In battle of finishers, Papelbon is closer to fine

ANAHEIM, Calif. - The more this happens, the more you cannot help but wonder if Jonathan Papelbon has become for the Red Sox what Mariano Rivera once was for the Yankees.

The X Factor.

By now, you know that the Red Sox defeated the Los Angeles by a 7-5 score in Game 2 of their American Leaguie Division Series to take a commanding 2-0 series lead. The bottom line in this game was that both Angels manager Mike Scioscia and Red Sox manager Terry Francona had their closers in the game with the score tied in the ninth. Just as was the case last year in pivotal Game 2 - when Manny Ramirez took Rodriguez deep and Papelbon secured the victory - the Angels could not match up.

Those who forget history are condemned to repeat it.

``You almost play eight innings,'' Sox outfielder Jason Bay said about the advantage of having Papelbon on his side. ``I think that's where half of the exhiliration [from a dramatic] win comes from.''

At this stage it's hard to argue.

For what it's worth, David Cone was a member of the Red Sox when he said the key to the Yankees' dynasty was none other than Rivera, whom Cone dubbed the ``X Factor.'' Papelbon has now stepped into that role. Desapite being officially credited with a blown save - what nonsense, eh? - Papelbon retired all six batters he faced and has now pitched 17-2/3 career postseason innings without being charged with a run. In this series, the Angels are 1 for 10 against him with four strikeouts.

Papelbon downplayed his individual contribution, but he now has a save and a victory in this postseason. With him as their closer, the Red Sox are 13-3 in postseason play.

``October is a time when there's no room for error. You have to be perfect. That's what October's about,'' Papelbon said. ``In Octobver, the hitters have had about 500 or 600 at-bats and they're going to key on your mistakes. You have to be pretty much perfect.''

So far, so good.

Obviously, we'll have extensive coverage of the Sox' Game 2 win in Saturday's print and online editions. Game 3 is scheduled for tomorrow nioght at Fenway Park with Josh Beckett on the mound.