DENVER (AP) – Jonathan Papelbon felt a bit woozy. Fortunately for the Red Sox relief ace, the thin air didn’t get to him until after the final out.
Putting aside the symptoms of playing a mile high, Papelbon closed out a 10-5 win Saturday night that gave Boston a 3-0 lead in the World Series.
“It didn’t have any effect on me during the game, but it’s having some effect on me now,” said Papelbon, who threw 15 pitches for his second straight save in the Series. “I’m kind of beat up. I’m not going to lie.”
The Red Sox last visited Coors Field in 2004 for interleague play. Coming in this week left designated hitter David Ortiz feeling hung over – and that was before he had a chance to drink any celebratory champagne.
That could come as soon as Sunday if the Red Sox complete the sweep.
Papelbon said he hasn’t gotten any headaches.
“I got drugs for that – now,” he said.
Catcher Jason Varitek said he felt it, too.
“I had to continue to try to take deep breaths to try to slow myself down,” he said. “There’s a difference.”
Red Sox manager Terry Francona said the bigger problem in playing in Coors Field is the spacious outfield. But with speedy outfielders like Jacoby Ellsbury and Coco Crisp, he doesn’t think it will affect Boston like some other teams.
“This is Denver,” he said, “It’s not Mars.”
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