WORLD SERIES GAME 4 LIVE BLOG

by Dr. C, Chicago Bull

Many Rockies fans will be hoping not to arrive back at their offices with this picture hanging on their computers tomorrow morning as Boston looks to complete their second World Series sweep of the 21st century. I'll save you most of the pregame guff, although do check out Sooze's article on both game four starting pitchers Aaron Cook and Jon Lester. Or, you can have Tim McCarver slobber all over the subject for the better half of the game, your choice. Me personally, I lean towards Sooze.

Anyways, I'm Dr. C, and I'll be taking you on my little spiel here. We'll get this rolling about 5 minutes before the first pitch, but before we do, Here's some pregame guesses I'm sure to F-up:

- First Hit: Willy Taveras
- First Run Scored: Matt Holliday
- First Curt Schilling Reference: Top of 2nd Inning
- Undeterminable McCarver Sentences passed as Insight/English: 102

Pre-game: Dear lord, these reenactment actors for the opening highlights are some of the worst I have ever seen. I would personally like to send the guy who dressed up as the Yankees fan with that fake New York accent to one of Dante's stages in the inferno. Which one? Not sure yet, I'll have to get back to you on that one. Jeanie Zelasko asks a great question to Joe Girardi which elicts an even better answer:

- Anything new to report on managerial front?
- Same as last night.

Someone get this woman a Cronkite award. She knows all the tricks of the trade. I totally don't even recognize Mark Grace. Who the hell in their right mind convinced him to go with the Tom Brady do, and why did Gracie listen? I thought you were the guy who bit his shirt cuase you wanted to smoke so bad. Now you look like the love child of Brady and Kevin Costner. Sad. At 8 minutes in, Jeanie has officially brought up the life obstacles for the pitchers. Speaking of look alikes, everytime I watch Kevin Kennedy I feel like he's going to tell me about the new 2008 Cadillac CTS and all it's wonderful features. I just get some sort of a hokey Car Salesman feel from him. Anyone else agree? Let me know, I plan on reading the comments and will try to make this as interactive as possible.

Also, this is first time I've live blogged before, so whatever happens, bear with me. But, as a good salesman knows, under promise and over deliver, so I'll make up for my technical deficiencies with humor and astute observations. National Anthem and line-ups are next.

Top of the First
Well, that ends my Willy Taveras prediciton pretty quick as Ellsbury slices one down the left field line for a double. Pedroia chops one to Atkins, but had no play as third was uncovered, so Ellsbury moves third. The Rockies play in for only god knows why and Ortiz makes'em pay with an RBI single through the second and first base hole. Ellsbury takes the sweep on first hit and run. Cook doesn't look too good so far, and if he gives up more runs Boston will be sweeping this one easily. Cook bails himself out of trouble with a 5-4-3 double play on Manny, but Boston strikes first. Fox actually throws out a good stat. Of their 10 postseason games this year, Boston has won 8 when they score first. Good luck Rox. 1-0 RED SOX
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Bottom of the First
Brad Garrett reads the opening line-up for the Rockies as Fox gets their usual quota of quipping their shitty shows that no one watches. If you do watch Til' Death or whatever the hell it called, my condolences. McCarver doesn't know who Troy Tulowitzki is, and it appears he's ready for his first scotch as everyday life continues past him up. Rocks go 1-2-3 in the bottom of the inning as Matsui and Holliday ground out while Tulowitzki is called out on strikes. 1-0 RED SOX
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Top of the Second
Two quick outs for Lowell and Drew. I'm surprised McCarver hasn't said more stupid stuff. That was a quick inning. Varitek grounds out to Matsui and just like that, my third guess is shot down as nothing is said for Curt Schilling. This game might be done by 9:15. Good thing? I don't think so. There's no Sunday Night Football on and I cancelled HBO two weeks ago because there's nothing on anymore..ever.
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Bottom of the Second
Who the hell is Ryan Spilborghs? Where did he come from? And what is that strange rash south of my beltline? These are the questions I ponder heading into the bottom of the second. Helton is going for two after a left-center gapper and gets it. Nice baserunning. I hope Matt Holliday was watching. He could learn a thing or two about good running skills. WOW. Ortiz makes an amazing pick off of a Juan Uribe like throw from Julio Lugo. I mean seriously, that was good. Big Papi has played 8 games at first this year, and made that look like he's played the position every day.

Oh, now I get it. Ryan Spilborghs isn't a Rockie, but he did stay at a Holiday Inn last night. Too bad he flew out to center. At least Helton goes to third. A bunt to Ortiz if well placed would be deadly right now. McCarver was on top of that one, so as much as the guy gets lost, I'll give him credit for the mention. But he still sucks. 3-1 count and Lester throws a curveball which I think was a strike. First and third for Yorvit Torrealba, which may be the funnest name to say in baseball. My name is Yorvit Torrealba, you killed my father, prepare to die. Yorvit weakly grounds out to Lugo, stranding two runners. If they Rockies want to stay around, they can't keep killing themselves. 1-0 RED SOX
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Top of the Third
Joe Buck comments that Julio Lugo bought a ticket to game four of the 04' series to go as a fan, but didn't go. So what the hell did he do instead? Go bowling? Went to a rave to stake out some Ketamine? More questions unanswered. Cook sets them down in order. What the hell is that I am Legend movie promo? strange. 1-0 RED SOX
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Bottom of the Third
After a line out to start the inning, Matsui hits a fly over Manny's head, Rockies have a runner on second with one out. Man, Ramirez sucks at life in the outfield. I just realized a couple minutes ago I missed two fantasy basketball drafts today, inclduing one for the Carnies league. I'll be checking soon to see who I ended up with. I've never played in a 14 team league, and hopefully I didn't end up with Vitkor Khrypa as my utility player. On the other hand, the other league had no one sign up practically so it will be a 6 team league. I think that should actually be fun because the numbers will be rediculous.

Anyways, TT strikes out for the second time in the game, two outs with Holliday up. Lester has looked great so far, mixing up his pitches and throwing to all sides of the plate. His command has been equally impressive. With that said, Holliday whiffs on a 94 mph fastball up. He's been the best of the group for Colorado, but the Rockies can't get the job done with RISP. 1-0 RED SOX
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Top of the Fourth
Dustin Pedroia is the T.O. of baseball according to Royce Clayton. Great report, Ken Rosenthal. Although I generally like his articles, him on the TV not so much. On the other hand, I would rather have him out there instead of Chris Myers. Pedroia also tells his teammates that the laser show starts at 8:30. What the hell that means, I haven't the slighest idea. Fox just showed a Manny Ramirez clip where he throws his helmet off while running in different situations in the postseason this year. For a second, while sitting here looking at the computer screen, I could have sworn it was for some shampoo products.

Look as Manny runs! His locks are shinnier then ever with Fructis. Too bad Manny's Fructis can't help him hit as he pops out to left, ending the inning. 1-0 RED SOX
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Bottom of the Fourth
Two quick outs; Francona tells Buck he would only use Okajima in the "perfect situation". Meanwhile, they cut away to Okajima in the bullpen, and he's making his throws with a wooden paddle in hand. Seriously. You read that right. I think they would let him take bong rips in the hallway if he had to in order to warm up. Goofy as hell but so is his mechanics. Whatever works. Prince Fielder and A-Rod took home the MVP honors which I apparently didn't hear about. Damn booze has me all messed up this weekend. Wrigleyville was a real treat last night. Amazing what girls wear.

Moving on, Hawpe has a runner first after Lester gave up a two out walk to Spilborghs. Hawpe lifts one to right-center, but not deep enough. 1-0 RED SOX
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Top of the Fifth
Lowell starts the inning with a rip to left-center for a double. Holliday lost the handle on the ball like a putz, but Lowell was content to stay at second. Drew grounds out to Cook, Lowell stays put. Varitek hits a single into the hole between first and second, scoring Lowell after Hawpe's throw was off to the right of the plate. Had the throw been online, he probably would have been nailed. Two-zip Sawks. Lugo rips one up the middle, and the Red Sox have runners on first and second for Lester.

Jeremy Affeldt, the reject from the Royals, and Speier are warming up. The Sawks bullpen is doing their usual Soundgarden tribute to Spoonman. Good song. Speaking of which, why don't they get back together? I've heard Chris Cornell's solo projects, and I would rather listen to Billy Ocean's greatest hits. Lester strikes out, two outs now for Ellsbury. Cook gets Ellsbury to miss on a nice slider inside, and is probably done for the night. All in all, I thought he pitched pretty well for his first start in over two months. He didn't make a lot of mistakes, and his kept the Rockies in it. The Rockies have been anemic at the plate. 2-0 RED SOX
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Bottom of the Fifth
I'm amazed the Rockies left Cook in to bat, and even more stunning is Cook laying down a good bunt to get on base. Matsui chokes as usual with a weak pop to Lugo, Tulowitzki grounds out. How's that N.L. Rookie of the Year chatter looking now? The guy hasn't done a damn thing all series. 2-0 RED SOX
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Top of the Sixth

Here's what Boston might look like in a couple hours as we start the sixth. I'm surprised that wasn't the scene after they won in 04', but what do I know. After the White Sox won in 05', I saw some of the scenes on TV. I was at Southern Illinois U. at the time, and douchebags rioted. They flipped over this kid's car I don't like, so at least they did something right. I'm a huge South Sider fan, but there's no way I would have rioted. I did the right thing; drank a ton of Champagne, Jager Bombs, and got laid. Still the best night of my life. Please watch that youtube. It's hilarious.

Oh yeah, there's a baseball game I'm supposed to be blogging. Nothing happened. Cook's still rolling. 2-0 RED SOX
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Bottom of the Sixth
Holliday grounds out faster then an illegal crosses the border to start things off. After getting 3-0 count to start, Helton flies out to ManRam. McCarver is enthused (sp.?) with Manny's helmet flying off again, and I'm forced to watch two replays of the same damn thing. What is funny about that? Show one getting hit in the nuts, and then maybe I'll crack a smile. Lester walks Atkins, and here comes Terry. Francona said he wanted to pull him after 90-95 pitches. His count after getting pulled? 92. Very Nice! (Please say the words in Borat's voice while reading) Manny Delcarmen comes in, and immediately gets the K to end the threat. 2-0 RED SOX
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Top of the Seventh
Coco Crisp (remember him?) put his gum on top of Daisuke's hat. McCarver thinks its just the cat's pajama's. Lowell goes yard into left field for just the second Red Sox long ball in the series. That will do it for Cook; he pitched a good game in my opinion, just had no run support. Jeremy Affeldt comes in, and after giving up a single or walk or something, gets Lugo to hit into a double play. Or as Hawk Harrelson would say during a White Sox broadcast, that was a hang-whiff-em. For more on his unique descriptions during the game, check out heavethehawk.com. Personally, I like Hawk. I've grown up with him, and I think his jibberish is hilarious. Darrin Jackson sucks though. 3-0 RED SOX
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Bottom of the Seventh
Delcarmen throws a belt high fastball to Hawpe who takes the offering in to the right field stands, and the Rox are on the board. Talk about some E-fus. For those who don't know that term, and I'm certainly spelling it as it sounds, not as it looks, Don E-fus was a pitcher who used throw lobs into into the catcher. Any time me and my friends play wiffle ball, a pitch down the middle that gets jacked is an E-fus pitch. I would pull dictionary.com or baseball-reference.com right now, but I have dial-up at home. (yes, chuckle, I'm a cheap ass and it gets the job done) I think his last name was Effus. Who knows. Anyways, Sullivan comes into bat for Affeldt and rips a single up the middle.

One out for Matsui who has choked at least once this game, and he'll face Mike Timlin as Delcarmen is done. It's now or never for Rocktober. Matsui does he's been doing best and chokes again. I'll have to see if he went to my high school because we're notorious for choking in the postseason. I've been out of there for 6 years, and its nice hear the tradition lives on after we left. Hilarious. Tulowitzki has been equally unimpressive, and this just in: he strikes out again! Unreal. Oh for three with 3 K's. You sir, are a true Waubonsie Warrior. 3-1 RED SOX
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Top of the Eighth
Bobby Kielty takes the first pitch from Brian Fuentes into left, the 21st pinch hit homer in World Series history, and the last since Geoff Blum did it in game three of the 05' series for the White Sox. Ah, things come full circle. Rockies manage to turn a 6-4-3 double play on Pedroia. Ken Rosenthal reports that A-Rod has opted out of his contract with the Yankees. Interesting to think where he could be next year, and I might follow up with that one tomorrow morning. If I don't, I'm sure one of the carnies will be all over it.

Some potential teams: Angels, Cubs, Mets. Angels are getting old, Cubs have spent a ton of money on Soriano, Lilly, and Aramis Ramirez. Mets already have A-Rod's potential spots filled. Yankees lose out on 21 million from the Rangers in terms of paying for his salary, and he's probably done there. Yankees are going to be a different team next year. Anyways, Manny Corpas is now in the game, and takes out ManRam. I'm not sure what happened with the double switch, but Coco Crisp is now in the game. I was thinking about A-Rod. For god sakes, I'm a doctor, not a pool man, jim. Extra points if know the movie quote. 4-1 RED SOX
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Bottom of the Eighth
Okajima is in the game, and while I'm not sure if this is what Tito envisioned as the perfect situation, he's took care of Holliday easily. I must say this is the most of the postseason I've actually watched outside of the Cubs-D'backs series. Man the Cubs were just like the Rockies with RISP. Moving on, Helton just singled to left, bringing up Atkins. Please hit a home run or something. I don't want a forgone conclusion on my hands. I want excitement. Boston up 4-1 does not a pleased doctor make. Okajima might be worn out, he doesn't seem to have his usual stuff. He's all over the place.

ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Atkins drives it deep and it's 4-3!! That's what I'm talking about! I woke up my roommate yelling at the TV and apparently he's not happy. Go screw yourself, that was the definition of excitement. The lord of the dance comes in and gets the next two outs. Boston is three outs away from their seventh world championship.
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Top of the Ninth
Corpas takes care of Lowell and Drew. While I predicted at the beginning of the season that the Red Sox would be the World Series victors, here's what I originally predicted, before starting Chicago Bull:

AL Central: Tigers
AL East: Red Sox
AL West: Angels
Wild Card: White Sox

NL Central: Cubs
NL West: Dodgers
NL East: Mets
Wild Card: Phillies

Two in each league isn't bad. Red Sox are done in the top of the ninth, and it's up to Michael Flatley turned closer to seal the deal.
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Bottom of the Ninth
Yorvit grounds out to Pedroia, and it's on Jamie Carroll to make some thing happen here. Wow. At the left field wall, Ellsbury makes a good catch on a ball that would have stayed in the park. Rocktober falls on Seth Smith to save the season. Papelbon seems to be nibbling too much. Come on, dude. Throw it over the plate and see what happens. The odds are in your favor. Forget it. Papelbon blaezs one by Smith, and Manny is ready for the Fructis people to call him. Boston is 8-0 in the 21st century, and has to be considered the front runner again next year. As far as I'm aware, they pretty much have everyone signed. Congratulations to the Boston Red Sox; they were the best team all year, and deserved to win. As for the Red Sox fans, you can blow me. You're no different from the Yanks in terms of buying your team. For all the bitching you've done about years past, you're on the up swing for now so enjoy it. I pray to god that the Bulls meet the Celtics in the playoffs.

For those that participated tonight or followed along at some point, I thank you. I hope you enjoyed it, and if you have any feedback for me, be it positive or negative, please leave it. I'll be live-blogging more often now, and I will be live blogging the Bulls first game of the season on Wednesday, so if you're a Bulls fan, check it out at Chicago Bull.