The Boston Red Sox came back from a 7-0 defecit in the seventh inning and staved off elimination in the ALCS by downing the Tampa Bay Rays 8-7 last night, becoming the first team to rally from seven or more runs down when facing postseason elimination.
After Dustin Pedroia hit an RBI single in the bottom of the seventh, Ortiz launched a three-run homer against Grant Balfour, cutting the margin to three runs at 7-4 and giving Sawx fans renewed hope. Ortiz finally produced a big hit, as Big Papi hit his first home run in 15 games and 61 postseason at-bats. J.D. Drew then went yard against Dan Wheeler, a two-run shot to pull to within one. A Coco Crisp game-tying RBI single set the stage for Drew to hit the walk-off single that ended the game.
I know Joe Maddon is taking a lot of heat today for pulling Scott Kazmir, but the guy threw 111 pitches, and I don't find it fair that the unquestioned AL Manager of the Year is being doubted with his team still in an enviable position to advance to the World Series. The Rays still have a 3-2 lead in the series with James Shields taking the mound in Game Six in Tampa. Blowing a 7-0 lead is quite brutal, don't get me wrong, but the Rays' bullpen had been a strength all year, and Kazmir has not been a pitcher that fares well when being extended deep into a game. Certainly, the Red Sox seem to have a knack for keeping things interesting in the postseason.
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