The 1983 White Sox struck for a late solo homer for the second consecutive game as they took Game 3 by the score of 3-2 and swept the 2007 Red Sox in their ALDS. For Boston, the bullpen surrendered the lead late after Curt Schilling provided a stellar outing going 8 innings. This time it was Jonathan Papelbon turn as he fell victim to a Vance Law solo blast in the top of the ninth inning.
Chicago starter Richard Dotson handcuffed the Boston offense for most of the game. Even though the Red Sox would tie the game in the bottom of the seventh on a David Ortiz homer, that was only the third hit of the game for Boston. After seven complete innings, Dotson gave way to Kevin Hickey who picked up the win as he blanked the eighth. This set the stage for Juan Agosto's third consecutive save but it wasn't without drama. Dustin Pedroia started the ninth off with a ringing double off the Green Monster. Manny Ramirez poked a fly ball to right which allowed Pedroia to scoot to third. Boston had David Ortiz at the plate only needing a medium fly ball to tie the game. The count went full and Agosto got a swing and miss on a curveball that dipped out of the zone for a huge second out. He got away with another hook that was up in the zone to Mike Lowell who drilled it to center but was snagged by Rudy Law to wrap up the series.
Despite keeping the big bats quiet, Boston was ambushed by the supporting cast of the Chicago offense. Tony Bernazard had a big hit in Game 1 and got the ball rolling with a solo shot in the fifth. Scott Fletcher's RBI single pushed the lead to 2-0 before Boston rallied to tie the game. Like Fletcher, Bernazard and Law own very modest offensive resumes but this duo really were unsung heroes in the series. Juan Agosto commands merit in this group as well as he has yet to surrender a run in the playoffs.
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