BOSTON — It isn’t often that Jonathan Papelbon’s biggest contribution to a baseball game isn’t a strikeout.

The Red Sox closer faced four hitters in the second game of the World Series last night and struck out two batters with his blazing fastball. But it was a rare pick-off that was the highlight of Papelbon’s night and perhaps the biggest play in Boston’s 2-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies.

The Sox summoned Papelbon from the bullpen with the Red Sox clinging to a 2-1 lead. Hideki Okajima had struck out the first two batters in the eighth inning, capping off a sterling relief effort (no hits, 2 1/3 innings). But with dangerous right-handed hitter Matt Holliday due up, Terry Francona sent out for his ace closer.

“Pap was going to face Holliday regardless,” Francona said.

Holliday, the leading contender for the MVP award in the National League, came to the plate after already knocking out three hits in the game. He greeted Papelbon by lining a wicked shot back up the middle that sent the pitcher dancing off the mound to avoid injury. The ball was knocked down behind second base but Holliday had his fourth single of the night.

With Todd Helton at the plate, Papelbon peered over his left shoulder and noticed that Holliday was a step or two beyond the comfort zone at first base. When Papelbon threw over to first, Holliday, who stole 11 bases this season, seemed to stumble a bit and he was easily tagged out by Kevin Youkilis. It was Papelbon’s first career pickoff.

“I held the ball and delivered a simple pick,” Papelbon said. “It’ll probably go down as one of the biggest outs of my career so far.”

Starter Curt Schilling and catcher Jason Varitek both said the team’s advance scouts had told the pitching staff that the Rockies sometimes linger off first base a bit. He said that had to be in Papelbon’s mind.

“In a billion-dollar organization, it does come down to the little things,” Schilling said.

Varitek said he got the throw-over sign from bench coach Brad Mills. “I don’t want to divulge too much but we had the throw-over sign. (Brad) Mills did a great job there and got us an easy out,” said the catcher.

Papelbon said he simply read Varitek’s sign. “Obviously I don’t pick a whole lot, but the one time I happen to pick this season it happens to be a big one,” he said.

The pickoff preserved the one-run lead but Papelbon’s night wasn’t over. In the ninth, he needed to dispose of Colorado’s 4-5-6 hitters. Against Helton, Papelbon worked the count to 2-2 and then blew the hitter away with a 98mph fastball. That brought up Garrett Atkins who quickly flew out to center. Papelbon then struck out Brad Hawpe with a fastball that registered 99 mph on Fenway’s radar gun.

Papelbon has now pitched 7.2 innings over five playoff games and allowed four hits and no runs. Last night he had the chance to pitch in a tight game but still delivered.

“It definitely was a lot different feeling,” he said. “I had to keep my emotions in check because I pitch off emotion. Whatever good comes out of it is so rewarding to me.”

kmcnamar@projo.com