The White Sox have entered that busy intersection that could dictate their fortunes.
If they make the right turn Friday night at Fenway Park, they will win their first American League Division Series with their eighth consecutive victory dating back to Sept. 28.
But if they make a wrong turn, their current seven-game winning streak would end and they could be on a rocky path.
Given the recent postseason history of the Boston Red Sox, the White Sox might be inclined to use as many resources as possible to complete a three-game sweep in this best-of-five series.
“That’s the hardest one to win, the closing game,” catcher A.J. Pierzynski said before Thursday’s workout at Fenway. “They know it could be the end of their year, and they’ll give it all they can to try to get back in it.”
A victory Friday would give the Sox their fourth eight-game winning streak of the year. But the last time the Sox won seven straight, they lost four straight games. And Boston’s Game 3 starter, Tim Wakefield, who will oppose Freddy Garcia, is no stranger to pitching well in win-or-else situations.
Also waiting in the wings is ace Curt Schilling, who would start Game 4 on an added day of rest.
A victory Friday would give the White Sox ample time to set up for the ALCS as they did for the ALDS. Although Jon Garland hasn’t pitched since Sunday, he and the rest of the starting rotation would be lined up perfectly for either the New York Yankees or the Los Angeles Angels.
