Monday, October 22, 2007

Go Sox!

That was exciting.

At 11:56 last night, Casey Blake hit a towering shot toward the 420 (foot) sign in the deepest part of center field at Fenway Park. The ball descended from the October sky and settled into the outstretched mitt of a galloping Coco Crisp, who crashed into the bullpen fence and dropped to the ground holding the American League pennant in his hand.

Completing a comeback from a 3-1 series deficit, the Red Sox won their 12th pennant last night with an 11-2 thrashing of the Cleveland Indians. Japanese rookie Daisuke Matsuzaka picked up the victory with five innings of solid pitching and fellow rookie Dustin Pedroia (home run, double) knocked in five runs as the Sox blew it open with eight runs in the seventh and eighth innings. Dating to the historic sweep of the Yankees in 2004, it marked the seventh consecutive elimination game won by the Red Sox.

“It’s the biggest event of my life,” said Pedroia.

If it can’t be the Tigers, I’ll take the Sox.

My prediction: the Red Sox in five.