The Red Sox took the first step in smashing an 86-year- old curse, with a strong performance from Curt Schilling, to take a 1-0 lead in the division series against the Anaheim Angels.
Schilling entered the game with a stellar, 5-1 record, and a 1.66 ERA in 11 previous postseason appearances. He and improved on that as he allowed only two runs in 6 2/3 innings, both coming from solo home runs. Troy Glaus had the first one in the fourth inning and Darin Erstad added the second long ball in the seventh.
Boston exploded in the top half of the fourth inning with a seven-run burst, beginning with a Kevin Millar two-run homer, and capped off by a Manny Ramirez three-run homer. The seven runs in an inning were the most ever scored by a Red Sox team in the playoffs.
That was all Schilling needed, as he and two relievers allowed only nine hits to seal the win.
The Angels Jarrod Washburn lasted only 3 1/3 innings in the loss. He was the ace of the staff that made the game-winning run, and won the World Series in 2002.
The Angels are still without suspended Jose Guillen, who was dismissed from the team with only seven games remaining because of a fued with coach, Mike Scioscia..
Game two will see Pedro Martinez face Bartolo Colon, which is set for Wednesday night, before the series moves back east to Fenway Park in Boston.
Martinez ended the season on a 0-4 skid, posting a 7.72 ERA in his last four starts.

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