It comes to a point where there really isn’t much left to say but again the Boston Red Sox will try to get the World Series for the second straight season. The eerie thing about it is that last year in the 2007 ALCS, they were down 3 games to 1 to the Cleveland Indians and this year they were trailing 3 games to 1 to the Tampa Bay Rays. And we all know what happened.
In order to get to the World Series, the Red Sox will need Jon Lester to bounce back from his performance in Game 3. In that loss, Lester allowed 5 runs (4 earned) on 8 hits and 2 walks while striking out 7 in 5 2/3 innings.
Rays skipper Joe Maddon gives the ball tonight to his ALCS Game 3 winner in Matt Garza. In that game, Garza allowed 1 run on 6 hits and 3 walks while fanning 5 in 6 innings of work.
Tony Massarotti of the Boston Globe previews Game 7.
Adam Kilgore of the Boston Globe looks at the Red Sox’s chances tonight.
Dan Roche of WBZ-TV is ready for Game 7.
James Stewart of WEEI.com wants to know is there anything better than a Game 7.
Extra Bases has video and the transcripts of the pregame press conferences of Terry Francona and Joe Maddon.
Dan over at Red Sox Monster has video of the most terrifying Red Sox fan ever.
Fenway West says the Red Sox don’t want to face the wrath of Gary Tuck.
Texy over at Center Field wants to make sure you’re psyched up for Game 7.
Lineups and batter/pitcher matchups after the jump.
2-3
1. Coco Crisp, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. J.D. Drew, RF
6. Jason Bay, LF
7. Mark Kotsay, 1B
8. Jason Varitek, C
9. Alex Cora, SS
– Jon Lester, SP
3-3
1. Akinori Iwamura, 2B
2. B.J. Upton, CF
3. Carlos Pena, 1B
4. Evan Longoria, 3B
5. Carl Crawford, LF
6. Willy Aybar, DH
7. Dioner Navarro, C
8. Rocco Baldelli, RF
9. Jason Bartlett, SS
– Matt Garza, SP
And here is a look at how the hitters have fared against tonight’s starting pitchers in the regular season for their careers.
