Eureka!

Terry Francona isn't brain-dead, after all. Back in Boston after staying alive by winning the last game in Cleveland, the sometimes clueless Red Sox manager replaced Human Rally Killer Coco Crisp with rookie Jacoby Ellsbury, who paid quick dividends with an RBI single in the third inning. Overall the rookie outfielder went 1-5 with one RBI and one run scored, though he was robbed of a base hit at the end of the fourth inning by Indians centerfielder Grady Sizemore. The important thing is that with two on and one out, Ellsbury did not kill the rally by failing to at least advance the runners in the Red Sox' six-run third inning. Better late than never, Tito!

Just as importantly, old man Schilling reverted back to his old October self, holding the potent Cleveland lineup to two runs over seven innings for the win. The performance improved Schilling's career playoff record to an absurd 10-2 with a 2.23 ERA. And some still aren't convinced he's worthy of the Hall of Fame, which is at least comforting reassurance that the Red Sox are not being managed by the absolute stupidest guy in the world.