One of the greatest rivalries in sports is between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. When these two teams get together, they battle like gladiators in a ring of fire. Every game has more intensity and determination then the previous one, and no game is ever done until that final out is made.
I’ve seen some miraculous comebacks in sports, many of them by both of these teams. However, none is more memorable then the 2004 ALCS, when the Red Sox trailed 3 games to none, and everybody counted them out. From Dave Roberts steal, to Papi’s big hits, to Damon’s slam, every play in those games were essential in order for the Red Sox to defeat Mariano Rivera and the Yankees. To this day, the Red Sox are the only team in major league history to overcome an 0-3 deficit; that my friends, is special.
Aside from the close games and astounding comebacks, what about the brawls? A brawl in baseball ignites the fans, and sends everyone in the park to their feet. So when these two teams go up against each other, everybody watching is prepared for what may be another epic brawl. Like when Don Zimmer charged Pedro on the mound, and Pedro threw him down like a bear would a pinecone. Or how about when Alex Rodriguez and Jason Varitek got into a little scrum by home plate. There are endless memories and battles between these teams and I can’t wait to see the next.
Round one between these two teams began this past weekend, and it went as follows. The Red Sox were stymied in game one, by the movement and changes of speed thrown to them by Chien-Ming Wang. Nevertheless, it was Josh Beckett’s turn on Saturday to return the favour to the Yankees, and boy did he ever. Throwing 39 pitches through the first 5 innings, Beckett looked masterful. However, a little blip in the 6th cost him a quality start, but the performance was definitely there for those who witnessed it.
Then the series came down to the rubber match on Sunday night; Matsuzaka v.s. Hughes. The Red Sox took advantage of Hughes early struggles and never looked back. Matsuzaka did the job, but was not overly spectacular. It was a team effort that earned them the final win in that series, and the bragging rights to round one. Round two will kick back up again this Wednesday, when the two teams meet for a rare 2 game set.
Thus, when these two teams prepare for battle, I am on the edge of my seat, regardless of the time of year. October is sweeter, but when I see the Red Sox win, I feel joy. When I see the Yankees lose, I feel extreme jubilation. There is nothing I enjoy more, than watching the Red Sox beat the Yankees.
