I attempted to find a better picture...there really just wasn't one.
(AP Photo/Al Behrman)
Sox avoid fourth straight loss on Wednesday night.
"You know, despite how well the other team is playing and how poorly we've executed some things, it's just nice to know that we have the chance to play another game on Thursday", said Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox first baseman. Youkilis wasn't alone in this sentiment. Many of the Sox players were excited for the opportunity to play on Thursday.After Josh Beckett's Game 1 win, it all went downhill for the Sox, who suffered what seemed like both figurative and literal knees to the crotch in Games 2, 3, and 4 from the Clevelands.
Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox second baseman, on the mood Wednesday night: "To me, it's just amazing that we're to this point. We've been shitting the bed pretty spectacularly while the [censored] Indians have been doing their [censored] thing, but being able to avoid the loss today was huge."
Sox manager Terry Francona was as upbeat as his infielders: "I'm proud of every one of these guys. I think making sure they feel confident about themselves has helped; I don't think you make change for change's sake. They showed a lot of heart tonight (Wednesday) in forcing another game with that ballclub on Thursday. Hopefully they'll be up to the challenge again tomorrow."
Sox "outfielder", Manny Ramirez, agreed. Sort of. "We're just going to go out there and play. I'm going to hit home runs, and I'm going to pose for the cameras, all at the same time.. Just business as usual over here."
How did the Sox avoid losing Wednesday? The answer, it seems, was hard to pin down for bullpen statesman Jonathan Papelbon. "You know, as I look at Gagne's empty locker, it's hard to figure out one specific Canadian reason why we're still alive after today. Seriously, if you can find Gagne, he might be a better person to ask that question."
Eric Gagne could not be reached for comment.