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Maddon: Big Papi was right


David Ortiz implied following last night’s game that the Rays looked a bit tight or panicked during Game 1.

“I’m telling you, I saw faces tonight different than what I see in the regular season,” he said. “I don’t blame nobody. It’s a lot of pressure out there right now in this game. You know you have to win or otherwise you go home.”

Asked his opinion on the topic this afternoon, Joe Maddon immediately concurred.

“For the first time yesterday, I thought we were impacted a little bit by the event,” said Maddon. “I’d like to think that we’re going to get beyond that today. I agree with him.”

Maddon attributed his team’s jumpiness—which he said manifested itself mostly in impatient at-bats—to a situation that was unique to most of the Rays. Of course, they have spent the entire season handling themselves well in uncharted territory, but for some reason it was different Friday.

“In spite of all the preaching, all the attempts to stay within the same parameters. I thought yesterday we got away from ourselves just a little bit,” said Maddon.

He did add, however, that he figured that edginess would be a one-and-done situation for his team.

“I’d like to believe that we learned a lesson yesterday and we can move on today.”

One other pregame note from Maddon: He said Troy Percival returned to California rather than remaining with the team for the ALCS because he wanted to spend some time with his family. Maddon said Percival will continue throwing and will be able to return at “a moment’s notice” if he is needed.

Send Us Your Comments

Posted by  Mike C., Tampa on 10/11  at  05:16 PM

I don’t think losing game one was a big deal, if we lose tonight then we are going to be in a jam.  But nevertheless just as the Red Sox know it’s not over until it’s over.


Posted by  Frank, Providence, RI on 10/11  at  04:23 PM

Your coverage of this series has been excellent - knowledgeable and down the line.  How big a deal do you think the result of Game 1 is for the Rays chances?  As a Sox fan, that is not a Game that i expected them to win. I think it was a pretty huge deal and that, as a result, the Red sox not only have a very good chance to win this thing, but in 6 games. Nice to see your community so into October baseball. Good luck.


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