Hero: Hideki Okajima
Goats: Rockies' Offense
Turning Point: Top 6th/2out-Okajima strikes out Brad Hawpe with runners on 2nd and 3rd
Hideki Okajima and Jonathan Papelbon were spectacular in relief, going 3 2/3 innings, striking out six, and only allowing one hit. Again this postseason, Curt Schilling did not have his best stuff, but battled hard going 5.1, one-run, innings. The Rockies' offense spoiled a good outing from Ubaldo Jimenez and just as spectacular relief pitching. The key inning in this game was the top of the 6th when Schilling allowed two baserunners with just one out. Okajima relieved Schilling, and got Garrett Atkins to ground out and then blowing away Brad Hawpe. The Rockies would only get one Matt Holliday single the rest of the game, and he was promptly picked off. Boston's big hit was from Mike Lowell, as he put the Sox ahead for good with a 2-out, RBI double in the 5th. The Rockies will now have to win all three games at home to have a chance to win this series, and that includes beating Josh Beckett in Game 5. Even if they allow the Red Sox to win one at Coors, that would mean the Rockies would have to win both Games 6 & 7 at Fenway. The Rockies won 21 of 22, but if they can win 4 of 5 against Boston that might just be more unlikely. This series is over.
Pat Morgan
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