Boston Red Sox: Most memorable games in franchise history
By Drew Athans
Red Sox win 2007 ALCS
What is it with the Red Sox and improbable comebacks? In the 2004 ALCS they became the first team to ever come back from a 3-0 series deficit and in the 1986 ALCS they came back from being down 3-1. They found themselves in the same boat in 2007, down 3-1 to a very good Cleveland Indians team, and yet somehow they found a way.
After the catharsis of 2004, Red Sox fans went from being constantly fatalistic to a quiet confidence when the team was facing adversity. After winning the first game of the series, the Red Sox lost the next three to the Indians and faced a do-or-die game five in Cleveland. As in 1986, winning this fifth game proved to be the pivot point of the series where the Red Sox gained confidence while the Indians lost theirs.
Knowing that Josh Beckett (who was phenomenal in the 2007 postseason) was getting the start in Game Five, the Indians decided to try to rattle him by bringing a country-singing former girlfriend of his out to sing the National Anthem. It didn’t work. The Red Sox pummeled CC Sabathia for the second time in the series and won the game 7-1. From there, the Indians never had a chance.
Heading back to Fenway Park for the final two games, the Red Sox absolutely destroyed Cleveland. JD Drew hit a first inning grand slam in Game Six and the Red Sox won 12-2. In Game Seven, the Red Sox never trailed and pulled away late in the game for the 11-2 win and another AL pennant. They’d go on to sweep the Colorado Rockies in the World Series. Mark this ALCS win as one of the biggest and most thrilling the Red Sox have ever had.