World Series Game 4 Recap; Boston Claims 2nd Title in 4 Years

Boston 4, Colorado 3 (BOS wins 4-0)

Hero: Mike Lowell
Goat: Troy Tulowitzki
Turning Point: Ortiz's 1st inning RBI single to give Sox lead they'd never relinquish















Congratulations to the Boston Red Sox for winning their second World Series in four years. They basically duplicated the script that enabled them to win the title in 2004. They once again swept the World Series following historic ALCS comebacks. Jon Lester was terrific tonight going 5.2 scoreless innings. What a story he is! The bullpen gave up a couple of homers, but buckled down when they really needed to in getting clutch outs. Jonathan Papelbon closed the door with his third save of the World Series, and he easily could have won the series MVP. Jacoby Ellsbury could have won it too hitting .438 in the series, but Mike Lowell took home the honors. Lowell hit .400 in the series with a homerun and a double tonight. He was really the unsung hero for the Red Sox offense all year long. While Big Papi battled knee problems and Manny having a down year, Lowell quietly led the Sox in RBI. He is now a free agent, and we'll see what happens.

Despite being swept in the World Series, the Colorado Rockies had one of the more remarkable finishes to a season you will ever see. They won 14 of their final 15 to make the playoffs, including the best game of October in the play-in game vs. San Diego. The Rockies then went 7-0 in the NL Playoffs to reach the World Series for the first time in their history. Their magic just ran out having to play the steamrolling Red Sox. The Rockies' bats were severly disappointing, and their pitching allowed Boston to take advantage of just about every opportunity. But when the dust settles, they will truely look back with smiles at a remarkable year.

The Red Sox now have two rings in four years. The question asked a lot tonight was which of the two teams was better. Well, I would have to say this one by a tad. The biggest reason is the Sox having a shutdown starting pitcher in Josh Beckett this time around. That was something they did not have in 2004. They also now have a dominant closer in Papelbon. Keith Foulke had a magical postseason, but isn't nearly the pitcher (and celebrator) Papelbon is. The offense was better that year, but not enough to cover the pitching differences. Let the party begin in Beantown!

3 1/2 months til pitchers and catchers!

Pat Morgan