Blog.WBRU

Fans can only hope the Boston Red Sox continue to follow the playoff script. Last year and in 2004, they swept through the World Series after taking care of the Los Angeles Angels in the ALDS and overcoming 3-1 deficits in the ALCS.

After their deflating 13-4 loss last night to the Rays, the Sox once again find themselves down in the ALCS, 3 games to 1, after an opening round series win against the Angels.

In 2004, the Yankees had a very similar game against Boston. In game 3 of the ALCS, they pounded Boston, 19-8. Starter Bronson Arroyo, like Wakefield last night, couldn’t make it out of the 3rd inning. Yankee hitters Hideki Matsui and Bernie Williams recorded 5 and 4 hits, respectively. Last night, Rays hitters Carl Crawford and Willy Aybar recorded 5 and 4 hits, respectively. The Sox came back to outscore the Yankees, 25-13, the final 4 games of the series.

Last year, the Indians had a very similar game against Boston. In game 4 of the ALCS, they teed off against Wakefield and Manny Delcarmen, just as the Rays did last night. The Red Sox only managed 3 runs, similar to their offensive struggles last night. Just like this series, the Sox took the first game only to have Cleveland win the next 3 games. However, the Sox came back and won the last 3 games of the series, outscoring Cleveland, 30-5.

For a franchise that once cringed at the thought of repeating recent history, let’s hope this Red Sox team relishes that thought.

- JE