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That just happened

Email|Link|Comments (28) Posted by Adam Kilgore, Globe Staff October 17, 2008 01:56 AM

If you didn't turn the TV off or go to sleep or leave the yard early, you witnessed something like a miracle tonight, something that wasn't impossible but wasn't quite possible, either, but somewhere in between.

In an effort to make sense of Boston's 8-7 Game 5 victory, we present these storylines, ranked in order of significance:

1. The Red Sox completed the greatest comeback ever by a team facing playoff elimination. October 16, 2008, Game 5 ALCS. Etch it in recent Red Sox history, right next to Dave Roberts, David Ortiz, the Bloody Sock, all of it, no matter what happens over the weekend. They were down 7-0 with nine outs left. They scored four in the seventh, three in the eighth, and the winner in the ninth.

2. The Red Sox are two wins away from their third World Series in five years, and they will be boarding a plane to Tampa Bay within minutes. While you try to put this game in perspective, the Red Sox, still down, 3-2, in the series, are trying to figure out how to beat the Rays again. "There will be time," Terry Francona said. "Hopefully we can sit back and think, 'This is what got us over the hump.' But we're still climbing."

3. J.D. Drew, superhero. He didn't think, at one point, that he would play in these playoffs because of the herniated disc in his back. Now he has been the hero in two of the Red Sox' five playoff wins. ALDS Game 2, in Anaheim, Calif., Drew hit the winning home run. Tonight, he blasted a line drive over the head of right fielder Gabe Gross.

4. How do the Rays bounce back from that? They were nine outs away from the World Series with a seven-run lead and six outs away from the World Series with a three-run lead. "I don't think it'll be that tough, actually," Joe Maddon said. "Again, it's one game. It's a loss. We'll lose heart for about a half-hour or so, get on that plane, go home, and then we'll come back out for Game 6 and roll it out there again. I'm a firm believer in that. The more you dwell on something in a negative sense, the more it can permeate your existence. So we're not going to do that."

5. David Ortiz is back. This night does not happen without his monster, three-run home run in the seventh off of Grant Balfour, the first sign of life the Red Sox had shown all night and he had shown all series. He was 1 for his last 17 prior to that at-bat. He finally stayed on his back foot and extended his arms. And he crushed it, his first playoff homer in 15 games and 61 at-bats.

6. Coco Crisp had "his best at-bat he's had as a Red Sox," Francona said, to drive in the game-tying run in the eighth. He looked at nine pitches before lining the 10th from Wheeler into right field and scoring Mark Kotsay, who, by the way, has had an underappreciated and monster series. Kotsay doubled to deep center to give Crisp a chance.

7. The Fenway Park crowd redeemed itself last night. The Red Sox had been outscored 29-5 by the Rays at Fenway before the comeback began, and the crowd had not helped a bit. Once Ortiz came to the plate in the seventh, despite the seven-run deficit, the crowd came alive. It started chanting "Pa-Pi!" Ortiz went deep. "And then this place came unglued," Francona said. "That was magical."

8. Justin Masterson getting Carlos Pena to bounce into that 4-6-3 double play with two men on in the top of the ninth. The biggest pitch, to this point, of the Red Sox season. Jonathan Papelbon also gets credit here for his 1-2-3 eighth, with two Ks thrown in.

9. Youkilis thinking he was robbed by Evan Longoria ... then receiving a gift with Longoria's bad throw to first. The Red Sox were going to extra innings ... and then they were winning the game.

10. The Rays bullpen is fallible. Balfour has been awful this whole series, but his fellow relievers joined him last night.

11. James Shields will pitch Game 6. Remember when Maddon was an idiot for going with Scott Kazmir in Game 5? That worked out OK -- Kazmir allowed two hits and no runs over six innings. Now he gets his best pitcher to start at home.

12. Josh Beckett will receive a chance at redemption Saturday. And if he comes through, so will Jon Lester, on Sunday.

See you in Tampa.

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28 comments so far...

Not 9 outs away...7 outs away..and they only needed 6 of them!

Posted by Steve October 17, 08 02:09 AM

For the first seven innings, I was repeating, "It was a good year and it's been a really good six-ring, six-parade decade; I am content" -- then, WOW! By forcing Game 6, we've officially done better than Manny's new team did. Think about Game 6 and think ONLY about Game 6. Papi has redeemed himself; now Ellsbury, Tek, and Beckett will have their chance. Aren't you glad we didn't trade Coco?

Posted by Ryan in Tucson October 17, 08 02:10 AM

1) Coco Crisp= Dave Roberts reincarnated. He could have pouted, demanded a trade, packed in it. Instead he delievers one of the most amazing clutch hits I've ever seen.
2) Can you imagine how many guys are in bars right now, staring at their girlfriends, who made them leave in the 7th? They gotta live with that... and there's a lot of 'em...
3) Cleveland Grand Slam, June 2008, Angels Bomb, tonight, HR and walkoff 2b... I'll never call him Nancy again. Ever.Once again, Theo is right.
4) You have to respect the job Joe "Cool" Maddon has done. But nobody is buying his "brush it off" thing. He tried to get Howell to laugh and I loved Darling's comment: "No levity right now. He's so nervous he has no saliva. No levity." I think Maddon blew it tonight. Wheeler was toast, Howell is no closer. Many rookie mistakes. That is what will make it hard to brush this aside. As good as the Sox played the last three innings, the Rays helped, just like the Angels. I haven't seen this type of "Mystique" since Schill ripped the Yanks!
5) How great was it to see Schill wobble the first pitch up there... class act, by a class organization, and a true Sox hero.
6) Amazing night... just... wow.

Posted by Scott from San Fran October 17, 08 02:20 AM

And that game, is why baseball is the best sport, and nothing else is even close. Another championship comes home to Boston after we get the next two and crush Filthadelphia.

Posted by Jon October 17, 08 03:32 AM

The fans at Fenway are ridicolous! They gave up on their team during the three games here. It�s really ease to make noise and chant "Pa-pi" when the comeback is beagining. But they also booed him and Tek during the game. Simply pathetic. Everyone gave up on those guys. And now they want to be seen as "faithful"? Please. They are traitors. Fans by convenience.

GO SOX! Real Red Sox Nation never gave up on you! Papi: those who know what you did for this team in the past would not boo you, with, or without that home run last night.

Posted by Steve-O October 17, 08 09:02 AM

David Ortiz isn't back, The Red Sux aren't back. YAY! Ortiz hit the ball! FINALLY. The bullpen trashed this game for the Rays and that's it. The Sux got lucky. It's over in 6, in Tampa, where it SHOULD BE. The Rays are going to come back and beat down on your bullpen like they have all season. I hope you Sux fans have a date for Saturday night, because you're goin to need a shoulder to cry on.

Posted by Jonathan October 17, 08 09:15 AM

It wasn't a miracle. Any one with a brain can see this thing is about money. They were paid to throw off that game. And I am not talking about pitching here...or am I? Bottom line....money. Think of all the money that would NOT be made if there were not a Game 5. Furthermore, one of the greatest teams...Red Sox would have to go down in history as being defeated by team that ranked last the year. Yeah, last year, while the Sox were reveling in their revelry as World Series Champions. How would that go down in baseball history?! Fenway park has this amazing energy! Win or lose, the energy screams baseball. Baseball history abounds. P.S. St. Petersburg needs the money to pay their talent what they deserve!!!

Posted by Carol Connelly October 17, 08 09:34 AM

Jonathan, go play with your toys. The Sox are back.

Posted by Jeff October 17, 08 09:39 AM

There you have it, Fenway is not just a park it is a cathedral and maybe the (Devil) Rays can beat the Red Sox, but now they know they cannot beat God. For any of you devout Christians, please do not take offense, rather rejoice knowing if you witnessed game 5 in Boston you observed divine intervention. For those of you who too have this ineffable faith, I quickly observed in the Globe's survey that the Sox would win in seven, knowing that it would be an unprecedented series, be secure, I was equally certain that we would sweep the Cardinals after the comeback against the Yankees in 04'. After we eliminate the Rays I will be opening a ministry on Causeway. By the way, the shots of the Ray's female fans in attendance by TBS eerily resembled the three hags in MacBeth.

Posted by Hugh October 17, 08 10:15 AM

Francona has to start Lester in game 6!!!

Posted by Riduh October 17, 08 10:21 AM

Hahaha. He called the Red Sox the "Sux!" That's so funny. Did all 6 members of Tampa Bay Ray Nation get together to brainstorm that one? I think you need "more cowbell." Haha, I'm so funny too!

On a serious note, the Rays just blew a 7-run lead with 9 outs to go and the Sox have Lester and Beckett for games 6 and 7. This could actually happen.

Posted by Dan October 17, 08 10:22 AM

Papi came to bat and the place came alive with a six run deficit, not a seven run deficit as you say. Once again, you got your facts wrong. Third time this post-season that I have noticed a mistake in your articles. You are now facing an elimation game yourself.

Posted by Peter October 17, 08 10:24 AM

I don't know how many times I repeated "Holy @$#!&!" out loud to myself last night - so glad I stayed up to watch history. I never thought I'd see the Sox or any team come close to the brilliant, truth-is-stranger-than-fiction reverse sweep of the Yankees in '04. This may not top that feat but it comes closer than I ever expected to see or feel. Unbelieveable! And I agree, as good as Maddon is (and he is), I just don't buy the idea that the whole Ray organization can achieve that zen-like mindset. Maddon might - the Rays won't. Now we have them rattled - we have planted the seed of dought in a way that may be so jarring some of them won't be able to keep it out of their thoughts. The only question I have is should the Sox pitch Beckett then Lester ... or reverse that and go with the current ace to give the ailing ace one more day of rest?

Posted by Pete October 17, 08 11:50 AM

Hey Jonathan aka "Lightyearradio" - maybe we should call you Joe the Plumber and share your 15 minutes of fame. Look everyone in tampoon bay, I am a big guy and posted a blog on Bawston Globe. I bet you were crying in your mommy's basement (oh they don't have basements in FL), I mean in her bedroom when the shaky Rays CHOKED last night! 7 outs to a WS dude....NOTHING!

Posted by M Venus October 17, 08 11:51 AM

You don't get "lucky" in a win like this. I agree that the bullpen failed, but so did the Rays infield. I wouldn't boast just yet. The games need to be played. Who knows, maybe it will be the Rays fans who will need a date for Saturday night in order to have a shoulder to cry on.

Posted by Joanne October 17, 08 12:03 PM

Thanks, Jonathan, for exhibiting that true Tampa wit, class, and charm. I've always said that Floridians probably don't deserve a MLB franchise, and you've manged to provide an excellent example of just one of the reasons why. Given your attitude, you'd be better off switching from baseball to jai alai, whiskey, and spousal abuse--you're bound to find that more fulfilling, as well as a better fit for your natural talents.

All of us here in Red Sox Nation South salute your excellent team--we're just sorry that the poor guys are stuck in Tampa.

Posted by Dave October 17, 08 12:08 PM

All of us here in Red Sox Nation South salute your excellent team--we're just sorry that the poor guys are stuck in Tampa.

Posted by Dave October 17, 08 12:12 PM

tampa got BOSTOWNED!

Posted by Alex October 17, 08 12:23 PM

SHAME ON THOSE WHO LEFT EARLY !!! YOU should KNOW BETTER !!!! ...if Beckett can give us a good effort... and I am very worried about this,,,,the Sox will win the series. Tampa better win game 6, because if it goes to 7, no way in this universe will the Sox lose. Heart of a true champion.......word to Tampa Bay...you have to put a stake through the heart of a vampire before you start celebrating.

Posted by bill October 17, 08 12:30 PM

M Venus: If anyone knows about "choking" it would be you and the Sux. 13-4? @ Fenway? The Green Monster looks like it's been to Iraq with all the holes the Rays have drilled into it and over it! Superstition is the only the only thing the Sux have to believe in. They aren't the same team from last season and certainly not from the year before. I'm sure you're hating the front office for getting rid of Manny, because you know he's the only one that could save you now. He carried the Dodgers as far as he could, and certainly could've ended this 2 games ago if he were still with the Sux. The Rays have put 13 HR in the postseason with a 1/4 of the Sux payroll. That's embarassing, although not as embarassing as a game 6 loss at The Trop. Stay pathetic, Boston.

Posted by Jonathan October 17, 08 12:39 PM

I thought you'd mention who threw out the first pitch, Curt Schilling. The place went nuts for him.

Posted by michael October 17, 08 12:47 PM

LOL, keep posting Jonathan. I bet you can't say "Sux" 6 times in your next post.

Posted by Dan October 17, 08 12:59 PM

I'm trying to use 1 "Sux" for every homerun the Rays have scored against the Sux.

Sux.
;)

Posted by Jonathan October 17, 08 01:15 PM

Jonathan, I mean Lightyearradio, do you know what M. Venus means and is bro? If you claim you are from Tampa Bay, you should know what I am talking about. How do you call 13-4 choking? Are you well educated? There is a difference between a blow out and a choke job. Being up 7-0 with seven, that's right, 7 outs to go to claim the AL Pennant? It was the biggest choke job in MLB ALCS history and second in MLB history. And in case you did not notice, the Sox (your original name Sux) had a great record when Manny left. So go back to your job in Ybor City and roll up those victory cigars for Red Sox Nation and for the Red Sox. Thanks.

Posted by M. Venus October 17, 08 01:23 PM

Jonathan, While you're watching those rays circling around their tank beyond the outfield or balls settling into the catwalk for homeruns like the backyard rules we had to make up in our silly homemade ballparks, your youthful boasting begins to stink like beer farts. Did you see your third basemen walk through the dugout, his head buried in shame, his spirit broken like a tangled slinky? Did you see your bullpen, a once jubilant bustling circus balloon disintegrate in the national arena? And your star, committing yet another brain cramp to prolong a Sox rally? Each of these aspects get magnified in the minds of challengers, while champions patiently wait in the deep grass certain to capitalize on their opportunity for glory. No need to panic you good ol' boy, you can still catch a couple of NASCAR races on television, if you're lucky maybe Upton will announce, "Gentlemen, start your engines!"

Posted by Hugh October 17, 08 01:51 PM

I agree with Steve-O, how anyone can boo athletes that have done so much to the team and for the fans is beyond me. Fans of the moment have NO class, go jump on another team's band wagon.

Any one of those players at one time or another have done great things, recognize that folks.

RED SOX FAN

Posted by guida October 17, 08 01:54 PM

M. Venus : Yes, I know what it means, but I prefer my establishments with UFOs on the roof.

No team has embarassed the Sux AT Fenway as the Rays have this season. They allowed a college-aged team to come and kick them around in THEIR OWN HOUSE. It's ok, when they fly back on Sunday they can go and start working on raising that "green monster" just a bit higher for next season. In the meantime, I'll put those cigars in the humidor for another 100 years OR you can use them to beg Manny to come back.

Posted by Jonathan October 17, 08 02:29 PM

Jonathan - The Space Ship indeed is a hidden "jewels'" on Dale Mabry and so is the Sonic but you really did not answer my question between the Spankin and choke job? College aged? Cliff Floyd? Don Zimmer? Troy Percival? Dusty Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, Justin Masterson, Jed McLowrie?

Posted by M. Venus October 17, 08 04:32 PM