If you want something done right, get a Commodore to do it.
Former Vanderbilt star David Price, the first overall pick in the 2007 Major League Baseball draft by the Tampa Bay Rays, closed out Game 7 of the American League Championship Series by recording the final four outs to defeat the Boston Red Sox, 3-1.
"There was no reason to be nervous, because this is what I've prepared myself for," Price said.
The Rays, a perennial doormat of the American League, advanced to the World Series for the first time in their brief history, where they will face the National League champion Philadelphia Phillies starting tonight.
The Rays had a 3-1 lead in the series and were seven outs from clinching in Boston with a 7-0 lead in Game 5. The Red Sox staged an amazing comeback, scoring eight runs to win and followed up with a Game 6 victory in Tampa to force the series to seven games.
With that all in mind, Price's save was a nail-biter, with every fan at Tropicana Field on edge with every pitch.
There was no need to worry.
The 6-foot-6-inch lefty entered the game and struck out Boston right fielder J.D. Drew with the bases loaded to end the eighth inning and then shrugged off a leadoff walk to strike out Mark Kotsay and Jason Varitek before getting pinch hitter Jed Lowrie to ground out for the victory.
"His approach to that moment was impeccable," said Vanderbilt head baseball coach Tim Corbin. "To watch him and (the Rays) win was a real thrill."
After the win was secured, Price threw down his glove and was bear-hugged by catcher Dioner Navarro before being wrestled to the ground by a mob of teammates.
"I want the ball in those types of situations when the game's on the line," Price told the Nashville media during a teleconference on Monday. "I want that spotlight on me."
"He's that type of kid," Corbin said. "He expects to win, and he has high expectations of his performance."
Price, who recorded his first career major league save, got the win in Game 2 of the ALCS by recording two outs in the 11th inning and watching his team win it in the bottom of the inning on a sacrifice fly.
For the series, Price worked 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief and allowed no hits and two walks, while striking out four.
Corbin feels Price's greatest asset on the mound is his competitive nature.
"He's a rare guy," Corbin said. "He can concentrate very, very well at key moments. That's what separates him from others."
"That's just the way I was raised," Price said. "I expect to win every time I touch the ball."
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
