One coin flip away

A week ago, the SoxandPhils championship face-off seemed tantalizingly close. But after the Rays took three in a row, and nearly a fourth, it seemed like the World Series would go on without the Sox.

But tonight they lived to play another game, beating the Rays 4-2 behind a not masterful but sturdy Josh Beckett and some clutch hitting including Jason Varitek's first hit of the series - his first home run in a month, which gave the Sox the lead for good in the 6th.

Tomorrow it's Jon Lester vs. Matt Garza for the right to face the Phillies. The Rays have the talent and the home-field advantage; the Sox have the momentum and the experience.

Once again, it's a coin flip. If it comes up in favor of the Red Sox, I'll be wondering if I have the guts to wear my colors into Philadelphia for Game 5 of the World Series, and Christine will be glad that most of the nation will be pulling for the Phillies, not just taking cheap shots at the city's fans. {I'm highly advising Greg to leave the hat behind. He may root for the Red Sox, but I'd still like him to return home safely.}

Oh, and TBS better not have any more technical difficulties for Game 7. I'd like to see the whole game.

[Photo credit: Associated Press]