Tampa Bay Takes Boston

BOSTON: 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 - 3 8 1

TAMPA BAY: 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 x - 5 10 0

Watched the road series loss for the Boston Red Sox at my favorite New England sports living bar in Southern California. The bar was already open when I arrived and before the game talked to Andrew about Italy, basketball, and movies. I was the only patron at the start of the game, but soon familiar (Rich) and new faces arrived. From this game with the Tampa Bay Rays, the Red Sox will now have to learn how to prevent stolen bases, as the Ray's Carl Crawford tied the Major League record for steals in one game - six. There is so much that Boston needs to execute well when playing Tampa Bay and they often come up short. The Red Sox will soon have another chance to see if they can win against the Rays later this week in Fenway Park. Boston won't have to play in Tropicana Field again until August.

Personal Note: I found out early this morning that a woman, who had also patronized this New England bar and with whom I had watched a number of Red Sox games over the past five years, had unexpectedly died on Wednesday. The sorrow of this tragic end to Nora's life is felt by all who knew her in this place. May Nora's soul find rest and peace.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Brad Penny, Losing Pitcher: Brad Penny (1)

TAMPA BAY: Starting Pitcher: James Shields, Winning Pitcher: James Shields

TAMPA BAY: Save: Troy Percival

BOSTON: Homerun: Kevin Youkilis (6)

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RED SOX: Wins: 15, Losses: 10, AL East Standings: Toronto, Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Monday 4 May 2009, 4:05 p.m. PT, New York Yankees, Yankee Stadium, Jon Lester