The Rays have an unwritten rule that they don’t dwell on tough losses for more 30 minutes following a game.

When his players were talkative, even joking one with one another, when they got on the plane, Maddon was confident they were leading a bad three innings behind.

“I know we’re young, and again, I know we lack experience in a lot of ways. But we’re gaining it right now. My experience with our group is that we’ve been very resilient all year,” the manager said.

“I never want them to have a sense of desperation. That’s my whole point. I feel like if I’m doing my job right, they’re not going to feel that. If I’m doing my job inappropriately, they are going to feel that.”

Beckett, who battled injuries this season, became the first Red Sox pitcher to win four games in a single postseason a year ago.

The big right-hander has struggled in both of his postseason starts this year, however manager Terry Francona’s confidence in him isn’t shaken.

“When he is relaxed and comfortable and just executing pitches, there may not be a better pitcher in the game,” Francona said.

“Again, there’s been some things he’s fighting. Some of it is inconsistency because of work, and it was hard for him. But again, if you have to give a ball to somebody in Game 6, I can’t imagine not being excited to give him the ball.”

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