Hideki Okajima was inserted into a bases-loaded situation and got a
key out, Papelbon was in flame-throwing October mode, and manager Terry Francona shuffled his relievers in and out of the game just like it was the postseason.
"Those girls can flat out hit the ball hard, and I thought Janelle kept them off balance changing speeds, mixing speeds and getting
key outs.
"What Matt has been able to do is show that mentality and get
key outs even though he creates some of his own problems," Horton said.
And remember, someone could emerge from nowhere -- Brandon Finnegan was in college at this time last year, and wound up getting
key outs in the World Series.
Key outs: Manuel Almunia (released), Carlos Vela (Real Sociedad), Denilson (Sao Paulo, loan), Joel Campbell (Real Betis, loan), Robin van Persie (Manchester United), Kyle Bartley (Swansea), Ryo Miyaichi (Wigan, loan) Key man: Mikael Arteta.
Faced with a one-out, bases-loaded situation in the seventh inning, reliever Dan Naulty recorded the game's
key outs.
"We know that even earlier in the season, when he didn't have his best stuff or his best command, he was grinding, he was eating up some innings, and getting some
key outs in certain situations and minimizing damage."
Despite the opportunity to thrive in Don Pellum's defense, Heard can't help but wonder if he could get some
key outs for George Horton against Oregon State this weekend.
Cabrera hit .262 with two homers and seven RBIs in 11 postseason games, and made a couple of
key outs in Detroit's six-game loss to Boston in the AL championship series.