By KEVIN McNAMARA, The Providence Journal

BOSTON -- In a game filled with improbable moments, the Boston Red Sox' biggest hero was as unlikely as anyone.

Jed Lowrie began this season playing 53 games in Class AAA Pawtucket and continued his dream rookie season in the majors by driving in the run that clinched Boston's A.L. Division Series Wednesday night at Fenway Park.

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- After hearing so much about the absence of Josh Beckett, the Boston Red Sox' confidence in left-hander Jon Lester was rewarded in spades Wednesday night.

Early in his career, Antonio McDyess knew all about being an NBA star.

McDyess was a major force with the Denver Nuggets and was seen as one of basketball's rising young talents. A knee injury in 2002 ended those dreams.

BOSTON -- After a grueling, emotional seven-game series -- two back-to-back, in fact -- the Boston Celtics could use a few days of rest before lacing them up for a matchup with the Detroit Pistons. No such luck.

ATLANTA -- The series may be four games old and neither team owns a critical victory but right now the Atlanta Hawks seem to have the Boston Celtics back on their heels.

After two momentum-filled wins at Philips Arena, it is the Hawks who probably can't wait to get the Celtics back on the floor in Game Five Wednesday night at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston.

Earlier this week, Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers gave a little plug for James Posey and his role as the team's super sub this season.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- In a perfect world, Jim Larranaga could return to his alma mater and enjoy a welcome home to Providence College with trumpets blaring sometime this week. But it won't be that easy.