ALCS Game 6: Sox 4, Rays 2

Well there is no doubt that Josh Beckett is hurting from something -- his fastball never touched 95, and he can usual dial it up to 97 -- his location was pretty sharp and he only gave up four hits (two solo HRs, though). The Sox offense continued to show signs of life, led by, I kid you not, Coco Crisp, doing his job in the leadoff spot. Yes, they left a good number of men on base, but at least they had men on base.

One of the most interesting developments in this postseason, and something that Francona signaled in Game 1 of the ALDS, is the reliance on Justin Masterson as the 8th inning guy. Okijima pitched two innings last night, so he could only go for an inning tonight, and Masterson threw a lot of pitches in his one inning, so I doubt he'd be used for more than an inning, but Papelbon had a quick 9th, so I wouldn't be surprised if he's used for 1+ in game 7.

In elimination games, Francona is 9-1. Wow. (4-0 against the Yankees in '04, 0-1 against the ChiSox in '05, 3-0 against the Indians in '07, 2-0 against the Rays in '08).