Still No Offense, but Sox Take Game Three

Three games into the ALCS, the Red Sox are batting .133, the worst of any team in either championship series. They have struck out 43 times, meaning that more than half their outs over the past three games came by way of the K. And although the pundits predicted that the Sox were the only playoff team that could hit their way to victory, regardless of pitching, their collective OPS is a paltry .450. Yet despite this anemic performance at the plate, they are leading the Tigers two games to one as they prepare for tonight’s pivotal Game Four.

 

For the most part, the Nation can thank Boston’s pitching staff for this surprising showing. With the exception of one inning, when Buckholz was hammered by the middle of Detroit’s line-up, their starting rotation has shut the Tigers down. Maybe we’re not talking about the same level of dominance that’s been displayed by Scherzer, Verlander et al, but when they’ve needed to make pitches, they’ve managed to keep the Tigers from scoring. Last night was a perfect example. In the first inning, Lackey had men on first and third, and didn’t allow a run. In the fifth, he gave up a lead-off double, yet once again Detroit was unable to cash in. And as good as the starters have been, the bullpen has been even better. Lights out. In the eighth inning last night, with Boston clinging to that one run lead, Detroit again put men on first and third with one out, and the middle of the order coming to the plate. Tazawa struck out Miggy, and then Uehara struck out Prince, and all that remained was a one-two-three ninth, and the Sox had managed a win against the almost unhittable Verlander.

 

Of course, credit also goes to Papi, whose Game Two grand slam brought the Sox back from what had been a five run deficit, and turned the ALCS around for Boston. It’s his only hit of the series so far; and come to think of it, Napoli’s solo shot last night was his only hit of the series. Talk about timely hitting. Boston will need more offense at some point, if they are going to advance in this post-season; I’d like to see another twelve run outing, like Game One against the Rays. Not only would it ensure a win, but it would keep me from having a nervous breakdown every other inning.  But for now, I’ll settle for great pitching, with the hopes that sooner or later, some of the bats will come to life. Until that happens, Go Sox; B Strong.