John Kerry Called It -- It's 2½!! Pedro Martinez threw 7 shutout innings (4 hits, 9 strikeouts) and Manny Ramirez and Bill Mueller hit solo home runs as Boston took the first game from Texas 2-0. It was the Red Sox 10th straight win (and 11th straight at home); they have won 16 of their last 17 and 19 of 22. ... They also did it without David Ortiz and Johnny Damon in the lineup. The lead in the East has not been this small since June 11.

In the Bronx, Baltimore beat the Yankees 3-1. Closer Jorge Julio struck out A-Rod, Matsui and Posada in the bottom of the 9th, thus sending George Steinbrenner scurrying around for more inspirational messages to read to his fighting men tomorrow morning. ... The bigger news came during Joe Torre's post-game conference when it was announced that tonight's starter Kevin Brown had punched a clubhouse wall after being pulled and broken his left (non-throwing) hand. There is no word on how long he will be out.

You know -- I'm getting pretty ... fucking ... giddy.