Rain in Boston Postpones BoSox-Yanks Game

Friday, October 15th 2004, 7:23 pm

By: News On 6

BOSTON (AP) _ Steady rain Friday night forced major league baseball to postpone Game 3 of the AL championship series between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees. The steady rain began about two hours before the scheduled 8:19 p.m. start, and fell harder at about 8 p.m. Baseball announced the postponement at 8:05 p.m.

The best-of-seven series, which New York leads 2-0, is scheduled to resume Saturday night at Fenway Park. Game 4 will be Sunday night and Game 5, if necessary, on Monday at 5:10 p.m.

The National Weather Service forecast called for mostly cloudy skies for Saturday night, with a 50 percent chance of showers and 10-15 mph winds. The temperature was expected to dip into the 40s.

Bronson Arroyo remains scheduled to pitch Game 3 for Boston against New York's Kevin Brown, and Tim Wakefield is to start Game 4 for the Red Sox against Orlando Hernandez.

Boston manager Terry Francona hasn't decided whether Game 2 loser Pedro Martinez would replace Derek Lowe, his scheduled Game 5 starter.

``I know that's a possibility,'' Francona said. ``When the time comes, we'll announce what we think is in our best interests. I think first we need to find out what we think is in our best interests.''

New York manager Joe Torre and pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre were leaning against changing their rotation to move up Mike Mussina, who beat Curt Schilling in the opener. Mussina remained scheduled to start Game 5.

``We felt yesterday, and we talked a little bit today, that we'll probably stay with the (Nos.) 3, 4 guys,'' Torre said.

Schilling, unable to start Game 5 because of his ailing right ankle, threw for about 15 minutes in the bullpen about two hours before game time, but not at full strength. Twice, he stopped to tweak his shoe as about nine Red Sox officials, doctors and trainers kept a close eye on him.

There was no immediate announcement on his availability.

Because of the rainout, the teams would lose the off day if the series goes beyond five games. Game 6 remains scheduled for Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night.

Last year, Game 4 at Fenway Park was postponed, causing the teams to lose the travel day of the series, which New York won 4-3.