G55: Mariners 4, Red Sox 3

Red Sox  - 000 003 000 - 3  7  1
Mariners - 201 000 001 - 4  8  1

Once again, the Red Sox rely on Timlin in a tie game in the ninth inning when Papelbon is presumably available. And once again, that decision ends in a quick loss.

Brad Mills was calling the shots, after Terry Francona was ejected (along with Lugo) in the fifth inning, shortly after Matsuzaka left with a possible hip injury. In the ninth, Balentien reached on an infield single that Cora could not field in the hole. Balentien moved to second on Cairo's bunt and took third on Reed's grounder to second. After Ichiro was walked intentionally, Lopez lined a game-winning single past Lowell at third down the left field line.

... Timlin -- never a good decision.

(Although, honestly, Old Yeller did alright, all things considered. If Cora makes the play in the hole, everything might have been fine and the game might have gone to the 10th.)

Dice allowed three early runs before Manny tied the game with his 499th career dong.

***

Daisuke Matsuzaka (2.40, 180 ERA+) / Miguel Batista (6.47, 61 ERA+)

Clay Buchholz could come off the disabled list on Wednesday, but he'll make at least one more start for Pawtucket -- Friday against Durham.

Jon Lester was named the AL Player of the Week. (His father has been diagnosed with lymphoma.) ... Julian Tavarez has signed with the Brewers.