Seems like fans of both teams are guilty of counting their chickens before the eggs hatch. TBS was acting as if the game was over in the 4th inning - not exactly the way to go about things if you want viewers to stay tuned in, by the way - and Rays fans were surely celebrating a victory early too. Now that the Sox won the game, I'd say it's rather premature to assume the Sox are going to win the series, just because they've come from behind before.
In the Rays favor: two games at home, where they've had a great won-loss record this year; their best pitcher, James Shields, who is much better at home; the fact they have come back time after time this year when all the 'experts' proclaimed them dead (after the losing streak at the all-star break, after Longoria got hurt, after Crawford got hurt, after Percival got hurt, etc.); Beckett is pitching with a strained oblique.
In the Sox favor: experience to pressure and comeback history. Lester has not had bad back-to-back games since I don't know, maybe never. Beckett may be the best clutch playoff pitcher in all of baseball. But most importantly, the look and body language of the rays last two pitchers; it reminded me of Calvin Schiraldi in '86. After having pitched with poise all year, they seemed to be really gripping last night. On top of that, their closer, Wheeler, seemed to have lost some speed on his fastball; don't forget he pitched 3+ innings in that extra inning game - it may have affected him. If he can't go, who does Tampa have to close for them? Balfour, after last night's tank job? The rookie called up in September, David Price? Their 5th starter, Edwin Jackson?
Whatever happens, Saturday night should be a great game for all baseball fans based on all the subplots and questions.
