oakland begins dealing with the tag of playoff chokers. After their perennial second-half firestorms into the playoffs, they seem to simply run of out juice when it really counts in October. Tonight's loss extended their record streak of 9 straight losses with advancement on the table.
The hero, or at least one of the heroes for Boston, was the much-maligned Manny Ramirez. His continual sour attitude on and off the field drew the ire of teammates throughout the season. One thing is unquestionable though, and that is his talent. A talent that was on display tonight as his three-run homer led the 4-run 6th inning charge that would eventually be the difference. Now, they prepare for a common foe, the heavily-hated New York Yankees. The series begins later this week, meanwhile in the NL, the Chicago Cubs and Florida Marlins begin their LCS tomorrow night at 8 eastern.
The Cinderella stories in both leagues continue as the potential for a Red Sox v. Cubs World Series remains intact after Boston pulled out a 4-3 series clinching victory in Oakland despite the Athletics bases-loaded threat in the bottom of the ninth. Derek Lowe excelled once again in his former role, closer. Adam Melhuse got the nod over Jermaine Dye and looked a back door breaking ball for strike three and after Chris Singleton loaded the bases, Terrence Long was frozen by almost the exact same pitch.
A moment of trepidation overcame Network Associate's Coliseum in the 7th when Damian Jackson and Johnny Damon viciously collided while converging on a Dye flyball. Jackson walked off under his power, but Damon was carted off on a stretcher and in an ambulance. Reports are that it's a concussion and he will be all right. His status for the New York series is uncertain. The Red Sox enter their first LCS since 1999.
Meanwhile, Oakland begins dealing with the tag of playoff chokers. After their perennial second-half firestorms into the playoffs, they seem to simply run of out juice when it really counts in October. Tonight's loss extended their record streak of 9 straight losses with advancement on the table.
The hero, or at least one of the heroes for Boston, was the much-maligned Manny Ramirez. His continual sour attitude on and off the field drew the ire of teammates throughout the season. One thing is unquestionable though, and that is his talent. A talent that was on display tonight as his three-run homer led the 4-run 6th inning charge that would eventually be the difference. Now, they prepare for a common foe, the heavily-hated New York Yankees. The series begins later this week, meanwhile in the NL, the Chicago Cubs and Florida Marlins begin their LCS tomorrow night at 8 eastern.
