Boston’s Dustin Pedroia is safe at second after driving in Coco Crisp in Game Three of the World Series on Saturday in Denver.

The Providence Journal / Bob Breidenbach

DENVER — From his first day in the Boston organization, Dustin Pedroia’s goal was to reach this level. In this, his first full season in the majors, the down-and-dirty second baseman has been one of the main ingredients in the winning formula for Boston.

Jacoby Ellsbury hasn’t been part of the mix as long as Pedroia, obviously; he made it to the Red Sox to stay just last month. But suddenly, he’s at the top of the batting order and providing a new spark to an already potent attack.

“They’re going good,” Kevin Youkilis said of the pair. “They’re in a great position to come out and play a part.”

And they’re not all. Youkilis, Jonathan Papelbon, Jon Lester and Manny Delcarmen — all graduates of the team’s farm system — have made solid contributions to this club.

Which is why manager Terry Francona yesterday was heaping praise on the Red Sox’ scouting and development departments for their efforts in stocking the big-league team.

“I’m sure there are a lot of people in our player-development (department) who are pretty proud right now, as they should be,” Francona said. “We’re the ones who get to stand up here and talk about the young kids, but the player-development people, the ones that spend all the time with them, they’ve done a great job.”

And being more of a home-grown product is important to the Sox, Francona said.

“I think there’s a lot of pride in that,” he added. “Any time you talk with (general manager) Theo (Epstein), he’ll bring that up right away.

“Our owners give us a lot of money to go out and spend and get good players. But having guys come through your system is a great way to do it. And when they’re able to come and contribute, and not just contribute but be pivotal players, it’s a huge source of pride,” he said.

Pedroia, a strong candidate for the Rookie of the Year Award, earned some valuable experience in the final month of the 2006 season when he was a September call-up and was able to get a feel for how the Red Sox operated.

Heading into spring training before this year he just wanted to make the team, never mind think about a World Series title.

“I just wanted to do anything I could to help the team win,” he said before Game Four of the World Series at Coors Field yesterday. His postseason resumÉ is quickly writing itself.

Entering Game Four last night, he had scored 12 runs to tie Derek Jeter (1996) for most ever by a rookie in a single postseason. After hitting just .172 in the first seven postseason games, Pedroia’s offense has been outstanding over the last six contests. Heading into last night’s game, he had a .444 average (12-for-27) with 4 doubles, 2 homers, 9 RBI, 5 runs and 4 walks, over his last six games.

Ellsbury, meanwhile, went 4-for-5 including three doubles, a single, two RBI and two runs scored in Game Three of the World Series on Saturday night to help Boston to a 10-5 victory.

“Man, Ellsbury and Pedroia did a great job,” veteran Mike Lowell said. “They have really good talent and they’re not overmatched.”

“Throw age out of the question,” Papelbon said. “Age means nothing to me and I don’t think it means anything to anybody in this clubhouse . . . If you can play at this level, then you can play at this level, bar none.

“We’re obviously showing that as a young group of guys, and hopefully we can stay together, stick together and keep that in this clubhouse.”

The job Ellsbury did in the leadoff spot Saturday night was very impressive. During the four previous games — Games Six and Seven of the ALCS and Games One and Two of the Series — he batted at the bottom of the order. With no DH in the National League park, Youkilis was forced to sit early in Saturday’s game as David Ortiz played first.

“The thing with our lineup is, I feel like I just have to get on base,” Ellsbury said. “With Dustin behind me — and he’s been playing great — he’s going to do the job. He’s going to move runners, and with David and Manny behind him, and Mike Lowell as well, you’ve got to like your chances when you get on.”

“He’s done well,” pitcher Mike Timlin said. “He’s come in and infused a lot of enthusiasm. He plays the game hard. He’s consistently moving. He runs balls out and he’s trying as hard as he possible can just to play the game right. When you do that, when you play the game correctly, you’re going to have a good time. And, he’s having great success.”

Ironically, the last rookie to have such an impact in the World Series is Red Sox ace Josh Beckett, who was named the 2003 World Series MVP while he was pitching for the Florida Marlins. The right-hander was 23 at the time when he pitched on three days rest to clinch the Fall Classic in Game Six against the Yankees, and that performance was the cornerstone for what he’s been able to do for the Red Sox in this postseason run.

Ellsbury appears to be on the same track.

“He’s good,” Beckett said. “He’s going to be great. I wasn’t as fresh in the league [in 2003] as he is now.”

Sean McAdam contributed to this report.

skrasner@projo.com