WIN AT ALL COSTS! The 2004 Boston Red Sox

[AZTarHeel]

The Standings Report
... And analysis going into stretch run

Sept. 2, 2004...

The AL East
Boston 98-37 --
New York (A) 75-62 24.0 (!!)
Toronto 69-68 30.0
Tampa Bay 60-77 39.0
Baltimore 54-82 44.5

Analysis: The BoSox should have the division clinched in the next week or two... New York is still 10 games out of the Wildcard race... No Yankees in the post-season? Trivia question -- when was the last time that happened? Can Boston conquer the curse? Gulp...


The AL Central
Minnesota 64-72 --
Kansas City 63-72 0.5
Chicago (A) 62-73 1.5
Cleveland 53-85 12.0
Detroit 39-97 25.0

Analysis: What a pitiful division -- the best team is 8 games under .500. The Red Sox's worst fear -- losing to one of these teams in the post-season after posting one of the best records of all times...

At least it will be exciting to see which team actually wants to win it all... KC's Pyt. Difference is -11... My money is on them pulling it out...


The AL West
Oakland 88-48 --
Seattle 84-52 4.0
Anaheim 75-61 13.0
Texas 54-81 33.5

Analysis: The best division in the AL. Seattle has won the last three and Oakland is only 5-5 over the last 10. It's still up for grabs... Buck Showalter could be done in Texas... My $$ is on Oakland, though both the A's and Mariners should make the post-season...


The NL East
Philadelphia 79-57 --
New York (N) 74-63 5.5
Montreal 71-66 8.5
Florida 65-71 14.0
Atlanta 62-73 16.5

Analysis: The defending World Champs and the long-time NL East champs are both in trouble... Can the Phils win one for Larry Bowa? The Expos are hanging around in their likely last year in Montreal...


The NL Central
St. Louis 81-55 --
Houston 75-62 6.5
Chicago (N) 66-70 15.0
Pittsburgh 58-79 23.5
Cincinnati 56-79 24.5
Milwaukee 55-80 25.5

Analysis: The Cards look like a strong contender for the World Series. The dream is going to die for the Cubbies, barring a miracle... Bartman death threats begin again... Houston could be a wild card threat...


The NL West
Arizona 78-59 --
Los Angeles 77-59 .5
San Francisco 77-62 2.0
Colorado 67-69 10.5
San Diego 64-72 13.5

Analysis: The most balanced division in the league. The D-Backs ride the pitching of Brandon Webb (12-8) and Randy Johnson (13-7) and the bats of Luis Gonzalez (.331), Robbie Alomar (.301) and Danny Bautista (.304) to the top. But don't forget those Dodgers, who went 23-5 in August. Of course Bonds and the Giants are still in the running... Bonds has 45 homers but Jim Thome leads the league with 48...


Todd Helton watch: His batting average has dropped to .380... Doesn't look good for .400...

Anything else folks want to see???

More popcorn anyone??

[YankeeFanatic04]

I want to see the Yankees in the post season...

[captaincarl]

Originally Posted by YankeeFanatic04

I want to see the Yankees in the post season...

It's a wonder why the "want" is not is bold lettering Mr. Steinbrenner.

[AZTarHeel]

Originally Posted by YankeeFanatic04

I want to see the Yankees in the post season...

It's a long shot -- they are still 10 games back in the Wildcard race...

[AZTarHeel]

No Texas three-step this time
Boston wins two, hammers Rangers in finale

Texas (53-79) at Boston (96-36) – Aug. 3-5

Game 1: Texas 6, Boston 1. The Rangers jump on Pedro Martinez early with homers by Teixeira and Blalock... Texas pitcher Jason Bere has a one-hitter going until the ninth inning. Trot Nixon breaks it up with a two-out HR...

The Sox finish with three hits total -- one of those games that has doubters concerned... Teixeira is the man -- two HRs and five RBIs -- the obvious MVP...

NOTES: The Diamondbacks have lost four straight, and the Dodgers are now just 0.5 back in the NL West... Barry Bonds hits HR #700 -- off Randy Johnson no less... Todd Helton's average is down to .376...


Game 2: Boston 6, Texas 4. Curt Schilling gets his 18th win. He's a battler even though he's only a one-star pitcher now... Home runs by David Ortiz and Kevin Millar pace the Boston offense... Johnny Damon hits a solo HR...

Alfonso Soriano is the game MVP despite the loss -- he's 2-4 with a grand slam and four RBIs... nice... a potential Boston pickup in the off-season??


Game 3: Boston 15, Texas 3. This might be the best offensive performance of the season. The Red Sox bat around in the first inning -- seven runs on six hits, capped by a two-run HR from Mike Bordick...

It's 10-1 by the fourth inning and 12-3 by the seventh... The BoSox finish with 18 hits. Here are some of the individual accomplishments: MVP Mike Bordick (3-5 with 5 RBIs)... Ellis Burks (3-5 with 3 RBIs)… Doug Mirabelli (2-5 with 2 RBIs)… Gabe Kapler (2-2 in his first appearance since being called up)... Johnny Damon, Nomar Garciparra and Bill Mueller also have two hits each…

WP: Brad Penny (12-12)... LP: Matt Clement (5-16)... It's Clement's seventh-straight loss...

NOTES: Boston owner's mood is now up to 90!!! Remember, he's listed as "horror -- uncontrolable"... Team chemistry is steady at 87...

[AZTarHeel]

101 wins and counting for BoSox
Boston sweeps AL West leading Athletics

Boston (98-37) at Oakland (88-48)

Game 1: Boston 9, Oakland 1. The Red Sox shell opposing pitcher Tim Hudson, wracking up 10 hits and four runs in the first four innings alone... Jason Varitek adds a two-run homer in the sixth, and Pokey Reese follows that shot with a solo HR...

Nice game for Josh Beckett, who fans 11 and gives up five hits in eight innings... Bill Mueller goes 4-for-6... Nice!!


Game 2: Boston 3, Oakland 2: Derek Lowe throws a complete game three-hitter and outduels Mark Mulder... Oakland takes 2-0 lead in the first and second innings. Boston comes back with two runs in the fifth...

The Sox get the winning run across in the top of the ninth. Nomar Garciparra doubles with one out, and Doug Mirabelli -- who has been playing much better of late -- drives him home...

Derek Lowe has an amazing 21-2 record... This is WIN NUMBER 100 for the Red Sox!!! wow...


Game 3: Boston 6, Oakland 1. Another masterful pitching performance -- this time by Pedro Martinez -- gives the Sox the sweep. Oakland had hoped to make a statement in this series, but Boston is just too tough...

Pedro's final line: one-hitter over 6.1 innings with no runs allowed... Reliever Scott Williamson finishes the game, giving up just one more hit and one run over 2.2 innings... Nomar, Millar and Mirabelli each have two hits to lead the offense...


Next up: Boston finishes its tour of the AL West with a four-game series against Seattle. The Mariners are hoping for a good showing -- and hoping to overcome the struggling A's in the division race... They are 2.5 back of the A's right now... Boston, meanwhile, has clinched the AL East!!

[AZTarHeel]

Broken finger could end Thome's season

MLB.com

Philadelphia slugger Jim Thome, who leads the majors with 48 home runs, broke his finger in a recent game.

The prognosis: he could be out for up to five weeks.

The Phillies need their starting 1B in their drive to win the NL East. They currently have a six game lead on the NY Mets.

"We're just hoping to get Jim back by playoff time," said manager Larry Bowa. "I think we can hold down the fort over the next month while he heals. This is a big blow to us, however..."

In other injury news:
* The Chicago White Sox remain in the hunt for the AL Central title despite injuries to pitchers Scott Schoeneweis and Kelly Wunsch. Both are out more than a month. The Sox are two games out of first place...

* The Dodgers have moved into a tie for first place with the Diamondbacks in the NL West. But they'll be without pitcher Jeff Weaver for another week. He's been out with a stiff shoulder since Aug. 1...

* The Phillies have also lost SS Tomas Perez for the next 6 weeks. He has bone chips issues in his elbow...

* Boston fans are PRAYING that no more injuries befall their team... This is the time OOTP seems to pull a few injury surprises to human controlled teams...

[steveman211]

Originally Posted by AZTarHeel

* Boston fans are PRAYING that no more injuries befall their team... This is the time OOTP seems to pull a few injury surprises to human controlled teams...

Tell me about it. I always have 2-3 big injuries in September.

[AZTarHeel]

Other than Schilling, Boston is masterful
Sox finish western tour with three wins in Seattle

Boston (101-37) at Seattle (85-53)

Game 1: Seattle 6, Boston 2. Brett Boone hits two homers off Curt Schilling, including a three-run bomb in the first. Edgar Martinez ropes a two-run shot as well.

Could this be it for Curt? He's 18-4 with a 3.65 ERA -- BUT he's fallen to a one-star pitcher and his ratings are WAY down... He's prone to give up the long ball and he only lasts about 75 pitches now before tiring... Aaron Sele may finish out the year as the fifth starter...


Game 2: Boston 7, Seattle 3. Bill Mueller homers twice for the Sox, including a two-run shot in the ninth that seals it... Nomar sets a new AL record for doubles, stroking four!!

Brad Penny finally gets his record above .500 -- improving to 13-12...

NOTES: Oakland SMOKES Cleveland 17-0... Toronto's Frank Catalanotto records six hits against Texas in 15-3 win over the Rangers...


Game 3: Boston 5, Seattle 0. Continuing a trend in this series, Johnny Damon homers twice -- a lead-off HR in the first and a solo shot in the seventh. Damon is 4-5 on the day...

Josh Beckett (14-7) outduels Freddy Garcia (14-8)... Jason Varitek finishes the scoring with a two-run blast in the ninth inning. It sails over 450 feet... Brendan Donnelly strikes out the side in the ninth...


Game 4: Boston 6, Seattle 2. No two-home run games this time... The big story -- Derek Lowe improves to 22-2. Is he a lock for the Cy Young?

Nomar, Manny and Kevin Millar lead the hitting...

NOTES: Three weeks to go in the season!! Boston’s three wins over Seattle pull NY to within 8 of the wildcard… they are one game ahead of Anaheim… The AL Central is neck and neck – KC and Minnesota are tied for the lead, with Chicago just one out… AZ leads the Dodgers by 1.5… LA and Houston are tied for Wild Card… Helton’s average back up to .387…

[james_d]

Wow this is great man, just bought OOTP and I love reading this even as a NYY supporter here in the UK! Good luck in the Playoffs.

[AZTarHeel]

The Home Stretch!!

Hello all, three weeks to go in the regular season, and the Boston Red Sox must tangle one last time with three of its AL East comrades. The division title has already been won, but the Yanks, D-Rays and Orioles would like nothing more than to get in a few last jabs...

Here's the line-up:
Sept. 13-16: TAMPA BAY
Sept. 17-19: at New York (last trip to da Bronx)
Sept. 20-23: BALTIMORE
Sept. 24-26: NEW YORK (will chants of "over-rated" be heard by the Fenway fans?)
Sept. 27-29: at Tampa Bay
Oct. 1-3: at Baltimore

Again, many prayers are being said for the Red Sox to stay healthy... so far, so good...

Any thoughts on what folks would like to see in the post-season -- focus just on the Sox? Go over all the other games as well... I want to keep it fun to read and not too wordy...

Todd Helton watch: he's batting .387 going into the last three weeks... .400 may just be out of reach...

[Skywalker76]

Originally Posted by AZTarHeel

Any thoughts on what folks would like to see in the post-season -- focus just on the Sox? Go over all the other games as well... I want to keep it fun to read and not too wordy...

I think you should concentrate on the Red Sox (will the curse live forever ?) and only post short news about the other playoff games.

[AZTarHeel]

Not to fear Sox's fans, I'm not giving up on this one even though I haven't posted in awhile... I'm just taking a break and letting the real season catch up a bit... I'd like to go into my post-season closer to the real-life post-season... should make this even more fun... But mark my words, unless something disasterous happens with my computer (I have several backup copies), we will finish out the 2004 season...

In the meantime, look for my other dynasty here: A pitcher's story: Luke "Live Strong" Lawson

In this one, I've taken over the Brewers mid-season 2004 (they are the worst team in the Majors). And I'm especially tracking the career of a young left-handed pitcher picked up in the June amateur draft named Luke Lawson...

If you want an extra challenge with the game, I recommend picking up a team mid-season. In that way, you can't raid all the legendary and outstanding coaches or some of the stud FA's that are around at the start. You're kind of stuck with the coaches the AI gives you, which in my case was pure crapola...

[AZTarHeel]

OK folks, sorry I have been AWOL since late August. Long story, but in the past six weeks I have 1) completed major medical treatments, which fortunately appear successful in treating my cancer problems 2) gotten a new job on the other side of the country – moving from Arizona to North Carolina 3) moved across the country. 4) Put my house up for sale… Needless to say, the Mrs. wouldn’t be too excited with me playing lots of OOTP with all of these things to do…

BUT, it is the post-season in real life, so OOTP is calling me again. So, I got caught up with this dynasty the past few days and we’re ready for the post-season. We’ll see if the Red Sox can in fact Win At All Costs!!!

But first, a quick recap of how the season ended. Sorry no lengthy posts about the last month of the season.

· Boston won the AL East going away, posting a 115-46 record – 28.5 games ahead of the 87-75 Yankees, who did not make the playoffs… Boston even rested a lot of starters for the last week. They even won their regular season finale against Baltimore with the "JV' guys in.

· Minnesota clinched the AL Central despite finishing with a record below .500 (80-82)… Uggg...

· Oakland, Seattle and Anaheim made the AL West the most impressive division, but only two teams earned playoff spots. That would be the A’s (99-63) and the Mariners (98-64). The Angels missed out despite winning 90 games…

· Larry Bowa is the king of Philadelphia after the Phillies dethroned Atlanta in the NL East. The Phils posted a 93-69 mark, while the Braves placed fourth in their division, ending a long playoff streak.

· St. Louis nearly joined the 100-win club, finishing 99-63 in the competitive NL Central. Houston (91 wins) outdueled the Arizona Diamondbacks and LA Dodgers (89 wins) for the NL wild card.

· The San Francisco Giants won the nip-and-tuck NL West, finishing 92-70. Will pitchers go after Barry in the playoffs?

Analysis:Except for the AL East, the season turned out much like real-life pundits thought it might. This was supposed to be the year for the Braves to fade and the Phils to rise, this was supposed to be a positive year for the D-backs (Sexson had 130 RBIs in this OOTP world), etc.

Some other storylines:
· Todd Helton wasn’t close to breaking the .400 mark for the season. The Colorado Rockies slugger finished with a .382 clip. Hey, that's still pretty good...

· Eric Chavez of Oakland led the home run wars this season with 54 dingers. Bonds, Thome and Sosa each had 49 in the NL…

· Boston’s Derek Lowe put in his bid for the Cy Young, finishing 25-2 with an AL-best 2.77 ERA. He finished the season on a 20-game winning streak. Wow!! Lowe was 6-0 in September to earn Pitcher of the Month honors. He vaulted up to number one starter for the ALDS...

Next up: sizing up the Playoff match-ups…

[AZTarHeel]

The American League Playoffs

Boston Red Sox (115-46) vs. Minnesota Twins (80-82):

The skinny: On paper, the Red Sox should cruise into the ALCS but you never know with these type of five-game series. Remember which franchise we’re talking about here, so forgive Red Sox fans for waiting for the other shoe to drop at every turn… Boston went 5-1 against the Twins during the season.

Boston will win if… they don’t somehow implode and come to pieces… This team is the total package with dominant pitching and one of the most prolific offenses in history… The Achilles’ heel could be a shaky bullpen, though hurlers like Donnelly, Benitez and Foulke can be overpowering if they need to be.

Minnesota will win if… there really is a Curse of the Bambino. If they can get to Boston pitchers early and somehow keep the Sox’s offense off the board, they may have a shot. They’ll most likely need to score a lot of runs just to avoid getting blown out…

Prediction: Boston wins easily, though we’ll give the Twins one game at the Metrodome. Sox 3, Minnesota 1.


Seattle (98-64) vs. Oakland (99-63):
The skinny: Obviously the OOTP world doesn’t follow normal protocol, pitting teams from the same division against one another in the Divisional Series. Oakland went 11-8 against the Mariners during the season and so has the slight edge going in.

The A’s have stronger pitching overall and possess one of the game’s best young players – Eric Chavez (54 HRs, 129 RBIs, .301 average, 115 runs scored). Seattle has the fourth best batting average in the Majors (.283) and one of the best table-setters in the league (Ichiro – 62 stolen bases, .327 average, etc.).

Prediction: Should be a great series – Let’s say Oakland 3-2…


The National League Playoffs

Houston Astros (91-71) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (99-63)
The skinny: Again OOTP pits divisional rivals against one another in the first round (this kind of bugs me). The Cardinals have been as solid in OOTP as in real life. Pujols hit 49 home runs and had 161 RBIs. But only Matt Morris has been a real star on the mound.

Houston, meanwhile, has a couple of aces, which could lead to trouble in this type of series. Oswalt won 22 games, and Miller won 19. Clemens only went 10-10 in this world…

Prediction: A toss-up… Let’s say Houston in 5…

San Francisco Giants (92-70) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (93-69)
The skinny: Two of the best hitters in the NL will go head-to-head. Barry Bonds and Jim Thome both hit 49 homers on the season and had great averages. The key, though, may be how the players around these superstars pan out.

Bonds has had some help in his lineup. AJ Pierzynski, for example, batted .337. Thome had help from guys like Lieberthal and Abreu, who batted .309 and .312 respectively…

Give Philly the edge in pitching. All five starters had at least 14 wins, led by Kevin Millwood's 17. Impressive.

Prediction: Because of the pitching edge, we’ll say the Phillies in a thrilling five-game series.

[cknox0723]

I was thisclose to bumping this one up tonight, but I remembered your post in the "Live Strong" Lawson thread and didn't. Great to see you back, and glad that you're doing well despite everything.

Looking forward to the playoffs...

[AZTarHeel]

Welcome to SoxRule.com… Join us for a Game 1 chat as our Boston Red Sox take on the Minnesota Twins in Game 1 of the ALDS. Please keep it clean, unless of course you’re bashing the Yankees.

Moderator: Tonight’s starters. Derek Lowe (25-2) for Boston and lefty Mark Hendrickson (10-7) for Minnesota. It will be interesting to see how the Sox respond to the southpaw since heavy hitters like Trot Nixon and Jason Varitek will sit.

SoxRule: Come on Boston!! Don’t break our hearts again!!

MannyFan33: Put your predictions for tonight’s game here.

SoxRule: Boston 8, Minnesota 1.

TheFensIsMyHome: Boston 4, Twins 0.

TwinsMan: You Boston fans are so full of it. Minnesota is going to knock you out in the first round. Just wait until you get to the Metrodome baby. Your players will crack under the noise. Tonight’s prediction: Minnesota 3, Boston 1. Derek Lowe cracks tonight, baby!!

BigStick: Who let him in here? Lowe has won 20 straight. Minnesota will be victim #21…

Moderator: Well, it’s 0-0 after two innings. Who’s on the edge of their seats?

CheersToBoston: OH CRAP!! We’re behind. Their number nine hitter, Restovich, just doubled home a run. The season’s over. Maybe next year. I hope Pedro will still have his stuff in '05.

BigStick: Dude, it’s only 1 run in the third inning. Chill. We’ll come back…

SoxRule: DANG IT! We can’t score or hit tonight. We just left Gabe Kapler hanging at third base. It’s still 1-0 Minn. after five… Come on, boys. Put it together!

MannyFan33: Alright. Millar just singled in the bottom of the sixth. Here comes our offensive explosion. I can’t believe we only have three hits so far. Minnesota only has two.

TwinsMan: Sorry, Sux fans. Corey Koskie just robbed Nomar down the third-base line. No runs for Boston in the sixth. Ha! We’re going to win this freakin’ game.

SoxRule: *&^%$# Twins.

Moderator:OK, folks, take it easy… Score is still 1-0 Minnesota...

[AZTarHeel]

Welcome back to our Game 1 ALDS chat...


BellhornForPrez: Mark’s The Man!! Did you see that home run!! Bellhorn just cranked one over the Monster. We’re all tied up 1-1 in the seventh…

BellhornForPrez: Wait. Doug Mirabelli just went yard, too. Back-to-back baby!!! The Big Red Sox Machine is finally cranking. Where is TwinsMan now, eh?

TwinsMan: I'm right here. Yeah, they were nice hits. But it's still close. The longer we hang around, the more confidence we'll get.

Moderator: It’s still 2-1 going into the bottom of the eighth. We’ll let you know of any pitching changes or pinch hitters.

MannyFan33: Thanks, Mod. Hey, do you have a score on the A’s-Mariners game?

Moderator: Here are the latest scores: San Fran 4, Philly 4 (5th inning)… Houston 4, St. Louis 4 (6th)… Wow, Seattle is beating Oakland 5-2 in the sixth. Chavez has a homer for Oakland by the way…

Moderator: New pitcher for Minnesota in the bottom of the eighth – lefty JC Romero. Hendrickson leaves with the bases loaded and one out. Manny walked. Mueller singled and Nomar was intentionally walked to set up the force play.

WorldSeriesChamps: Come on Boston. Break it open!!

TwinsMan: Are you kidding me? We strike out Bellhorn but then walk Mirabelli to give up another run. Good grief. We're self-destructing. I suddenly feel very lonely here...

BeanTowner: We feel your pain TwinsMan. We’re Red Sox fans remember?

Moderator: Gabe Kapler just broke it open with a two-run single. It’s 5-1. Man, some interesting heroes tonight – homers by Bellhorn and Mirabelli and a two-run single by Kapler. None of these guys even start on a regular basis, just against lefties…

Moderator: Ellis Burks pinch-hitting for Pokey Reese in the number nine spot… Burks singles and another run scores… It’s 6-1…

GottaLoveNomah: OK, I’m out of here. This game’s in the bag.

Moderator: RHP Travis Harper now pitching for Minnesota. Two outs and one on in the eighth. Score 6-1.

BeanTowner: Rats, we couldn’t score anymore. But that should be enough.

Moderator: Mike Bordick now in to play 2B for Pokey Reese. Top nine. No outs. Score 6-1… Now pitching for Boston – LHP Alan Embree. Derek Lowe only gave up three hits in eight innings. He threw 100 pitches.

TwinsMan: Ummm, see you folks. Good luck tomorrow night... (logging off)

Moderator: Now pitching for Boston – RHP Armando Benitez. One out and one on for Minnesota…Two outs to go for a 1-0 Boston lead in the series… St. Louis just scored a run and leads Houston 5-4 by the way…

GottaLoveNomah: That’s it folks! Nomar to Bordick to Millar – double play and we’re up 1-0 in the series! Good job, Boston. You had us sweating for awhile, but now we can breath a little bit… See you guys tomorrow night…

Moderator: Thanks for joining us...

[AZTarHeel]

Final Scores from Divisional Series Games - Game ONE

Seattle 8, Oakland 3:
The skinny: Freddy Garcia gets the win and Barry Zito suffers the loss as the Mariners take a 1-0 lead. Seattle’s top four hitters combine for eight hits, including Ichiro’s 3-for-4 night.
Turning point: Seattle’s first three hitters of the game get aboard with singles, and the Mariners go up early 2-0. Oakland ties it 2-2 but can never get the lead.
MVP: Eric Chavez for Oakland in a losing cause. He’s 3-for-4 with all three RBIs for the A’s. He also had a homer.


St. Louis 5, Houston 4:
The skinny: Matt Morris recovers after a shaky start (three runs in the first inning) to get the win. Roy Oswalt suffers the loss. Jason Isringhausen picks up the save.
Turning point: Albert Pujols hits game-winning RBI single in the sixth inning with two outs. The score was 4-4 at the time. Isringhausen strikes out the last two Houston batters swinging.
MVP: Pujols (3-for-5 with three RBIs) is the top player from this game. He also had a homer in the first inning.


San Francisco 8, Philadelphia 5:
The skinny: Jason Schmidt gets the win and Scott Eyre collects a save for the visiting Giants. Randy Wolf suffers the loss for Philly.
Turning point: Philly pitched to Bonds in the eighth with the score tied 4-4 and no one on. Bonds hit into a ground-out, but Hammonds, Neikro, Snow and Torrealba all single behind him as the Giants go ahead 6-4.
MVP: JT Snow goes 2-for-4 with two RBIs to earn the honor. Bonds was 1-for-5 with two runs scored – and no walks.

[AZTarHeel]

Boston rallies from 3-0 deficit to win game two
Twins can't sustain early momentum, now face eliminaton

MLB.com

When Corey Koskie went deep off Pedro Martinez in the third inning, Twins fans thought their team might steal one from Boston in Fenway.

The two-run blast put Minnesota up 3-0 and had the Fens pretty quiet.

But you don't win 115 regular season games because you crack under pressure. Boston calmly caught the Twins in the bottom half of the third inning, then erupted for nine more unanswered runs in a 12-3 wipe out. The curse looks safely out of the way for now as the Sox take a 2-0 lead in the ALDS.

"We're playing really well right now," said manager Terry Francona. "We've just got to make sure we start a little more quickly in the next game."

Nomar Garciparra tied the game with a two-run double in the bottom of the third. Johnny Damon blew one over the Green Monster, and Mark Bellhorn batted a run home with a shot to the wall for a 5-3 edge.

Manny Ramirez got his first hit of the series in the sixth, but it was Ramirez's teammates who did the most damage. Trot Nixon had a solo homer in the seventh inning for an 8-3 lead and smashed a three-run HR in the eighth with two outs.

Gariciparra finished 3-for-3 with three RBIs. Damon was 3-for-4 with one RBI. Nixon, a pinch hitter in this game due to Boston facing a lefty starter, had a great game off the bench, finishing with four RBIs.

Boston had 16 hits for the game. Pitcher Pedro Martinez recovered to win from the mound. Johan Santana was credited with the loss. It doesn't get much better than this if you're a Sox fan -- and there are no Yankees to face if they get past this series.

"I'm just not sure how we could have played them any better in the early going," said Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire. "But we just couldn't hold off the tidal wave once they got going. We've got to regroup and try to take two from them at our place."