The Rockies didn't have to win Game 2, but they couldn't afford to get blown out again. They needed to at least be in the game, a swing or two away from taking the lead, and Ubaldo Jimenez and the relievers who followed him gave Colorado that chance, at least (while running up huge pitch counts, again).
Look, the feeling here remains that Boston is going to win a short series. But if you are the one of the Rockies' young players, you got on the team charter early Friday morning knowing that you played a close, competitive game -- and that the next three games are going to be played in a place where you thrive. You got on the plane knowing that you have won almost 75 percent of your home games since June, and knowing that the Red Sox will have to bench one of the best hitters from their incredibly deep lineup.
Either
David Ortiz or
Kevin Youkilis will have to sit for Games 3, 4 and 5, a difficult decision for the Red Sox. "Obviously they built their ball club for a DH, for 150-some games, they're going to have a big ham on the bat swinging it," Rockies manager
Clint Hurdle said after Game 2. "They'll have to make an adjustment. They're a good ball club. It'll still come down to pitching. Our hometown crowd is probably looking forward to this as much as anything in a long time. I think they'll be very responsive. We can use the support …"
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Buster Olney
