Projo Sox Blog

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon set a new major-league record in Game One of the ALCS on Friday night at Tropicana Field when he worked a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save.

The hard-throwing right-hander extended his career postseason scoreless streak to 20 2/3 innings in 13 games, which is the most career scoreless innings in history without allowing a run, surpassing the late Joe Niekro (20 innings).

As reported by colleague Kevin McNamara after Friday's game, Papelbon didn't realize he set a record and actually tossed the game ball in the trash can. He eventually retrieved the pearl.

Papelbon certainly is an interesting character. Not only is he known for his dominance on the mound, he's also known to fans as the guy who likes to do dance the jig and pump his fist after big games.

The only time you'll see him show any kind of emotion is when his job is finished for the night. When the phone rings in the bullpen, asking for Papelbon, he has his routine where he's completely focused on the task at hand.

"He has the ability to amp it up without losing focus on what he's doing," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "He's not out there being all crazy. He's channeling that energy and his fastball had some great finish (Friday) night."

Papelbon's fastball was clocked between 93 and 97 MPH in the ninth inning on Friday.

"He's not excitable because he knows what he's supposed to do," added Francona. "His routine is solid. About the sixth inning he gets into that routine, and I would imagine he's a different person the last four innings than he is in the first four innings.

"If you can use that extra energy, and still locate and make your pitches, it's going to be helpful," admitted Francona. "If you get in a situation where you're all amp up and barking that's no good. But that's not an issue with him."

 Tags  Jonathan Papelbon Red Sox Terry Francona

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