Agreed on the toughness...for both these teams. They deserve credit in the end for executing slightly better in each game. But just like the Astros, they also offered Games 2 & 3 back to their opponent on several occasions.
It's silly to look at this series for its missed opportunities (not that you are) when both teams got here by capitalizing throughout the regular season and postseason in order to reach the finals. There have been bad umpiring calls go against both teams, bad and good breaks for both, and bullpen meltdowns and clutch hitting and pitching on both.
Roy looked in control through four, especially having been spotted 4, then didn't. The Sox looked like they would take Game 3 quietly, then Lane comes through, but the ball doesn't roll into the corner to allow Bruntlett to score. Then a ton of walks and baserunners for the Stros, but they can't score once. Then Blum, then a couple of rollers down the third base line, then Astacio can't find the plate. Then Uribe flubs a sure game ender off of Ausmus' bat. Then Everett has the chance to be the latest hero. But isn't. Oh, and 100 other "pivotal" moments that I failed to mention.
There were perhaps two or three dozen chances on both sides for players to step up, and some on both sides did. And there were just as many chances for players to fail, and some on both sides did.
What a series. I still can't believe the Astros are in the World Series.
