Once again, it's over before it starts

Know that old expression that starting pitching sets the tone? Well it's true. The Red Sox are proving it, albeit conversely.

Before anyone gets all geeked up about the specifics of these Sox losses over the last few days, here is really the only thing you need to know: In Games 2, 3 and 4 of the American League Championship Series, Red Sox starters have a 12.08 ERA while averaging about four innings per start. The Red Sox haven't had an advantage in this series since Josh Beckett surrendered three leads in pivotal Game 2, setting into motion a series of events that now have the Sox on the brink of elimination.

``We certainly need to figure it out,'' Red Sox manager Terry Francona said after tonight's loss at Fenway Park. ``We've had a difficult time. We have not had an answer for a lot of things.''

And now, they no longer have any margin for error.

One thing: As any team will tell you, the toughest win in any series is the clincher. Last season, in elimination games - that is, games in which a series could be decided either way - the Sox went a perfect 5-0. Since the start of the 2003 season, the Red Sox are 16-3 under such circumstances, including a 1-1 mark this year. They will play their first elimination game of the 2008 ALCS on Thursday at Fenway.

What does that mean? Hard to say. Some of the Sox have never been in this situation. Others have. Regardless, the first step toward making the ALCS a series again is painfully apparent as the Sox head into an off day on Wednesday.

Plain and simple, they need their starting pitcher to keep them in the game.