[jg2977]

COWHERD:
Let’s start here. This is what happens when a franchise waits fourteen years to get back to the party and then shows up like it owns the place. Tampa Bay isn’t just winning this series—they’re imposing themselves. Eight-six over Boston, two-nothing series lead, and the Rays are now one win away from the ALCS.
And here’s the thing: Boston didn’t play terribly. They just did what Boston’s been doing all year—they cracked when the game demanded precision.
FRANCESA:
That’s exactly right, Colin. They had opportunities. They were in the game. But you can’t make three errors in a playoff game, you just can’t. And you can’t expect to survive October when you’re sloppy defensively and asking your bullpen to bail you out every night.
COWHERD:
Let’s talk about the star of the afternoon—Chris Smith. Three for four. Homer. Three runs scored. Two driven in. Speed. Power. Confidence. That’s not just a good game—that’s a postseason résumé builder.
When Tampa needed an answer, Smith had one. When Boston punched back, Smith said, “Nice try.”
FRANCESA:
He was the best player on the field. Period. Boston couldn’t get him out, couldn’t keep him off the bases, and when he got on, he changed the game. That stolen base matters. Those extra ninety feet matter. That’s playoff baseball.
COWHERD:
But the moment—the moment—comes in the eighth inning. Tie game. Season tilting. And Eric Crismond steps in, full count, sinker, and ropes a triple that flips the whole thing upside down.
That’s the difference between organizations. Tampa Bay gets timely execution. Boston gets nervous contact.
FRANCESA:
That’s a pitch you can’t throw there. You absolutely cannot. Simmons comes in, and the first real mistake ends up in the gap. That’s October pressure. The Rays handled it. Boston didn’t.
COWHERD:
And let’s not overlook this—Tampa Bay hasn’t trailed emotionally in this series for more than a few minutes. Even when Boston rallied in the eighth, Tampa answered immediately. That tells you something.
Meanwhile, Boston’s heading back to Fenway knowing this: they have to win three straight against a team that doesn’t beat itself.
FRANCESA:
That’s the problem. Tampa Bay doesn’t give games away. They catch the ball. They run the bases well. They get just enough pitching. Boston’s now in a spot where one bad inning ends their season.
COWHERD (closing):
So here we are. The top seed playing like it.
The underdog Red Sox looking exactly like a team running out of answers.
Rays up 2–0.
Fenway next.
And suddenly, Boston’s margin for error is zero.
That’s October.