Sitting under the dark clouds at Fenway

If Game 3 was a disaster, I don’t even know what to call Game 4.  Unfortunately, I was there to witness the whole thing.  What we had to hoped to be a great evening turned out to be one of the worst Sox games I ever sat through.

Although I payed over face value for my bleacher seats, we got upgraded to infield grandstand (thanks to higstickets.com).  My friend and I couldn’t believe it and headed over to the ballpark, all smiles.  We got in and caught a ball at batting practice, making our smiles even bigger.  We headed towards home plate to watch the beautiful Heidi Watney do her pregame report for NESN (she is not any less attractive in person, for those of you who are wondering).  We went out on Yawkey Way where we actually were shown on NESN briefly.  There my buddy was lucky enough to get Remdawg to sign his ticket.  We had such a great time before the game, why on earth wouldn’t we have a great time during the game??

Well, then the game actually started, where we realized our lucky streak had ended.  If the three runs in the first weren’t bad enough, Wakefield left after only 2.2 IP, giving up 6 hits and 5 runs (not to mention three long balls).  As he came out of the game, a series of boos began.  I don’t know where those boos were coming from, but I can promise you they weren’t coming from Section 25.  Some of us gave him a standing O – not that he really deserved one, but to show that we’re always on his side.  Sometimes standing Os are necessary when fans are booing a player who’s been on the Sox longer than anyone else. 

At that point, we were still in the game, although down by 5 runs.  Thank God for Masterson, who pitched 2.1 innings, only allowing a run and two hits, as well as a pair of walks.  It wasn’t until Manny Delcarmen came in when we realized this game was out of our hands, and that the Sox were potentially being eliminated right before our eyes.  Manny received a lot of boos, and not so many standing Os when he exited the field. 

Well, you know the rest.  The game progressed, but the Sox didn’t.  Although we got a couple of runs, many of the fans had exited the ballpark.  My buddy and I didn’t, however, and took advantage of the empty seats.  By the end of the game, we were in the 3^rd row behind the Tampa on deck circle.  They were amazing seats, but difficult to enjoy.  We did, however, have our rally caps on and cheer right up until the last out, despite the score.  Sure, we knew what the score was and the slim chances of us coming back.  But we were there for the Sox and were determined to give them our support. 

Tonight, more than ever, we need that support.  As much as I hate Tropicana Field, with those awful catwalks and the stupid cowbells, I’d give it all to see it again on TBS. 

Please, please….KEEP THE FAITH!