American League Championship Series, Game 3
Boston, Mass.
It's a beautiful, cool autumn afternoon in New England, and it feels like playoff baseball here in Boston. There's an underlying buzz around town, and fans have already begun to mill about the shops on Yawkey Way. There's a massive sign hung above a gate at the corner of Van Ness and Yawkey reading "Fenway Park, America's Most Beloved Ballpark." Only about 90 more years and the Trop will get to hang that sign.
(Pictured above: Carl Crawford, right, crashes into Boston catcher Jason Varitek in the eighth inning. Crawford was out on the play. Times photo -- Brian Cassella.)
The Rays are coming, the Rays are coming!
One if by land, two if by blowout: 9-1 Rays, and a 2-1 games lead in the best-of-seven ALCS.
KA-fricken-BOOM II
The Woonsocket Rocket just became the fourth Rhode Islander to hit a postseason run, and it was probably the kill shot on the Red Sox.
They're not yelling "Youk!" anymore
Rays 5, Red Sox 0 through 4 1/2, and the hometown nine is getting booed. In the words of Matt Damon (Red Sox fan) in Good Will Hunting, "How do ya like them apples?"
KA-fricken-BOOM
B.J. Upton would have hit the J ring at the Trop with that one. Right, there is none. Beer just starting going down in big, nervous gulps in the stands here.
(Pictured: B.J. Upton. Times photo -- Brian Cassella.)
Longoria retorts. 5-0 at Fenway Park. Top of the order coming up for the Red Sox, including a struggling Jacoby Ellsbury and David Ortiz. Paul Byrd already up in the Sox pen. Garza sat awhile that inning. A lockdown in the bottom of the third would go far for the Rays.
If you're one to handicap the matchups ...
... you probably figure Lester had the edge on Garza tonight and Sonnanstine on Wakefield tomorrow. If the Rays win this one, the series really changes complexion. Thoughts?
The escape
The third strike to Varitek was a great pitch. Even if he gets his hands moving, there's no way he does much with that. Admit it, you figured it 1-1 at best at the end of the second.
And we're off ...
Big effort from Matt Garza after the Pedroia double off the wall. Not only did he get a call on a strike three to Ortiz, he retired Kevin Youkilis, which is virtually impossible in the LCS (See below).
Details
Oh, and there's a baseball game today: Game 3 of the ALCS. The homestanding Red Sox can seize a 2-1 lead in the series with two more games upcoming this week at Fenway. The Rays can deliver a pop to the collective nose of an anxious/demanding/spoiled fanbase by nabbing a win in one of baseball's most partisan environments.
Here's a little something to get you ready. Don't hate this song because Red Sox fans love it so. Embrace it, too, co-opt it, make it less their own. Besides, you loved The Departed, especially when Leo got it.
This! Is! Boston!
You might notice that Red Sox 3B Kevin Youkilis is bearing a resemblance to Leonidas, king of the Spartans, these days with that beard and all, and his ungod(s)ly numbers in league championship series -- an all-time best .526 BA -- suggest he would clobber Persian pitching no matter who Xerxes threw out there if it meant a trip to the World Series. Oakland GM Billy Beane did refer to him as "Euclis: The Greek God of Walks" in his book, Moneyball. Just sayin'. Decide for yourself.
Here's what batting practice sounded like today.
--- Brant James, Times Staff Writer
*
Follow Tampa Bay Rays baseball from spring training to the World Series with Marc Topkin, Joe Smith and the St. Petersburg Times sports staff. From Evan Longoria to B.J. Upton and James Shields, we're your source for Tampa Bay Rays scores and schedules.
Just finished watching the game. Thank god for DVR's. What a game!!!!!!!!!!
Btw, what was the attendence? It SOUNDED like 14-15,000!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: M | October 13, 2008 at 11:30 PM
I always always try not to dink and dive
Posted by: harold | October 13, 2008 at 11:29 PM
uhh meant to say when I drink Rum not dink but its all the same after a couple of Bahama Mama's. I try not to dink and dive.
Posted by: harold | October 13, 2008 at 11:24 PM
Amanda
You might have something there with the rum. The problem is that when I dink rum I want to do the Limbo. I must Lmbo. Then I hurt my back
Posted by: harold | October 13, 2008 at 11:22 PM
Sweet Caroline ba dum dum dum dum dum . . . did I enjoy the Sox fans booing there beloved team, or the mass exodus more . . . I'm feeling fine, ba dum dum dum dum dum . . .
Posted by: Brian J | October 13, 2008 at 10:52 PM
Is there anyway to get that FOX/TBS announcer/commentator to stop saying "Tampa" or that the Rays play in "Tampa?" Tampa, my patoot. St. Pete paid for the stadium.
Or we should started referring to the Charleston Red Sox.
Posted by: | October 13, 2008 at 10:47 PM
Harold, that's why I drink rum. Burns a lot less.
What a night! Let's not get too far ahead of ourselves, though; we've beaten Wakefield in the past, but as they say, "postseason is different". He's still a hell of a pitcher.
Regardless, let's enjoy the win today. After watching our boys put on that show, I believing ANYTHING is possible!
Posted by: Amanda | October 13, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Charlie G
I have bourbon and coke coming out of my nose , laughing so hard at your post. I have to learn to not drink and read these postings at the same time. I think these are some of the funniest posting I have read in awhile from Cracker Jack and Boston Rob and Amanda and on and on. OMG that bourbon burns.
Posted by: harold | October 13, 2008 at 09:49 PM
Best line from the boston.com blog: "Baldellli just homered to make it 8-1. Time to watch somethimg more cheerful. Maybe there's a funeral on somewhere."
Posted by: Clark | October 13, 2008 at 09:47 PM
Take a deep breath and bask in this moment, glorious Rays Fans Bloggers. There was no prouder moment than Saturday morning when things seemed so bleak but you raised yourselves up to do battle with the preening goliaths and now a mere 48 hours later where would you rather be. There's still much blood and toil and anxiety ahead but New England has no choice but to admire the Rays and the pluck of their most loyal fans. No bandwagon here, just pure old fashioned love.
Amen and Good night, Great Ones!
Posted by: CrackerJack | October 13, 2008 at 09:41 PM
Lester, that's the best they have, If I was Red Sawx Nation, I would ask them to pitch Dice K every game, it's the only chance they have.
Posted by: Tom | October 13, 2008 at 09:37 PM
the late Great Chris Thomas would have loved this game. Crickets everywhere tonight at Fenway, and old yellow dog just let out a big fart on Red Sawx Nation
Posted by: Chris | October 13, 2008 at 09:35 PM
Who is the guy that caught the homerun in Center field tonight wearing the Rays Jersey. What an awesome site. Took guts for that guy to be there, and in a pretty vulnerable seat.
Posted by: UCF 95 | October 13, 2008 at 09:34 PM
No wonder Joe is sticking with Kaz in game 6. Ain't gonna be a game 6. I need to take a deep beath.
Posted by: Razzlegator | October 13, 2008 at 09:27 PM
Novangelus -
"Rays walk into the buzz saw today.
They've played in Fenway, but not post-season Fenway. Ask Roger Clemens about the pressure.
Ask the New York Yankees, the Rockies, the Angels, the Cardinals.
What makes you think you are different? Sox will win tonight.
Sorry Tampa, I'm proud of you but you aren't good enough, just yet."
That taste in your mouth is just a little throw up after eating your words. The doubt you feel at your core won't let your arrogance get settled. Sleep well!
Posted by: Charlie G | October 13, 2008 at 09:19 PM
Go on Boston.com and try posting a comment. A liberal has a better chance of talking to Rush than a Rays fan has getting posted there.
Posted by: Razzlegator | October 13, 2008 at 09:04 PM
pretty entertaining reading the comments on the in game blog Chowdaaaaah Heads mentioned. It's here, if you want to check it out:
http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2008/10/red_sox_vs_rays_2.html#comments
Posted by: MikeD | October 13, 2008 at 09:04 PM
That park was very still and quiet the whole game, just like game 1 of the Dodgers-Cubs series at Wrigley. And how did THAT one work out for the overwhelming favorites boasting a "nation" of fans?
Posted by: Clark | October 13, 2008 at 08:55 PM
When Im at the Trop And Youk is up doing his little nancy dance at the plate I wait till its quiet Then I shout "Dance little Monkey". ANd He can hear me from my seats. Unfortunately, the last Time I did that on Saturday, He went Yard. I didn't do it the next time he was up.
Great player . Quirky moves.
Posted by: harold | October 13, 2008 at 08:55 PM
great post amanda and Boston Rob
But Hats auf to Cracker Jack
That tune will be stuck in mah heaaaad.
Posted by: harold | October 13, 2008 at 08:50 PM
Did anyone else see Youkilis mining for nose nuggets in the dugout? Dude, there's a camera every 5 feet. Adjusting your nards is one thing, but keep the digits outta the blowhole.
And stop that swishy dance at the plate.
Posted by: Mmmmmm, Guiness | October 13, 2008 at 08:46 PM
From the Boston Globe in-game blog:
THE BITTER END (8:02, END 9, 9-1 RAYS)
Kotsay, Varitek, and Cora went down in order. Jackson, the Rays' fifth starter, was humming 95-mph heaters by hitters. The onus is now on Wakefield tomorrow in an enormous game for the Sox. All the pressure is on them, for sure. The Rays have retaken home field and have a monopoly on momentum.
The result is surprising enough, but the atmosphere at the park today may have been more stunning. There was little noise, buzz, or energy. It felt like a July game. The stands were probably half-full by the end. Not surprising given the score, but would that have happened in 2003 or 2004?
Posted by: Chowdaaaaaaahhhhh Heads rule??? | October 13, 2008 at 08:38 PM
Where Oh Where has our Anthony gone
Oh, where oh where can he be
He's missing in action like Nov and the Boys
And desperately drowning in pee
Posted by: CrackerJack | October 13, 2008 at 08:37 PM
My name's not Anthony. It's MAX!
Posted by: Razzlegator | October 13, 2008 at 08:33 PM
...And Maddon was looking at us funny from the dugout...and Youk had a stuffy nose...and they ran out of Tek's favorite flavor Gatorade and had to use grape instead... or the Sox would have won! Rays got lucky!
Haha Thanks, BR. Though I thought you were serious until the last one.
Posted by: Amanda | October 13, 2008 at 08:28 PM
Hey Anthony! What do you call all those people running for the exits halfway through the game? They wouldn't be "bandwagon" or "fair weather" fans now would they?
Posted by: | October 13, 2008 at 08:26 PM
Lucky win by the Rays...those homeruns would have been outs in a normal pawk and it was too cold...the Monstah should be extended higher...that Rays fan in the bleachers was distracting our batters...
Posted by: Boston Rob | October 13, 2008 at 08:22 PM
WOO HOO Hey! We won the game! I think I'll go pee, in the toilet.
Posted by: Go Rays!! | October 13, 2008 at 08:17 PM
Excellent work, Harold. To reverse paraphrase an awful commercial - I guess those two have a going problem, not a growing problem.
Where is the Outrage! The call for graciousness in defeat - even temporary defeat - is deafening. Boston, defend your honor, acknowledge the smackdown and do so with grace.
Signed: Delusional Anonymous
Posted by: CrackerJack | October 13, 2008 at 08:12 PM
Now thats what I call an In your face win
. Biggest win to date.
All they had to do was win one in boston to bring it back home and what a way to do it.
WOO WOO as Anthony was wont to say
Posted by: harold | October 13, 2008 at 08:12 PM
Go Rays!!! So much momentum going into tomarrow. Andy Sonnanstine dominated the Red Sox in his 2 starts against them this year, and Wakefield didnt have the same success against us this year as they did last year. A win tomarrow would put us in position to head to the WS, no doubt.
Posted by: Ryan | October 13, 2008 at 08:09 PM
Goota love ROCCO
Manager iof the Year - Joe Maddon
Rookie of the Year - Evan Longoria
Co0meback Player of the Year - Rocco Baldelli
World Series Champs - Tampa Bay Rays!!!!!
Posted by: Wally | October 13, 2008 at 08:05 PM
That...was beautiful.
*weeps for joy*
Posted by: Helene | October 13, 2008 at 08:03 PM
We love Matty Garza!
Posted by: Mmmmmm, Guiness | October 13, 2008 at 08:02 PM
sorry that should be pee pee-ing in THEIR pants. Got a little ahead of myself.
Posted by: harold | October 13, 2008 at 08:00 PM
Well you know Boston has the Playoff experience and the pain train is coming and The rays will fold and blah blah blah.
just filling in for the absent Anthony and Nova
Cause Im sure they would be posting right now but there a little wrapped up right now pee pee-ing in there pants
Posted by: harold | October 13, 2008 at 07:58 PM
Hey Raz and Amanda - where's Anthony the Friendly Chowd? Haven't heard from him since Saturday evening. Think we've got a bad case of can-dish-it-out but can't-take-it-itis.
For shame, he was actually pretty funny. Maybe RRG will get back on and provoke a confrontation.
Also, 2004 wasn't that long ago but for sports purposes it IS ancient history. If the Rays take this any fair observer will acknowledge the greatness of the accomplishment and the role the Trop played.
I LOVE THE TROP -- THE TROP RULES AND I'LL TAKE THE LOADED NACHOS OVER A FENWAY FRANK ANYDAY!!!!!!
Posted by: CrackerJack | October 13, 2008 at 07:57 PM
Well then welcome, Brant. We dig having ya. You're a bit snarkier than Marc. I love it.
Posted by: Amanda | October 13, 2008 at 07:57 PM
Red Sox Nation looks empty.
Oh wait, fans are leaving early.
SAY WHAT?!
Posted by: | October 13, 2008 at 07:55 PM
Roger that, Amanda. Here for the duration.
Posted by: BRANT | October 13, 2008 at 07:54 PM
9-1. Mmmmmmm, pee.
Posted by: Mmmmmm, Guiness | October 13, 2008 at 07:53 PM
nice bird from the classy boston fan.
Posted by: harold | October 13, 2008 at 07:53 PM
9th inning: Time to tack on some insurance runs.
Nov, Time to CYP
Posted by: Razzlegator | October 13, 2008 at 07:49 PM
Paint the Green Monster Blue!!
Posted by: Eric | October 13, 2008 at 07:47 PM
Brant-
Apparently you're the motorsports (I'm guessing that's NASCAR?) guy, too? You just filling in here for a while, or what?
Posted by: Amanda | October 13, 2008 at 07:47 PM
What does Dr. Ortiz think of the Rays' body language tonight??? Take that, Chowderheads
Posted by: Paul | October 13, 2008 at 07:47 PM
boston's WEEI sports talk radio station:
Important information:
WEEI address:
20 Guest Street, Third Floor
Brighton, MA 02135-2040
Main Number: (617) 779-3500
Talk Line: (617) 779-0850 or (888) 525-0850
On-air Studio Fax Number: (617) 779-3557
Contest Line: (617) 931-1850
- Whiner Line on the Big Show: (617)779-3535
Posted by: Josh | October 13, 2008 at 07:44 PM
It's clearing slowly, and it is surly out there. Sweet Caroline sounded like a bitter sea shanty sung by a bunch of drunken pirates.
Posted by: BRANT | October 13, 2008 at 07:44 PM
MikeD-
I'm guessing you're listening to the game on the radio? They're showing on TV the Sox fans leaving in droves. Like rats.
Posted by: Amanda | October 13, 2008 at 07:42 PM
hey Brant - is the stadium emptying yet?
Posted by: MikeD | October 13, 2008 at 07:40 PM