McAdam: David Price settles all personal business in pennant clincher

HOUSTON -- In retrospect, this was the better stage. This was, by far, the better opportunity.

Sure, last Sunday, in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series at Fenway, David Price could have recorded one more out, and the Red Sox could have managed one more run in those first five innings, and he would have had his elusive white whale, his long sought-after first postseason win as a starting pitcher.

But what would that have proved? What would that have changed?

Four runs in five innings were not about to change his storyline, or provide him with any kind of meaningful makeover. Big deal -- one lousy win in three seasons. And it wasn't even a quality start!

That would have been like winning on a technicality. So maybe, as frustrating as it must have been, it was for the best that he experienced more delayed gratification.

Because Thursday night at Minute Maid Park, Price earned something far more meaningful. Pitching on just three days' rest, Price tossed six shutout innings on the road to pitch the Red Sox to an American League pennant while, in the process, knocking off the defending world champion Houston Astros.

Talk about a tough bar to clear. There was nothing cheap about this one. Nothing tainted. He beat the best team in the game, the deepest lineup in the game and he did it while outpitching Justin Verlander, who had the benefit of regular rest and the support of the home crowd — to say nothing of the reputation as one of the game's best big-game performers.

If it's going to take a decade to accomplish a goal -- Price, of course, made his postseason debut in the 2008 ALCS against the Red Sox -- you might as well check every box imaginable.

And Price was not about to apologize for all the enjoyment he got out of it.

"It's one of the most special days I've ever had on the baseball field,'' said Price. "So very special.''

Indeed it was. Price completely dominated a great team and sent them home for the winter.  He allowed just three hits, didn't walk a batter and struck out nine in six innings. He was particularly effective against the top four spots in the Houston batting order -- Alex Bregman, George Springer, Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa -- holding them to a combined 1-for-11 with six strikeouts.

He flashed a 95-mph fastball up high, featuring more zip than usual, and masterfully worked his changeup below hitters' knees. It was a textbook execution of the game plan necessary for success in 2018 -- working at both the top and bottom of the strike zone.

Price had appeared oddly calm in the Red Sox clubhouse after Wednesday's win, seemingly impervious to the trap that was being set for him. Here were the Red Sox, on the verge of dethroning the defending champs, one measly win away from moving to the World Series, and now Price, the guy who could never win The Big One, was lined up as the starter.

Was this someone's idea of a bad joke? You're going to pitch who with the pennant on the line?

But Price's serenity was well-founded. During some pre-game work, and then again in the bullpen, as Price warmed as a potential alternative to struggling closer Craig Kimbrel, he stumbled upon a breakthrough.

"What I kind of figured out in the bullpen and playing catch earlier that day, I do think that helped,'' said Price. "To be able to throw pitches on the mound (Wednesday) night and use the things we had figured out, that helped.''

A mechanical adjustment?

"Something along those lines, yeah,'' said Price, keeping the details to himself.

Newly prepared, his confidence grew. He finished with a flourish in the final inning, getting Bregman on a flyout to right, Springer on a bounced to third before fanning Altuve. He roared in exultation as he left the mound.

"To get a really good hitter ... I was happy, man,'' said Price, the sense of accomplishment still on his face. "To go out there tonight and get those good results, that was very special.''

Price is beloved by his teammates. One after another in the jubilant clubhouse, they spoke of their happiness for him, that he had finally shed the baggage that has been weighing him down for seasons.

"I feel great for him,'' said fellow starter Rick Porcello. "I know (his postseason failings) get talked about a lot, but in one of the biggest games he's ever pitched in his life, he was incredible tonight.''

And there was this poignant scene: while the American League trophy was being presented and the TBS post-game show was going on in the clubhouse, Price came out of the clubhouse and walked toward a group of a hundred or so family members and close friends of the team, his own family included. As he neared them, the group, behind a barricade, began chanting his name and applauding. The moment appeared to have moved Price greatly.

"You know, I don't get too emotional and I don't listen to too much,'' said manager Alex Cora, "but that one got me today because this guy, he shows up every day and works on his craft and he doesn't like to get beat up out there. He doesn't go out there to get beat up in the postseason.

"People don't know that his guy is one of the best teammates we have. He's (there) in the bullpen of every starter we have, he's in the video room, he's working for everybody to be better. And today, you know what? I was glad he was on the mound. I'm glad he pitched the way he did. And now, we can turn the page.''

Price made sure to make the night about the team and moving on to the World Series. But when pressed, he allowed that yes, he felt relieved to win as a starter.

"It feels good,'' he said. "I don't think I'm going to have to answer that question in spring training or Sept. 1 when that day comes. I don't have to answer that question now, so that feels good. I've (answered questions about not winning in the postseason) now for eight or nine years. I can't say I've grown accustomed to it, but when the time comes, that's a question I've had to answer -- whether it's spring training or Sept. 1 or before a start.

"I don't anticipate having to answer that anymore.''