Sox Force Game 7

(AP Photo)





It's on to Game 7 where anything can happen.

Josh Beckett wasn't his usual dominating playoff self Saturday night, but he had just enough to get through 5 innings and give the Sox a chance to win. Considering the way he's been pitching and his obvious health problems, it was a great performance.

Even bigger though was the two scoreless innings of releief tossed by Hideki Okajima. Okie Doke has been at his best just when we needed it and last night was no exception.

Those two innings allowed Terry Francona to stick to the game plan of only using Okajima, Justin Masterson and Jonathan Papelbon out of the bullpen, and set things up for Game 7 where all the top relievers will be able to go two innings if necessary.

BOX SCORE: Red Sox 4, Rays 2

The Sox showed a lot of heart by bouncing back every time the Rays scored. First, Kevin Youkilis hit a home run in the 2nd to match the 1st inning homer by B.J. Upton (we might have to start walking this guy every time).

Then after the Rays tied it in the bottom of the 5th, Jason Varitek awoke from his slumber to hit a line drive homer which turned out to be the game-winner.

I don't think there could have been a more surprising hero in this one. Tek has been so pathetic. Every time he gets up you're hoping he just walks or gets hit by a pitch. But he somehow got the bat through the zone this time and came up with one of the biggest hits of the season.

The Sox added an insurance run on a David Ortiz single and the bullpen hung on from there.

It's nice to see Big Papi finally contributing and just in time.

Coco Crisp had another excellent game with 3 hits and a walk. He was on base all night and has taken over the leadoff spot from Jacoby Ellsbury. Having Ells on the bench is actually a huge luxury and may come into play late in Game 7.

J.D. Drew continues to hit the ball hard and Mark Kotsay continues his all-around solid play at the plate and in the field.

So it all comes down to Sunday night, Jon Lester vs. Matt Garza. With experience and history on our side, I like the Sox' chances.