Backed by David Ortiz's 54th home run -- and nine strikeouts of his own, one shy of his season high, including three of rookie bat-thrower Delmon Young -- Schilling (15-7) proved his worth in front of an announced crowd of 36,134, both in controlling the Devil Rays in a 5-1 win and lowering his ERA to 3.97, after it had crept up above 4.00.
Back on Aug. 4, the day Schilling collected his 14th win of the season, it was not out of the question that the rock of the Red Sox staff could make it to 20 wins for the fourth time in his career and second time in Boston. He wasn't exactly pitching his best but he had done enough to take wins in four of his last five starts. And, for the Sox to make the postseason, he would have to keep it up.
Seems like so long ago.
``It's disappointing on a lot of levels to have it go the way it went, after such a promising start," Schilling said. ``Just got to take it for what it is and learn from it. Eight weeks ago, we were in position to do something, and I'm looking at a 23-, 24-, 25-win season and all that comes with that. Last start of the year and I'm trying to get my 15th win. A lot of disappointment there, but can't change it now.
``I should have won a lot more. I should have pitched better."
No postseason beckons, leaving Schilling with only the golf in October that he decried not that long ago. No chance at 20 wins, not with a streak that included an 0-3 record in six starts after Aug. 4 and the injury that kept him out from Aug. 30-Sept. 20. Nothing but pride, a shot at win No. 207 of his career, and the chance to go back in front of the Blue Jays for the all-important second slot in the division.
And, somehow, an opportunity for a cryptic comment on his way out.
Asked how, with his physical questions answered during 2006, he will cope with his mental struggles, Schilling ended his press conference with a note of uncertainty on his status for 2007.
