In the regular season, the Red Sox were 1-8 against the Angels. In the playoffs, they turned the tables and beat the Angels in the ALDS, 3 games to 1. The Sox were also 1-8 in the regular season at Tropicana Field. That didn't seem to matter in Game 1 of the ALCS, as the Red Sox beat the Rays, 2-0.

The Sox are looking forward to reversing their fortunes once again, and are on the right track. Although he got himself in a couple jams due to untimely walks, he ended up throwing 7 scoreless innings, and only allowed 4 hits. He struck out 9, and walked 4, including 3 in the first inning. He carried a no-hitter into the 7th inning, when he finally gave up 2 hits, to Carl Crawford and Cliff Floyd. He also allowed 2 hits in the 8th before manager Terry Francona called for Hideki Okajima out of the bullpen.

The Rays have been brilliant all year at manufacturing runs and taking advantage of base runners, but they weren't able to capitalize this time. The Red Sox took advantage of some timley hitting, including 3 hits by Kevin Youkilis, and a sacrifice fly from rookie Jed Lowrie, who also drove in the winning run in Game 4 against the Angels.

Game 2 is Saturday at 8:07 EST, again at Tropicana Field. Josh Beckett will get the start for the Red Sox against Scott Kazmir for the Rays. Both of them failed to meet expectations in their first start. Kazmir only lasted 5+ innings, and gave up 8 hits in Game 2. The Rays still won, but they are hoping for more from their ace in this one. Beckett also had a short outing, going only 5 innings. He has been bothered for the past couple months by health issue, including elbow and oblique injuries.

The Rays will need to seriously step up the offense if they're going to win Game 2. Evan Longoria is 1 for 17 in the last 4 games, after going 3-3 with 2 HR in his playoff debut. Carl Crawford is the Rays' other offensive spark plug, and he's only batting .235 in the postseason. Without those guys at the top of their game, the Rays are going to find it very difficult to win playoff games.


Make your predictions for Game 2 here. It's still very early, but so far 60% are picking the Rays. My prediction: Red Sox win Game 2, 3-1, and end up winning the series in 5 games, with the clincher at Fenway in front of the home crowd. But of course, I'm a little biased, so who knows? Go Sox!