ALCS Game 4 - The Sox Can't Wake Up.

And the Rays might keep them unconscious.

There's no sense in recapping this game, since it was a virtual replay of Game 3. The final last night was a 13-4 Tampa Bay triumph, and the Red Sox find themselves in familiar territory, down 3 games to 1 in the American League Championship Series.

Boston was down 3-0 in the 2004 series, and 3-1 in last year's contest. Both times, they came back to win. This year, I'm not so sure. The 2004 and 2007 clubs had heart, grit and determination, something the 2008 squad seems to be lacking. They look slow, lazy and unwilling to change their approach to the game. The Rays, on the other hand, look invincible.

I'd be more inclined to write analysis on the game and series, but it comes down to one thing, and one thing only: Daisuke Matsuzaka's pitching performance in Game 5. If he can lead the Red Sox to a win -- a convincing win -- they have a shot to pull off their LCS magic. If not, Game 1 of the 2008 World Series will commence one week from today at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.


On Tap for Tonight:
NLCS, Game 5 - Philadelphia Phillies at Los Angeles Dodgers
PHI Leads Series 3-1
Cole Hamels (PHI) will oppose Chad Billingsley (LAD).