September 8, 2008

G143: Red Sox 3, Rays 0

Rays    - 000 000 000 - 0  7  0
Red Sox - 300 000 00x - 3 9 0
The Red Sox are only 0.5 GB the Rays in the East -- with 19 games to go in the regular season.

Boston scored three quick runs off Jackson in the first and Lester (7.2-6-0-3-9) and Jonathan Papelbon (1.1-1-0-0-3, 18) made it stand up.

Mark Kotsay walked on five pitches. Dustin Pedroia lined out to second, as Akinori Iwamura dove to his right and snared the ball. David Ortiz doubled off the Wall in left-center, scoring Kotsay. Kevin Youkilis lined a single to center, as Jackson had to duck to avoid being hit, scoring Flo, but was caught in a run down trying to get to second base. Jason Bay followed with a solo home run off the light tower in left-center.

Lester allowed only one Tampa Bay runner to reach second base through the first five innings. After seven innings, he had thrown 105 pitches and seemed done for the night, but he was back out on the hill for the eighth. Lester got the first two outs before allowing a single to Ben Zobrist and a ground-rule double to Carlos Pena. With the tying run at the plate -- Rocco Baldelli -- Terry Francona called on Papelbon.

Bot struck out Baldelli to end the threat. It was also the Tampa Clipper's fourth whiff of the night, earning him the Golden Shower. In the ninth, Papelbon allowed a two-out single to pinch-hitter Eric Hinske, but struck out Gabe Gross to preserve the shutout.

It was the first time Tampa Bay was shutout in consecutive games since April 28-29, 2004 -- and those whitewashes were also at Fenway Park.

Coco Crisp went 3-for-3 with a stolen base and Kotsay added two singles to his first-inning walk.

In other games, the Angels routed the Yankees 12-1. The Central-leading White Sox and Blue Jays were rained out in Chicago.

***

Edwin Jackson (4.07, 106 ERA+) / Jon Lester (3.37, 134 ERA+)

The last game the Rays played at Fenway Park ...




There has been eight years of bad blood between these two rivals.

Jackson lasted a season-low 3.1 innings against the Yankees in his last start, allowing 10 hits and six runs. In each of his four starts before that outing, he pitched at least six innings and allowed two or fewer runs. ... Lester has allowed a total of two runs in his last two starts (11.2 innings).

Tampa Bay activated third baseman Evan Longoria on Saturday. Longoria, who fractured his right wrist on August 8, says the pain is "very minimal" and the wrist is "almost 100 percent". ... J.D. Drew may return to the Red Sox lineup tonight.

All 12 meetings between the Red Sox and Rays so far this season have been won by the home team. There is a huge amount of pressure for the Rays this week. They were swept on the road by the Blue Jays -- the last two losses being a 13-inning heartbreaker and a 1-0 shutout. Now their lead is as low as it's been since July 28 -- and they are coming into Fenway, where the Red Sox are playing .716 ball (48-19, a 116-win pace).

Eric Hinske:
We have definitely got to get one win there for sure and hopefully win the series. ... You have just got to treat it as any other kind of game if you can. It's not, but you have to just treat it like it's any other game.
Marc Lancaster, Tampa Tribune:
The AL East upstarts continue to insist there is no need to panic and the next three games won't make or break their season, but they're more vulnerable now than at any time since the All-Star break and running out of margin for error.

"We know what we've got to do and they know what they've got to do," Rays starter Matt Garza said of the Red Sox. "Right now, we're up top. They're chasing us. We keep playing our ball and this thing will turn around. Right now we're in a little bit of a rut - what is that, five out of the last six? That's nothing bad." ...

The first challenge for the Rays the next three evenings will be keeping the games close. In going 0-6 at Fenway this season, the nearest the Rays have come to the Red Sox is three runs, in a 7-4 loss June 3. ... The Red Sox have averaged more than seven runs per game while hosting the Rays, outscoring Tampa Bay 45-16 in six meetings.

Tonight's starter, Edwin Jackson, has been among the primary culprits. In two losses at Fenway in May and June, Jackson allowed a combined 15 hits and 10 runs in nine innings.
Marc Topkin, St. Petersburg Times:
The Rays insist they aren't doing anything differently, the pennant race isn't affecting them and, despite being swept by the Blue Jays and losing five of their past six, they aren't feeling any extra pressure going into tonight's opener of the showdown series in Boston.

At least, that's what they're saying.

The evidence, compounded by a 1-0 loss Sunday, says otherwise. They're not getting the big hits when they need them, they're making more mistakes and, most significantly, they're not winning like they did most of the past five months. ...

As much as they talk about how, with three weeks left, there is no reason to panic — manager Joe Maddon, perhaps symbolically, had a schedule in his hands during his postgame media session — they have reason to be wary of what lies ahead.

The Sox, with their top three pitchers lined up and their lineup fortified, have a chance to take over first place with a sweep, and Fenway Park — where the Rays haven't won since last September and will be playing for the first time since the June 5 brawl — will be ferocious the next three nights.
Joe Maddon:
We really do need to win a game or two in Boston. I've said that from the very beginning. It would be nice to get a win up there, possibly two, whatever ...
Extra Bases has a few more links to Tampa media.

Tonight will be the 456th consecutive sellout crowd at Fenway Park, which will break Cleveland's major league record of 455 set from June 12, 1995 to April 2, 2001. The Red Sox's streak began on May 15, 2003.

On Thursday morning, I want the AL East standings to look like this:


Of lesser importance:
Blue Jays/White Sox at 8
Yankees/Angels at 10
East
Rays 85 56 --- Magic #
Red Sox 84 58 1.5 20
Blue Jays 76 66 9.5 12
Yankees 76 67 10.0 11
Orioles 63 78 22.0 E

Wild Card
Red Sox 84 58 --- Magic #
Twins 78 65 6.5 14
Blue Jays 76 66 8.0 13
Yankees 76 67 8.5 12

314 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   201 – 314 of 314
A Conformer said...

Jon Lester, those who are about to conquer first place salute you.

tim said...

wicked wicked lestah.

s1c said...

Some more runs would be appreciated.

A Conformer said...

The game in Detroit is in the top of the fifth, so I think Shef will keep 249999 and 250000.

tim said...

iBar: The exam you have to pass to be on Apple's legal team. Or where Steve Jobs goes to drink?

Tony said...

Or there's Aye, Bar...what a Scotsman would say if you were meeting him for a drink (and, I guess, he didn't say "pub" instead of "bar").

...I'll show myself out.

nick said...

Is the globe going to distribute a new poster each day the red sox set a new sell-out record?

Rob said...

I wonder who handed Jere is commemorative ticket tonight.

tim said...

SASNHE

Benjamin said...

Tek strikes out on elevated heat. x2. Unpossible.

Rob said...

Is the globe going to distribute a new poster each day the red sox set a new sell-out record?

I hope not. They'll have to distribute it every day from now on.

Tony said...

Yeesh, 0-9 for Lowell/Lowrie/Tek.

tim said...

...I'll show myself out.

This way! *waves* (I'm already there...we've lameo'd this thread up about 100x)

tim said...

Where are redsock and L-girl?

Benjamin said...

So Lester's back out. Interesting.

tim said...

lestah back, probably on a short leash

Tony said...

Hey, if Lester can keep getting outs and he's not tired, keep him out there.

tim said...

Don't think many were here during Sat's Jays-Rays game, but I was watching on CBC (Canadian channel) and it was refreshing to have great commentary (not a fucking idiot) and not have anything sponsored.

if they wanted to show the top 5 HR leaders, they'd show it and talk about it. a pitching change, they would just have it, and wouldn't even use the chance to cram a few extra commercials in. it was great.

that was also great. jedi power!

tim said...

Also from a few days ago...Fuck that "This interview is brought to you by Bigelow Tea" - WTF was that shit?!?!?!

tim said...

Lester still dealing!

Rob said...

Next summer when I go up to northern Maine I'll see how CBC's games are. Perks of northern Maine, you get CBC.

Rob said...

And if I go up this winter I'll be able to watch Hockey Night in Canada!

Rob said...

THE WALL GIVETH.

efd said...

nice play by Bay to keep that a single.

Tony said...

Aw, fiddlesticks.

So that's the end of Lester's night, then?

tim said...

My mom gets it in Searsport...They had a contract this year to do a few weekend series, so they got the young guy that does the Saturday west coast hockey games to do it. (As opposed to the 100 year olds that do the primetime east coast/Toronto - game) He does the commentary on the NHL video games too.

tim said...

I think its pap time.

A Conformer said...

Wow, Tito really stretching Lester.

s1c said...

That was close. One more out here Lester.

Cito talking about starting Doc on sunday on three days rest. Hmm, he does realize that Doc is only a .500 pitcher vs the sox?

Nuts.

About time Terry

Tony said...

Oh dear...maybe it should've been.

efd said...

that's probably it for Lester, eh?

(Francona out of dugout before I finished typing)

tim said...

HNIC is pretty awesome

Tony said...

Bring the hammer down, Bot!

s1c said...

Wakefield spreading the Cash!!!

(does anybody remember belli being in any commercials with wake?)

Rob said...

Why would Cito care if Halladay pitches against the Sox or not? They're not going to the playoffs...

I mean, they've got a better chance to do it than the Yankees do, but 9.5 is pretty far back with only a handful to play.

A Conformer said...

Tito really wants to win this game: Lester for 119 pitches, then Snuffer for 4 outs. I like it.

Now Paps, be your usual self and kill the rally.

Benjamin said...

Time to fit Baldelli with a golden sombrero.

Rob said...

Interesting to bring in Bot now.

tim said...


Cito talking about starting Doc on sunday on three days rest. Hmm, he does realize that Doc is only a .500 pitcher vs the sox?


I thought about making a comment earlier re: the odds of making the playoffs and the Jays being under 2%, as a followup to redsock and I's discussion about how the media here thinks the jays are WS faves every year, yet they are perpetually a .500 team.

wtf is the point of that, cito? i realize its a double header, but why not just use the fucker on sunday? jockeying for a playoff spot?

tim said...

Golden showers for Baldelli would be nice

nick said...

Time to fit Baldelli with a golden sombrero.

That's what I learned in sex-ed. Always cover your Baldelli with a golden sombrero.

tim said...

Baldelli....the new word for "meat market" ?

Rob said...

Would that put Baldelli on the all-penis team?

nick said...

gee. where are redsock and l-girl?

Rob said...

GOLDEN SHOWER.

Benjamin said...

Sombrero.

tim said...

golden showers!

nick said...

story of my life. My Baldelli is a perpetual strike out victim.

Tony said...

YEAH BOT!

Now THAT is a game Baldelli will want to forget.

s1c said...

Sombrero, me loves sombrero.

I think I'll go make one now.

Rob said...

Told you we'd have some interesting answers to why L-Sock aren't here!

gee. where are redsock and l-girl?

golden showers!

Rob said...

I may regret that comment if I were ever nominated for VP.

tim said...

Would that put Baldelli on the all-penis team?

Along with Fernando Rodney?

And all sorts of Johnsons? (i.e. the Big Unit)

tim said...

Told you we'd have some interesting answers to why L-Sock aren't here!

lmfao.

you bastard - your comment was right after the question yet you quoted mine :P

coco "so hot hes burnt to a" crisp up

Rob said...

Jackson looking for the CG L.

tim said...

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

(sizzle sound-fx)

Rob said...

Ha. No CG L for Jackson.

Rob said...

But an L? YES.

Tony said...

Let's not forget Wang on the all-penis team. He'd be the 3rd or 4th starter. Certainly not the ace. :D

tim said...

Anyway time to relax after a heavy day and watch the rest sans computadora. (3 words, 3 languages...sexy)

I'll be enjoying the dirty water soon though!

nick said...

later, tim.

tim said...

Dave Bush

Tony said...

Crisp is hitting .615 so far in this month, with a 1.386 OPS. He's raised his BA what, 40 points since August began?

nick said...

I feel a little for Jackson. He pitched a respectable game, but soon to dowsed with the dirty water.

efd said...

Let's see if the Sox can give Redsock a palindromic linescore as a welcome-back present.

Well, except for the hits and errors part.

A Conformer said...

Along with Fernando Rodney?

And all sorts of Johnsons? (i.e. the Big Unit)


We did this already: Wang, Dick Pole, RA Dickey, countless Rods and Johnsons, and many many more.

nick said...

fuck an a. seriously remedial base-running camp needed.

efd said...

man, what is that - the 4th Sox runner out at second tonight?

Rob said...

I feel a little for Jackson. He pitched a respectable game, but soon to dowsed with the dirty water.

6+ good innings for Jackson
7+ good innings for Lester.

Pitched a pretty good game, but it's still an ERA over 3.

Rob said...

Close to 4

A Conformer said...

Co Co caught.

Benjamin said...

Kotsay jeters it into center field.

Rob said...

Howell on the all-animal calls team.

A Conformer said...

Kotsay jeters it into center field.

Isn't "The Jeter" a late-swing single to right field, just over the head of the 2nd baseman?

Tony said...

Just a bad day for Pedey. I guess his Ted Williams impression couldn't last forever.

efd said...

Howell on the all-animal calls team.

nice!

With Mark Grrrrrudzielanek...?

efd said...

and Len Barker.

A Conformer said...

Howell on the all-animal calls team.

Along with Hoot Evers and Brian Bark.

efd said...

... oh, and Jason Bay of course (we did this before, right?).

Hmm, where are L-girl and Redsock?

A Conformer said...

And I found this gem:
Leonard Preston Gilmore, who's nickname was Meow. His major league career: one game.

Gilmore pitched a complete game, walking no one, but gave up 13 hits and 7 earned runs in 8 innings, and the Pirates lost 7-1.

Tony said...

Take a seat, Aye Bar.

A Conformer said...

One out from .5GB

s1c said...

I do not want to see the tying run up at the plate. End this here and now bot!

(where are rs and l-girl?)

nick said...

I'm ready for this to be over, but good for Hinske.

nick said...

Dirty Water for Jere!

s1c said...

Dirty
Water
!!!

.5

efd said...

.5GB!

Tony said...

Agua sucia!

Round One, Boston.

Rob said...

First round of dirty water is on me!!!

Rob said...

I'll bet you RS and/or L are on the phone chewing someone out about losing their internets.

A Conformer said...

Hmm, where are L-girl and Redsock?

They're swimming in dirty water.

Tony said...

BTW, I am more convinced by the day that, with Quentin done for the year, either of the teams tonight will be the AL's representative in the World Series. Three guesses who I'm hoping for, and the first two don't count.

nick said...

g'night. hope there's nothing major and we're just wishing a speedy recovery to our hosts' interwebs.

Rob said...

Don't forget about the Angels. Whoever the Angels play in the ALDS, should go 5 games.

Amy said...

I got home just for the last out. We are only half a game back! We win tomorrow....you know what that means!

Rob said...

Of course, in order to keep the lead in the division you have to sweep the Rays.

Tony said...

ish, I now think the Angels are a cardboard team, even with Tex giving them an extra bat. That rotation will be tough to crack, but I don't think they can beat either Sox in a series. The Rays, maybe.

Tony said...

Then again, it's hard to ever count the Angels out, since they have basically played this style of baseball since 2002, they have one of baseball's best managers, and they may have home field in any series. Now I'm swinging back the other way. Damn it.

No matter what, this year's playoffs are gonna be fucking amazing.

Benjamin said...

Enjoying this run.

tim said...

One final stop to slainte the dirty water and say....0.5!!!

Night all!

Benjamin said...

MFY - 100 0
LAA - 101 0

Benjamin said...

Toronto's game was postponed, of course.

Benjamin said...

No line score in the parent post, and someone forgot to turn the lights out in the thread. Where are Allan and Laura?

MFY - 100 00
LAA - 101 0

Benjamin said...

MFY - 100 000
LAA - 101 00

Benjamin said...

MFY - 100 000
LAA - 101 001

Rob said...

I'm thinking Allan and Laura's internet, FTL.

Benjamin said...

MFY - 100 000
LAA - 101 004

Unknown said...

The case for Pedroia for MVP:

The top 5 in AL VORP among position players:

A-Rod
Sizemore
Huff (The fuck?)
Petey
Bradley

The only one on a contender, and the only one who has a reputation of carrying his team. He's also one of only two of these to have a knack for defense, and he plays the toughest defensive position of the five.

I figure A-Rod, Huff, and Bradley won't get any significant consideration. Others who might have: Carlos Quentin, Ian Kinsler, K-Rod, Morneau, Josh Hamilton.

Quentin and Kinsler aren't going to play for the rest of the year, so they're out. Morneau doesn't seem like a very sexy pick, especially if the Twins don't make the playoffs. He compares unfavorably to both Pujols and Big Puma, and it seems unlikely that they'll give it to the third best first baseman in the majors.

Of the four most likely candidates, you've got Hamilton, Sizemore, Pedroia, and K-Rod. K-Rod would be a terrible, ridiculous choice. He's like the 6th or 7th best reliever in baseball. Hamilton has not been as valuable as Pedroia and does not play for a contender. Sizemore isn't the biggest story on his team. I think Pedroia's got a legitimate shot, and a pretty good case for him.

I work at Fenway, and we send food down to the clubhouse. Last year, after the ALCS, Pedroia sent over a couple autographed balls over to us as a thank you. He's the fucking man, and if he was hitting .280/.330/.390 I'd still vote for him.

Benjamin said...

MFY - 100 000 000
LAA - 101 006 31X

SoSock said...

IMAC - (infamous morning after comment)
Hope all is well with our hosts, and if so, I hope they get their interweb shit straightened out soon.
Got home, turned on BB Tonight as I was firing up the puter and just grinned ear to ear. I believe I said a while back we could take the D by winning either series with the D Rays. I'm even more sure now. Even if we just spilt the 6 games I think we'll catch them. Of course getting at least a split IS critical.
Let's get some fire, of the JD type, back in the order tonight!
Later
Later

Benjamin said...

earning him the Golden Shower

No one actually calls golden sombreros that, right?

allan said...

No one actually calls golden sombreros that, right?

I do. However, the term has not caught on as much as I would like.

Our connection was indeed out for most of the game. It flitted back on for a minute -- and L posted about it -- but then it was gone. It must have come back overnight.

tim said...

No one actually calls golden sombreros that, right?

Scroll up, my friend

Benjamin said...

Scroll up, my friend

Who are you, John McCain?

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