ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Entering the American League Championship Series, the Tampa Bay Rays seemed to have the better bullpen of the two teams playing for a spot in the World Series.

But in Game 6 last night at Tropicana Field, the Red Sox bullpen was dominant for a second straight game.

After starter Josh Beckett worked five tough innings, allowing only two runs on four hits, Red Sox manager Terry Francona handed the ball over to his bullpen to finish the job.

Lefty Hideki Okajima worked two scoreless innings to bring his ALCS total to six innings without allowing a run. Rookie right-hander Justin Masterson followed to start the eighth inning. He hit his first batter, Jason Bartlett, before retiring the next three batters he faced.

Then in the ninth entered Jonathan Papelbon.

He earned the save by retiring the side in order to extend his postseason record for most career scoreless innings to 25 over 16 outings.

"It starts with the first guy out," said Papelbon. "He sets the tone, and when that guy throws up zeros, it's a domino effect. That's the way it's been all year for us down there."

"We've been fighting hard all year," added Masterson. "We're glad Josh gave us five strong innings and kept us right there. Okajima did a great job picking up two innings and Pap does what he does by shutting the door at the end."

Papelbon had praise for Beckett, who pitched easily his best game of this postseason.

"He went out there and gave us the usual Josh Beckett start," said Papelbon. "He poured all his heart and soul into all his pitches. He obviously gave us what we needed to hold on and hand it over to the bullpen."

"Outstanding," said Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia. "The bullpen was unbelievable. Okajima was awesome. Masterson was great and Pap was ... Pap."