ALCS: Just Like Alex Cora, the Red Sox Keep Coming Back

It started with the opening series sweep in Baltimore. Then, after blowing a healthy divisional lead on the last day of July, the Red Sox suffered a demoralizing sweep by the Yankees at home in late September, and then lost two of three in Baltimore in the penultimate series of the season.

In the eyes of many, Boston had waved the white flag of defeat and simply quit. It was not the case. It turned out they were regrouping for a final assault.

Again they were given last rites when they fell behind, 5-1, in the finale of the regular season against the Washington Nationals, and again when they trailed, 5-2, to the Rays in the first inning of Game 2 of the division series. In both of those games they had their nominal ace, Chris Sale, pounded off the mound, yet rebounded to win.

In Game 2, Cora swiftly removed Sale, after a disastrous first inning, and then embarked on a series of micro pep talks on the bench. Boston went on to win, 14-6, and has not lost since.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/15/sports/baseball/alex-cora-boston-red-sox.html