Ace closer Papelbon can’t save Boston’s season
AP Photo/Charles Krupa
Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon pitches against the Los Angeles Angels in the eighth inning during Game 3 of an American League division series on Sunday.
AP Sports Writer
Published: October 11, 2009
BOSTON — Ace closer Jonathan Papelbon couldn’t save Boston’s season.
The intimidating right-hander hadn’t permitted a run in any of his 26 postseason innings before Sunday. But he gave up three in the ninth, allowing the Los Angeles Angels to come from behind for a 7-6 win and a sweep of their AL division series.
A grim ending for a pitcher who had 38 saves and a 1.85 ERA in the regular season.
And a stunning finish to a Red Sox season that seemed headed for at least one more game Monday night.
They led 5-2 when Papelbon came in from the bullpen with two outs and runners at second and third in the eighth. Soon, it was 5-4 when Juan Rivera singled in two runs.
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