Think about it…take away Jed Lowrie’s error that led to the Angel’s only run and the Red Sox played a practically perfect game 1. They executed the winning formula as it was scripted out. Jon Lester delivered an amazing 7 innings.  Justin Masterson managed to wiggle his way thru the 8th and Paps shut the door in the ninth.  And there was the top of ninth. Which was a clinic in manufacturing runs.  Getting the lead off guy on, sacrificing him into scoring position, and stealing bases to keep runners in scoring position. 

Further thoughts…

Vladdy being Manny

If Jason Bay’s 2 run shot to put the Sox lead was the biggest moment for Boston, then Vlad Guerroro’s baserunning brainfart in the 8th was the biggest moment for the Angels.  What a bonehead play.  But thank goodness, because the 8th inning was a bit of a tightrope for Justin Masterson.  Not that he didn’t pitch well.  The two hits off him (plus the flare Ellsbury raced in to snag) weren’t exactly hit on the nose. It would have been a shame for Masty to give up  the lead without anyone really hitting him hard.

How Exactly do the Angels Win?

I’m still not sure. The heart of the lineup for the (2-5) went a combined 8 for 15 and they only managed a single unearned run.  Pretty clear to me that they’re truly dependent on getting Figgins on base before their hitters.  I actually don’t doubt that hitters 2 thru 5 may go 8 for 15 every game this series.  Question is, will any of them hit more than a single or will Figgins get on base in front of them?

Conversely, what if Ellsbury can’t get on?

Is Ellsbury to the Red Sox as Figgins is to the Angels? He was all over the place in game 1.  Does he need to be on base 4 times a game for the Red Sox to win?  I don’t know. 

Lowell

Pretty sure that Lowell will miss at least 1 game in this series.  If not more.  He didn’t look good getting out of the box and running down the line late in the game.

Top of the Ninth

Seriously, that ninth inning attack by the Sox lineup was a clinic.  Took them a while, but finally starting having productive outs with runners on base and it led to a couple runs.  Really think Francona needs to call more sacrifice bunts that he has in years past. 

Looking Ahead to Game 2

The key thing to watch will be Dice-K vs. Figgins.  Dice-K is going to walk a few guys.  We know that. But he can’t walk Figgins.  Make him hit his way on.  That middle of the linup will probably get a few walks as Dice-K will nibble his way thru it.  Wouldn’t surprise me one bit if Texiera gets 3 walks tonight.  Guerrero could probably get 3 walk as well, but not swinging at pitches simply isn’t in his DNA. 

The Angels must be freaking.  They HAVE to win this game.  No way can they go to Fenway and be forced to beat Beckett and Lester there.  No way.

One last thing. 

We got zilch from Pedroia in game 1.  No hits.  No runs scrored.  Don’t expect that to continue.