Toronto Trumps Boston

TORONTO: 0 2 3 0 3 2 0 1 1 - 12 17 0

BOSTON: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 3 0

The day after the Boston Red Sox clinched the AL Wild Card, the reward was to rest most of the regular lineup in the final game against the Toronto Blue Jays. With the Red Sox non-regulars, the Toronto regulars and their pitcher Halladay, it is not surprising that the Blue Jays completed the three-game sweep of Boston with still ailing knuckleballer Wakefield on the mound. I'm sure no one is shocked that Halladay threw a shutout against the team that Boston fielded in Fenway Park today; after all he has done so against teams fielding their usual players. On Dave Magadan's (Boston's hitting coach) birthday, it would have been great if there had been more hitting displayed. The next time the Red Sox face the Blue Jays will be in Toronto for a three-game series from 26th to 28th April 2010. Bye, until next year in Canada!

Boston's last series of the regular season begins tomorrow and it is a four-game set against the Cleveland Indians. Perhaps the Red Sox can return to their usual winning ways and stop their current losing streak at six games, which matches a previous streak this year. Boston needs to experience a few good wins before heading out to California to face the Angels. Bring a winning momentum to the West coast! But first the Red Sox have to get past the Indians and handle them well.

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TORONTO: Starting Pitcher: Roy Halladay, Winning Pitcher: Roy Halladay

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Tim Wakefield, Losing Pitcher: Tim Wakefield (5)

TORONTO: Homeruns: Lyle Overbay, Rand Ruiz (two), Jose Bautista

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RED SOX: Wins: 91, Losses: 67, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Thursday 1 October 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Cleveland Indians, Fenway Park, Jon Lester

Happy 47th Birthday David Joseph Magadan!!

David Magadan was a left-handed batting and right-handed throwing infielder who is now the Batting Coach for the Boston Red Sox. David made his Major League debut with the New York Mets on Sunday 7 December 1986 when he was twenty-three years, eleven months, and eight days old. His final Major League appearance was with the San Diego Padres on Wednesday 26 September 2001 when he was thirty-eight years, eleven months, and twenty-seven days old. The Boston Red Sox named David the hitting coach on Friday 20 October 2006 when he was forty-four years and twenty days old. David wears number twenty-eight.

Blue Jays Bomb Red Sox

TORONTO: 4 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 - 8 11 0

BOSTON: 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 - 7 14 1

An incomplete rally for the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays take the second game of the three-game series. It was homerun derby time in Fenway Park today, but unfortunately it was the Blue Jays who supplied most of the long balls, with fifty percent of Toronto's blasts coming from one player. Although the Red Sox did manage to out hit the Blue Jays, it was the Toronto balls leaving the field that hurt Boston. Another rough start for Boston pitching - hope these last few games will shake out the problems and that they will be well-prepared for the postseason. Good to see aggressive play on the bases by the Red Sox (two steals today) - that intense attitude will most definitely be needed when Boston plays the Angels next week. Yes, playing the Los Angeles Angeles is no longer a speculation - BOSTON CLINCHES AL WILD CARD!!! See you soon Los Angeles!

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TORONTO: Starting Pitcher: Ricky Romero, Winning Pitcher: Ricky Romero

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Clay Buchholz, Losing Pitcher: Clay Buchholz (4)

TORONTO: Save: Jason Frasor

TORONTO: Homeruns: Jose Bautista, Adam Lind (three), Aaron Hill, Kevin Millar

BOSTON: Homerun: J. D. Drew (22)

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RED SOX: Wins: 91, Losses: 66, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Wednesday 30 September 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Toronto Blue Jays, Fenway Park, Tim Wakefield

Toronto Tramples Boston

TORONTO: 4 0 3 2 2 0 0 - 11 14 0

BOSTON: 2 0 1 0 0 1 1 - 5 7 0

The question is - if it had to rain on today's game, why couldn't it have rained during the third inning, not the seventh? That way, when the game was called, it wouldn't be an official game and the Boston Red Sox would not have started their final regular season homestand with a defeat. Or alternatively, that Boston be able to finish the rally they had begun. Instead, the Toronto Blue Jays contributed a pouring of runs at Fenway Park and Boston was ungraciously welcomed home. Coming off a .500 road trip, the Red Sox need to have a winning homestand to propel themselves into the postseason with a positive attitude. Hope Beckett's back gets better soon! And let's hope that Boston's last regular season Tuesday game fares better than their last regular Monday one. Still waiting to clinch the postseason.

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TORONTO: Starting Pitcher: Scott Richmond, Winning Pitcher: Scott Richmond

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Michael Bowden, Losing Pitcher: Michael Bowden (1)

TORONTO: Homeruns: Aaron Hill, Rod Barajas, Jose Bautista

BOSTON; Homeruns: Kevin Youkilis (26, 27), David Ortiz (28)

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RED SOX: Wins: 91, Losses: 65, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Tuesday 29 September 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Toronto Blue Jays, Fenway Park, Clay Buchholz

Red Sox Recap, 18 to 27 September

Between Friday 18 September and Sunday 27 September 2009, the Boston Red Sox played ten games on the road – three against the Baltimore Orioles, four against the Kansa City Royals, and three against the New York Yankees. Here are the breakdowns over the time period.

Total Each Series

Red Sox; 23 runs, 42 hits, 0 errors
Orioles: 9 runs, 26 hits, 1 error
Three wins, no losses (sweep)
Analysis: Red Sox had 72% of the total runs, 62% of the total hits, 0% of the total errors

Red Sox: 29 runs, 41 hits, 1 error
Royals: 22 runs, 42 hits, 6 errors
Two wins, two losses (won third and fourth games)
Analysis: Red Sox had 57% of the total runs, 49% of the total hits, 14% of the total errors

Red Sox: 7 runs, 18 hits, 1 error
Yankees: 16 runs, 31 hits, 2 errors
No wins, three losses
Analysis: Red Sox had 30% of the total runs, 37% of the total hits, 33% of the total errors

Combined Series Totals

Red Sox: 59 runs, 101 hits, 2 errors
Opponents: 47 runs, 99 hits, 9 errors
Five wins, five losses
Analysis: Red Sox: had 56% of the total runs, 51% of the total hits, 18% of the total errors

Season-To-27 September 2009

Red Sox: 828 runs, 1427 hits, 81 errors
Opponents: 690 runs, 1419 hits, 107 errors
Ninety-one wins, sixty-four losses
Analysis: Red Sox had 55% of the total runs, 50% of the total hits, 43% of the total errors

AL East Standings (at the start of Monday 28 September 2009)

New York 100 56 .641
Boston 91 64 .587
Tampa Bay 79 76 .510
Toronto 72 84 .462
Baltimore 60 95 .387

AL Wild Card Standings (at the start of Monday 28 September 2009)

Boston 91 64 .587
Texas 85 70 .548
Minnesota 81 74 .523
Seattle 80 76 .513
Tampa Bay 79 76 .510

Yankees Rest Red Sox

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

NY YANKEES: 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 1 x - 4 10 1

It's another Red Sox/Patriots game combo at the New England sports living bar I frequent. Once again there is one winner and one loser - and this time the Patriots won and the Red Sox lost. Sadly, the Boston Red Sox lost their final regular season game against the New York Yankees and with that loss, Boston experienced the following: being swept in the three-games series at Yankee Stadium, splitting the season series at nine games apiece, and watching New York celebrate clinching the AL East division title. However, like the breakfast buffet I had during the games, there were some good items: Boston took the lead for the first time in the three-game series and Boston's magic number is now two to clinch a postseason position. The next time the Red Sox are scheduled to meet the Yankees is for a three-games series in Fenway Park - during April 5th through 8th 2010. But if Detroit (or perhaps Minnesota) does not favor us with eliminating New York in the ALDS, then the Red Sox will see the Yankees again in about three weeks for what is sure to be another memorable ALCS between the two teams. Yes, I am assuming another Red Sox ALDS victory over the Angels - not a problem, right? So for now, see you later New York!

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Paul Byrd, Losing Pitcher: Paul Byrd (3)
NY YANKEES: Starting Pitcher: Andy Pettitte, Winning Pitcher: Andy Pettitte

NY YANKEES: Save: Mariano Rivera

NY YANKEES: Homeruns, Melky Cabrera, Mark Teixeira

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RED SOX: Wins: 91, Losses: 64, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Monday 27 September 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Toronto Blue Jays, Fenway Park, Josh Beckett

Yankees Yard Red Sox

BOSTON: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 2 1

NY YANKEES: 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 x - 3 7 0

The tenor of today's Boston Red Sox game against the New York Yankees was very different from yesterday's hitfest. But unfortunately for the Red Sox, the result was the same - a loss to the Yankees and another day added until Boston clinches a playoff spot. On the positive side, Matsuzaka pitched extremely well and has a good bid to be in the postseason rotation. And Martinez had the best defensive play of the game with getting Jeter out at home in the fifth, as well as extending his hit streak to twenty-five games. Tomorrow in Yankee Stadium, the Red Sox will try to salvage the series with a win (thus avoid viewing the Yankees clinching) and head back to Boston on a good note.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Daisuke Matsuzaka, Losing Pitcher: Daisuke Matsuzaka (6)

NY YANKEES: Starting Pitcher: C. C. Sabathia, Winning Pitcher: C. C. Sabathia

NY YANKEES: Save: Mariano Rivera

NY YANKEES: Homerun: Robinson Cano

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RED SOX: Wins: 91, Losses: 63, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Sunday 27 September 2009, 10:05 a.m. PT, New York Yankees, Yankee Stadium, Paul Byrd

Yankees Runover Red Sox

BOSTON: 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 2 0 - 5 8 0

NY YANKEES: 1 0 4 1 0 2 1 0 x - 9 14 1

First Inning: Red Sox: Jacoby Ellsbury (CF) grounds out to pitcher, Dustin Pedroia (2B) grounds out to shortstop, Victor Martinez (1B) flies out to center

Yankees: Derek Jeter (SS) singles to center, Jeter steals second, Johnny Damon (LF) grounds out to third, Mark Teixeira (1B) strikes out swinging, Alex Rodriguez (3B) singles to left, Jeter scores, Rodriguez steals second, Hideki Matsui (DH) walks, Rodriguez steals third, Jorge Poseda (C) strikes out looking

End of first inning score: Red Sox 0, Yankees 1

Second Inning: Red Sox: Kevin Youkilis (3B) grounds out to third, David Ortiz (DH) lines out to right, Jason Bay (LF) strikes out swinging

Yankees: Robinson Cano (2B) singles to center, Nick Swisher (RF) strikes out swinging, Cano steals second, Melky Cabrera (CF) flies out to right, Jeter walks, Damon grounds out on fielder's choice, Jeter out at second

End of second inning score: Red Sox 0, Yankees 1

Third Inning: Red Sox: J. D. Drew (RF) fouls out to catcher, Jason Varitek (C) strikes out swinging, Alex Gonzalez (SS) strikes out swinging

Yankees: Teixeira singles to left, Rodriguez homers to left, Teixeira scores, Matsui singles to right, Posada flies out to right, Cano doubles to left, Matsui moves to third, Swisher walks, (bases-loaded, one out), Cabrera singles to pitcher (hits Lester on inside right leg - out of game - diagnosis is a right quad contusion), Matsui scores, Cano moves to third, Swisher moves to second, (bases-loaded, one out), (Boston pitcher Hunter Jones relieves Boston starting pitcher Jon Lester), Jeter grounds into fielder's choice, Cano scores, Cabrera out at second, Swisher moves to third, Damon flies out to center

End of third inning score: Red Sox 0, Yankees 5

Fourth Inning: Red Sox: Ellsbury flies out to left, Pedroia grounds out to first, Martinez homers, Youkilis singles to left, Ortiz grounds out to pitcher

Yankees: Teixeira flies out to center, Rodriguez walks, Rodriguez steals second, Matsui singles to left, Rodriguez moves to third, (Boston pitcher Michael Bowden relieves Boston pitcher Hunter Jones), Posada singles to right, Rodriguez scores, Matsui moves to second, Cano grounds into double play, Posada out at second

End of fourth inning score: Red Sox 1, Yankees 6

Fifth Inning: Red Sox: Bay singles to center, Drew doubles to center, Bay moves to third, Varitek fouls out to third, Gonzalez strikes out swinging, Ellsbury grounds out to first

Yankees: Swisher strikes out swinging, Cabrera strikes out looking, Jeter strikes out swinging

End of fifth inning score: Red Sox 1, Yankees 6

Sixth Inning: Red Sox: Pedrioa walks, Pedroia steals second, Martinez strikes out swinging, Youkilis pops out to second, Ortiz homers to left, Pedrioa scores, Bay pops out to shortstop

Yankees: Damon walks, Damon steals second, Teixeira flies out to center, Damon moves to third, Rodriguez doubles to center, Damon scores, Matsui walks, Rodriguez moves to third on wild pitch, Matsui moves to second on wild pitch, Posada singles to center, Rodriguez scores, Matsui out at third, (Boston pitcher Manny Delcarmen releives Boston pitcher Michael Bowden), Cano fouls out to catcher

End of sixth inning score: Red Sox 3, Yankees 8

Seventh Inning: Red Sox: (New York pitcher Alfredo Aceves relieves New York starting pitcher Joba Chamberlain), Drew singles to right, Varitek grounds into double play, Drew out at second, Gonzalez pops out to shortstop

Yankees: Swisher strikes out looking, Cabrera strikes out swinging, Jeter singles to right, Jeter steals second, Damon walks, Teixeira singles to right, Jeter scores, Damon moves to third, Rodriguez walks, Teixeira moves to second (bases-loaded, two outs), Matsui grounds out to third

End of seventh inning score: Red Sox, 3 Yankees 9

Eighth Inning: Red Sox: (New York pitcher Jonathan Albaladejo relieves New York pitcher Alfredo Aceves), Ellsbury walks, Pedroia strikes out swinging, Martinez singles to right, Ellsbury moves to third, Youkilis singles to left, Ellsbury scores, Martinez moves to third, (New York pitcher Damaso Marte relieves New York pitcher Jonathan Albaladejo), Ortiz grounds into fielder's choice, Martinez scores, Youkilis out at second, (New York pitcher Phil Hughes relieves New York pitcher Damaso Marte), Bay strikes out swinging

Yankees: (Boston pitcher Ramon Rameriz relieves Boston pitcher Manny Delcarmen), Posada walks (Freddy Guzman pinch runs for Posada), Guzman moves to second due to fielder's indifference, Cano grounds out to shortstop, Swisher pops out to second, Cabrera flies out to center

End of eighth inning score: Red Sox 5, Yankees 9

Ninth Inning: Red Sox: (New York pitcher Phil Coke relieves New York pitcher Phil Hughes), Rocco Baldelli (pinch hits for Josh Reddick who had come in defensively for J. D. Drew) walks, Varitek strikes out swinging, Casey Kotchman (pinch hits for Jed Lowrie who had come in defensively for Alex Gonzalez) grounds out into double play, Baldelli out at second

Yankees: Game over

End of game score: Red Sox 5, Yankees 9

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Jon Lester, Losing Pitcher: Jed Lester (8)

NY YANKEES: Starting Pitcher: Joba Chamberlain, Winning Pitcher: Joba Chamberlain

BOSTON: Homerun: Victor Martinez (22), David Ortiz (27)

NY YANKEES: Homerun: Alex Rodriguez

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RED SOX: Wins: 91, Losses: 62, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Saturday 26 Setember 2009, 1:10 p.m. PT, New York Yankees, Yankee Stadium, Daisuke Matsuzaka

Happy 28th Birthday Rocco Daniel Baldelli!!!

Rocco Baldelli is a right-handed batting and throwing right fielder. He is a right fielder for the Boston Red Sox. Rocco made his Major League debut with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on Monday 31 March 2003 when he was twenty-one years, six months, and six days old. Rocco signed with the Boston Red Sox on Thursday 8 January 2009 when he was twenty-seven years, three months, and fifteen days old. Rocco wears number five.

Boston Kerbs Kansas, 10 to 3

BOSTON: 0 0 1 3 0 1 0 1 4 - 10 15 0

KANSAS: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 - 3 10 5

The Boston Red Sox leave Kauffman Stadium with an excellent win and a series split with the Kansas City Royals. A terrific pitching outing for Buchholz and plenty of Red Sox hitting today - the Martinez hitting streak continued. Boston will be back in Kansas City next April 9th through 11th for a three-game series. Until then, the Red Sox say farewell to the Royals. Boston's final leg of this last regular season road trip is visiting the New York Yankees for a three-game series. Even though they have made some gain on the Yankees, Boston's path to the postseason appears to be via the Wild Card. The Rangers did lose today.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Clay Buchholz, Winning Pitcher: Clay Buchholz (7)

KANSAS: Starting Pitcher: Anthony Lerew, Losing Pitcher: Anthony Lerew

BOSTON: Homerun: David Ortiz (26)

KANSAS: Homerun: Billy Butler

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RED SOX: Wins: 91, Losses: 61, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Friday 25 September 2009, 4:05 p.m. PT, New York Yankees, Yankee Stadium, Jon Lester

Red Sox Roust Royals, 9 to 2

BOSTON: 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 3 - 9 12 0

KANSAS: 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 - 2 12 0

Yes, the Boston Red Sox and the Kansas City Royals had the exact number of hits in today's game; however, at the end, Boston had the greater number of runs scored in Kauffman Stadium and that is all that counts! The Red Sox will go for salvaging a series split in tomorrow's fourth game against the Royals. With his twenty-second straight game with a hit, Victor Martinez tied Jacoby Ellsbury for the longest hit streak for Boston this season. Congrats! In addition to Boston, the Yankees and the Rangers both won today, so the positions in the AL East and AL Wild Card remain the same.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Josh Beckett, Winning Pitcher: Josh Beckett (16)

KANSAS: Starting Pitcher: Luke Hochevar, Losing Pitcher: Luke Hochevar

BOSTON: Homerun: David Ortiz (25)

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RED SOX: Wins: 90, Losses: 61, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Thursday 24 September 2009, 5:10 p.m. PT, Kansas City Royals, Kauffman Stadium, Clay Buchholz

Kansas City Knocks Boston

BOSTON: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 - 1 2 0

KANSAS: 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 x - 5 9 1

Well, tomorrow the Boston Red Sox will be going for a split of the four-game series against the Kansas City Royals. Today the Red Sox lost another game to the Royals due to pitching - the shaky Boston starting pitching and the excellent Kansas City starting pitching. Even though the hitting and scoring were lower than yesterday, the run differential in today's final score from yesterday's increased by one. Let's hope that tomorrow in Kauffman Stadium that Boston is able to decrease that run differential into a win for the Red Sox. Joining Boston in the loss column today were the Rangers, which is a fortunate outcome for the Red Sox in the AL Wild Card race. However, the Yankees won today and that increases their AL East division lead.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Paul Byrd, Losing Pitcher: Paul Byrd (2)

KANSAS: Starting Pitcher: Zack Greinke, Winning Pitcher: Zack Greinke

KANSAS: Save: Joakim Soria

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RED SOX: Wins: 89, Losses: 61, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Wednesday 23 September 2009, 5:10 p.m. PT, Kansas City Royals, Kauffman Stadium, Josh Beckett

Royals Rule Red Sox

BOSTON: 0 0 6 0 2 1 0 0 0 - 9 12 1

KANSAS: 0 0 1 1 3 6 1 0 x - 12 11 0

The Boston Red Sox bullpen out did starter Wakefield. While it took Tim five innings to give up five runs to the Kansas City Royals, it took the relievers two innings to give up seven runs. Not exactly an endorsement for the Boston pen today. Although Wakefield was not in his top form, he did manage to leave the game with a lead and I'm sure expected a win against the Royals. Instead Boston has begun its four-game visit to Kauffman Stadium with a loss. Unfortunately, the Yankees also lost today and the Rangers won. Therefore, no gain on New York and a range reduction on Texas.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Tim Wakefield, Losing Pitcher: Daniel Bard (2)

KANSAS: Starting Pitcher: Lenny DiNardo, Winning Pitcher: Yasuhiko Yabuta

KANSAS: Save: Joakim Soria

BOSTON: Homerun: Jason Bay (36)

KANSAS: Homerun: Mike Jacobs

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RED SOX: Wins: 89, Losses: 60, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Tuesday 22 September 2009, 5:10 p.m. PT, Kansas City Royals, Kauffman Stadium, Paul Byrd

Boston Beats Baltimore, 9 to 3

BOSTON: 3 1 2 1 0 1 1 0 0 - 9 14 0

BALTIMORE: 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 - 3 9 0

Another Sunday in my favorite New England sports living bar and today there are more people here than usual on a Sunday because of the Patriots game. This will be the scenario for the next couple of Sundays. Good to see some familiar faces - Dave, who brought donuts (thanks!), Mishi who brought Jim (her boyfriend) for the first time, and especially Stacie, who brought, as always, her upbeat self for all to experience. The day may have been a loss for the Patriots, but it was a definite win for the Red Sox! The Boston Red Sox swept the Baltimore Orioles in their last meeting of the 2009 season. Another hitting and scoring fest in Oriole Park. Boston got to the Baltimore starter after three innings, but Matsuzaka lasted into the sixth. It is so long to the Orioles until next year when Boston will welcome them to Fenway Park for a three-game series from the 23rd through the 25th of April. At that time, Boston will take up where they left off today. As the Red Sox leave to go to Kansas City for a four-game series with the Royals, the team maintains the lead in the AL Wild Card and gains a game on the New York Yankees. Is an interesting and familiar scenario developing between Boston and New York where there is a reversal of positions? Let's hope!!

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Daisuke Matsuzaka, Winning Pitcher: Daisuke Matsuzaka (3)

BALTIMORE: Starting Pitcher: Jason Berken, Losing Pitcher: Jason Berken

BOSTON: Homeruns: Jason Bay (35), Jacoby Ellsbury (8)

BALTIMORE: Homerun: Luke Scott

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RED SOX: Wins: 89, Losses: 59, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Monday 21 September 2009, 5:10 p.m. PT, Kansas City Royals, Kauffman Stadium, Tim Wakefield

Happy 31st Birthday Jason Raymond Bay!!!

Jason Bay is a right-handed batting and throwing left fielder. He is the starting left fielder for the Boston Red Sox. Jason made his Major League debut with the San Diego Padres on Friday 23 May 2003 when he was twenty-four years, eight months, and three days old. The Padres played the Arizona Diamondbacks that day and Jason started in center field and his first career hit was a homerun. Jason was acquired by the Boston Red Sox from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday 31 July 2008 when he was twenty-nine years, ten months, and eleven days old. Jason made his Red Sox debut on Friday 1 August 2008. The Red Sox played the Oakland Athletics in Fenway Park that day and Jason scored both runs in the two to one victory. He was named National League Rookie of the Year 2004 and named to the National League All-Star team 2005 and 2006, and to the American League All-Star team 2009. Jason wears number forty-four.

Red Sox Occupy Orioles, 11 to 5

BOSTON: 0 2 0 0 0 1 3 5 0 - 11 17 0

BALTIMORE: 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 - 5 12 1

A little more hitting and scoring for the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles today than yesterday. Homerun after homerun after homerun! Almost everyone had a hit in the game, at least on the Boston side. And, once again in Oriole Park, the win belongs to the Red Sox. Both starters left in the sixth after giving up three runs each. But the Boston bullpen prevailed while only giving up two additional runs to Baltimore's eight. The Red Sox are looking for a sweep tomorrow in their final game against the Orioles this season.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Jon Lester, Winning Pitcher: Jon Lester (14)

BALTIMORE: Starting Pitcher: David Hernandez, Losing Pitcher: Matt Albers

BOSTON: Homeruns: Josh Reddick (2), J. D. Drew (21), Brian Anderson (3)

BALTIMORE: Homeruns: Ty Wigginton (two), Melvin Mora, Felix Pie

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RED SOX: Wins: 88, Losses: 59, AL East Standing: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Sunday 20 September 2009, 10:35 a.m. PT, Baltimore Orioles, Oriole Park, Daisuke Matsuzaka

Boston Blasts Baltimore, 3 to 1

BOSTON: 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 - 3 11 0

BALTIMORE: 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 1 5 0

The final road trip (of the regular season) has started out well for the Boston Red Sox. A nice win over the Baltimore Orioles to begin the three-game series in Oriole Park. Boston was more efficient in their hit/run ratio than Baltimore, but both bullpens were effective in not allowing additional scoring after the starters left. The Red Sox have begun a new winning streak and will attempt to continue their wining ways tomorrow. And Boston's lead in the AL Wild Card has increased with today's Rangers loss.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Clay Buchholz, Winning Pitcher: Clay Buchholz (6)

BALTIMORE: Starting Pitcher: Jeremy Guthrie, Losing Pitcher: Jeremy Guthrie

BOSTON: Save: Jonathan Papelbon (37)

BOSTON: Homerun: Jason Bay (34)

BALTIMORE: Homerun: Luke Scott

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RED SOX: Wins: 87, Losses: 59, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Saturday 19 September 2009, 4:05 p.m. PT, Baltimore Orioles, Oriole Park, Jon Lester

Red Sox Recap, 8 to 17 September

Between Tuesday 8 September and Thursday 17 September 2009, the Boston Red Sox played eight games at home – two against the Baltimore Orioles, three against the Tampa Bay Rays, and three against the Los Angeles Angels. Here are the breakdowns over the time period.

Total Each Series

Red Sox: 17 runs, 26 hits, 1 error
Orioles: 5 runs, 17 hits, 1 error
Two wins, no losses (sweep)
Analysis: Red Sox had 77% of the total runs, 61% of the total hits, 50% of the total errors

Red Sox: 16 runs, 24 hits, 0 errors
Rays: 2 runs, 14 hits, 0 errors
Three wins, no losses (sweep)
Analysis: Red Sox had 89% of the total runs, 63% of the total hits, 0% of the total errors

Red Sox: 16 runs, 28 hits, 1 error
Angels: 13 runs, 31 hits, 2 errors
Two wins, one loss (won the first and second games)
Analysis: Red Sox had 55% of the total runs, 48% of the total hits, 33% of the total errors

Combined Series Totals

Red Sox: 49 runs, 78 hits, 2 errors
Opponents: 20 runs, 62 hits, 3 errors
Seven wins, one loss
Analysis: Red Sox had 71% of the total runs, 56% of the total hits, 40% of the total errors

Season-To-17 September 2009

Red Sox; 769 runs, 1326 hits, 79 errors
Opponents: 643 runs, 1320 hits, 98 errors
Eighty-six wins, fifty-nine losses
Analysis: Red Sox 55% of the total runs, 50% of the total hits, 45% of the total errors

AL East Standings (at the start of Friday 18 September 2009)

New York 94 53 .639
Boston 86 59 .593
Tampa Bay 74 73 .503
Toronto 66 80 .452
Baltimore 60 86 .411

AL Wild Card Standings (at the start of Friday 18 September 2009)

Boston 86 59 .593
Texas 80 65 .552
Seattle 76 71 .517
Minnesota 74 72 .507
Tampa Bay 74 73 .503

Angels Alter Red Sox

L. A. ANGELS: 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 - 4 8 0

BOSTON: 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 - 3 6 0

Yesterday - Top of seventh inning, two outs, Kendry Morales out swinging, safe at first on a passed ball - Angels score four runs, take lead - game ends with Red Sox win. Today - Top of seventh inning, two outs, Chone Figgins out swinging, safe at first on a "wild pitch" - Angels score one run, tie game - game ends with Angels win. Similar scenarios, different results. I disagree with the scoring of "wild pitch" today - should have also been a passed ball - there was nothing wild about the throw that Beckett made. That being written, why such miscues from Varitek two games in a row? It's fine that he's not an offensive powerhouse, but it is not okay for him not to be a defensive powerhouse. The Boston Red Sox have gone to great lengths to improve the defense at shortstop - perhaps it is time to evaluate the defense at catcher now and not wait until the end of the season to make some hard decisions. Just a suggestion. Despite today's loss to the Los Angeles Angels, the Red Sox have had an outstanding eight-game run in Fenway Park, winning seven of them. During this homestand, Boston became the leader of the AL Wild Card and gained two games on the New York Yankees. The Red Sox take to the road for the last time this regular season. Let's hope the road turns out to be just as uplifting as the homestand.

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L. A. ANGELS: Starting Pitcher: Ervin Santana, Winning Pitcher: Kevin Jepsen

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Josh Beckett, Losing Pitcher: Billy Wagner (1)

L. A. ANGELS: Save: Brian Fuentes

L. A. ANGELS: Homerun: Howie Kendrick

BOSTON: Homeruns: Jacoby Ellsbury (7), Jason Bay (33)

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RED SOX: Wins: 86, Losses: 59, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

=============================================

Next game: Friday 18 September 2009, 4:05 p.m. PT, Baltimore Orioles, Oriole Park, Clay Buchholz

Red Sox Ache Angels, 9 to 8

L. A. ANGELS: 0 0 1 0 1 1 4 0 1 - 8 17 1

BOSTON: 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 2 2 - 9 13 1

First Inning: Angels: Chone Figgins (3B) singles to center, Erick Aybar (SS) pops out to shortstop, Bobby Abreu (RF) flies out to center, Vladimir Guerrero (DH) flies out to left

Red Sox: Jacoby Ellsbury (CF) walks, Dustin Pedroia (2B) grounds into double play, Ellsbury out at second, Jason Bay (LF) grounds out to third

End of first inning score: Red Sox 0, Angels 0

Second Inning: Angels: Torii Hunter (CF) flies out to center, Kendry Morales (1B) lines out to left, Howie Kendrick (2B) grounds out to shortstop

Red Sox: Mike Lowell (3B) singles to left, David Ortiz (DH) strikes out swinging, Rocco Baldelli (RF) strikes out swinging, Jason Varitek (C) pops out to second

End of second inning score: Red Sox 0, Angels 0

Third Inning: Angels: Juan Riveria (LF) singles to center, Mike Napoli (C) grounds out to third, Riveria moves to second, Figgins flies out to left, Ayber doubles to right, Riveria scores, Abreu walks, Guerrero strikes out swinging

Red Sox: Casey Kotchman (1B) doubles to left, Alex Gonzalez (SS) bunts out to pitcher, Kotchman moves to third, Ellsbury grounds out to first, Pedroia grounds out to third

End of third inning score: Red Sox 0, Angels 1

Fourth Inning: Angels: Hunter doubles to center, Morales flies out to second, Kendrick grounds into fielder's choice to pitcher, Hunter out at third, Kendrick moves to second on play, Riveria fouls out to second

Red Sox: Bay singles to left, Lowell strikes out swinging, Bay steals second, Ortiz walks, Baldelli grounds into double play, Ortiz out at second

End of fourth inning score: Red Sox 0, Angels 1

Fifth Inning: Angels: Napoli strikes out swinging, Figgins strikes out swinging, Aybar singles to right, Aybar moves to second on throwing error by right fielder, Abreu doubles to center, Aybar scores, Guerrero pops out to second

Red Sox: Varitek strikes out swinging, Kotchman strikes out looking, Gonzalez flies out to left

End of fifth inning score: Red Sox 0, Angels 2

Sixth Inning: Angels: Hunter homers to left, Morales strikes out swinging, Kendrick hits ground rule double to right, Riveria singles to left, Kendrick moves to third, (Boston pitcher Takashi Saito relieves Boston starting pitcher Paul Byrd), Napoli walks, Riveria moves to second, (bases-loaded, one out), Figgins flies out to left, Aybar pops out to first

Red Sox: Ellsbury singles to second, Pedroia doubles to left, Ellsbury moves to third, Bay singles to center, Ellsbury scores, Pedroia scores, Lowell grounds into fielder's choice to second, Bay safe at second on error by shortstop, Ortiz grounds into fielder's choice to second, Lowell out at second, Bay moves to third, Baldelli singles to left, Bay scores, Ortiz moves to second, Varitek walks, Ortiz moves to third, Baldelli moves to second, (bases-loaded, one out), Kotchman flies out to shortstop, (bases-loaded, two outs), Gonzalez singles to right, Ortiz scores, Baldelli scores, Varitek moves to second, (Los Angeles pitcher Jason Bulger relieves Los Angeles starting pitcher Joe Saunders), Ellsbury (second time up this inning) strikes out swinging

End of sixth inning score: Red Sox 5, Angels 3

Seventh Inning: Angels: Abreu grounds out to pitcher, Guerrero hit by a pitch, (Boston pitcher Ramon Ramirez relieves Boston pitcher Takashi Saito), Hunter flies out to second, Morales strikes out swinging, Morales to first on passed ball, Guerrero moves to third on play, Kendrick singles to left, Guerrero scores, Morales moves to second, Riveria doubles to center, Morales scores, Kendrick scores, Napoli doubles to left, Riveria scores, (Boston pitcher Hideki Okajima relieves Boston pitcher Ramon Ramirez), Figgins strikes out swinging

Red Sox: (Los Angles pitcher Kevin Jepsen relieves Los Angeles pitcher Jason Bulger), Pedroia grounds out to shortstop, Bay grounds out to shortstop, Lowell grounds out to second

End of seventh inning score: Red Sox 5, Angels 7

Eighth Inning: Angels: Aybar singles to center, Abreu singles to center, Aybar moves to third, (Boston pitcher Manny Delcarmen relieves Boston pitcher Hideki Okajima), Maicer Izturis (pinch hits for Guerrero) pops out to shortstop, Abreu steals second, Hunter intentionally walks, (bases-loaded, one out), Morales strikes out swinging, (bases-loaded, two outs), Kendrick strikes out swinging

Red Sox: Ortiz singles to left, J. D. Drew (pinch hits for Brian Anderson who had come in defensively for Baldelli) walks, Ortiz moves to second, Josh Reddick (pinch hits for Varitek) grounds into fielder's choice, Drew out at second, Ortiz moves to third, (Los Angeles pitcher Darren Oliver relieves Los Angeles pitcher Kevin Jepsen), Reddick moves to second on wild pitch, Kotchman grounds out to shortstop, Ortiz scores, Reddick moves to third, Gonzalez walks, Ellsbury singles to right, Reddick scores, Gonzalez moves to second, Pedroia flies out to center

End of eighth inning score: Red Sox 7, Angels 7

Ninth Inning: Angels: (Boston pitcher Daniel Bard relieves Boston pitcher Manny Delcarmen), Riveria grounds out to catcher, Napoli grounds out to third, Figgins singles to left, Aybar singles to right, Figgins moves to third, Abreu singles to left, Figgins scores, Aybar moves to second, Izturis grounds to first

Red Sox: (Los Angeles pitcher Brian Fuentes relieves Los Angeles pitcher Darren Oliver), Bay pops out to center, Lowell flies out to center, Ortiz walks (Joey Gathright pinch runs for Ortiz), Drew singles to center, Gathright moves to second, Jed Lowrie (pinch hits for Dusty Brown who had come in defensively for Jason Varitek) singles to thrid, Gathright moves to third, Drew moves to second, (bases-loaded, two outs), Nick Green (pinch hits for Kotchman) walks, Gathright scores, Drew moves to third, Lowrie moves to second, Gonzalez singles to left, Drew scores

End of game score: Red Sox 9, Angels 8

=============================================

L. A. ANGELS: Starting Pitcher: Joe Saunders, Losing Pitcher: Brian Fuentes

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Paul Byrd, Winning Pitcher: Daniel Bard (2)

L. A. ANGELS: Homerun: Torii Hunter

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 86, Losses: 58, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

=============================================

Next game: Thursday 17 September 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Los Angeles Angels, Fenway Park, Josh Beckett

Red Sox Ark Angels, 4 to 1

L. A. ANGELS: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 - 1 6 1

BOSTON: 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 x - 4 9 0

Battle of the Pitching Stars! Yes, another game where the pitchers controlled the game. What is happening at the end of the season with all these duels? Good tune up for the postseason. Matsuzaka had a great return to Fenway Park. Welcome back Daisuke! Anyway, the Boston Red Sox broke the battle in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels. Between the starter and the bullpen, the Angels were only able to score once on Boston pitching. Although I prefer games with lots of hitting, I do appreciate the artistry of pitching, after all I was a catcher in another life. And the Boston defense has been marvelous of late - great hands guys!

=============================================

L. A. ANGELS: Starting Pitcher: John Lackey, Losing Pitcher: John Lackey

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Daisuke Matsuzaka, Winning Pitcher: Daisuke Matsuzaka (2)

BOSTON: Homerun: David Ortiz (24)

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 85, Losses: 58, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

=============================================

Next game: Wednesday 16 September 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Los Angeles Angels, Fenway Park, Paul Byrd

Boston Red Sox 2010 Game Schedule - Initial

APRIL 2010

Monday 5
New York Yankees HOME
Tuesday 6
DAY OFF
Wednesday 7, Thursday 8
New York Yankees HOME
Friday 9, Saturday 10, Sunday 11
Kansas City Royals AWAY
Monday 12
Minnesota Twins AWAY
Tuesday 13
DAY OFF
Wednesday 14, Thursday 15
Minnesota Twins AWAY
Friday 16, Saturday 17, Sunday 18, Monday 19
Tampa Bay Rays HOME
Tuesday 20, Wednesday 21, Thursday 22
Texas Rangers HOME
Friday 23, Saturday 24, Sunday 25
Baltimore Orioles HOME
Monday 26, Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28
Toronto Blue Jays AWAY
Thursday 29
DAY OFF/TRAVEL DAY
Friday 30
Baltimore Orioles AWAY

MAY 2010

Saturday 1, Sunday 2
Baltimore Orioles AWAY
Monday 3, Tuesday 4, Wednesday 5, Thursday 6
Los Angeles Angels HOME
Friday 7, Saturday 8, Sunday 9
New York Yankees HOME
Monday 10, Tuesday 11, Wednesday 12
Toronto Blue Jays HOME
Thursday 13
DAY OFF/TRAVEL DAY
Friday 14, Saturday 15, Sunday 16
Detroit Tigers AWAY
Monday 17, Tuesday 18
New York Yankees AWAY
Wednesday 19, Thursday 20
Minnesota Twins HOME
Friday 21, Saturday 22, Sunday 23
Philadelphia Phillies AWAY
Monday 24, Tuesday 25, Wednesday 26
Tampa Bay Rays AWAY
Thursday 27, Friday 28, Saturday 29, Sunday 30
Kansas City Royals HOME
Monday 31
DAY OFF

JUNE 2010

Tuesday 1, Wednesday 2, Thursday 3
Oakland Athletics HOME
Friday 4, Saturday 5, Sunday 6
Baltimore Orioles AWAY
Monday 7, Tuesday 8, Wednesday 9, Thursday 10
Cleveland Indians AWAY
Friday 11, Saturday 12, Sunday 13
Philadelphia Phillies HOME
Monday 14
DAY OFF
Tuesday 15, Wednesday 16, Thursday 17
Arizona Diamondbacks HOME
Friday 18, Saturday 19, Sunday 20
Los Angeles Dodgers HOME
Monday 21
DAY OFF/TRAVEL DAY
Tuesday 22, Wednesday 23, Thursday 24
Colorado Rockies AWAY
Friday 25, Saturday 26, Sunday 27
San Francisco Giants AWAY
Monday 28
DAY OFF/TRAVEL DAY
Tuesday 29, Wednesday 30
Tampa Bay Rays HOME

JULY 2010

Thursday 1
DAY OFF
Friday 2, Saturday 3, Sunday 4
Baltimore Orioles HOME
Monday 5, Tuesday 6, Wednesday 7
Tampa Bay Rays AWAY
Thursday 8
DAY OFF/TRAVEL DAY
Friday 9, Saturday 10, Sunday 11
Toronto Blue Jays AWAY
Monday 12
DAY OFF/TRAVEL DAY
Tuesday 13
ALL-STAR GAME ANGEL STADIUM
Wednesday 14
DAY OFF/TAVEL DAY
Thursday 15, Friday 16, Saturday 17, Sunday 18
Texas Rangers HOME
Monday 19, Tuesday 20, Wednesday 21
Oakland Athletics AWAY
Thursday 22, Friday 23, Saturday 24, Sunday 25
Seattle Mariners AWAY
Monday 26, Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28
Los Angeles Angels AWAY
Thursday 29
DAY OFF/TRAVEL DAY
Friday 30, Saturday 31
Detroit Tigers HOME

AUGUST 2010

Sunday 1
Detroit Tigers HOME
Monday 2, Tuesday 3, Wednesday 4, Thursday 5
Cleveland Indians HOME
Friday 6, Friday 7, Sunday 8, Monday 9
New York Yankees AWAY
Tuesday 10, Wednesday 11, Thursday 12
Toronto Blue Jays AWAY
Friday 13, Saturday 14, Sunday 15
Texas Rangers AWAY
Monday 16
DAY OFF/TRAVEL DAY
Tuesday 17, Wednesday 18, Thursday 19
Los Angeles Angels HOME
Friday 20, Saturday 21, Sunday 22
Toronto Blue Jays HOME
Monday 23, Tuesday 24, Wednesday 25
Seattle Mariners HOME
Thursday 26
DAY OFF/TRAVEL DAY
Friday 27, Saturday 28, Sunday 29
Tampa Bay Rays AWAY
Monday 30
DAY OFF/TRAVEL DAY
Tuesday 31
Baltimore Orioles AWAY

SEPTEMBER 2010

Wednesday 1, Thursday 2
Baltimore Orioles AWAY
Friday 3, Saturday 4, Sunday 5
Chicago White Sox HOME
Monday 6, Tuesday 7, Wednesday 8
Tampa Bay Rays HOME
Thursday 9
DAY OFF/TRAVEL DAY
Friday 10, Saturday 11, Sunday 12
Oakland Athletics AWAY
Monday 13, Tuesday 14, Wednesday 15
Seattle Mariners AWAY
Thursday 16
DAY OFF/TRAVEL DAY
Friday 17, Saturday 18, Sunday 19
Toronto Blue Jays HOME
Monday 20, Tuesday 21, Wednesday 22
Baltimore Orioles HOME
Thursday 23
DAY OFF/TRAVEL DAY
Friday 24, Saturday 25, Sunday 26
New York Yankees AWAY
Monday 27, Tuesday 28, Wednesday 29, Thursday 30
Chicago White Sox AWAY

OCTOBER 2010

Friday 1, Saturday 2, Sunday 3
New York Yankees HOME
Monday 4 through Sunday 31
POSTSEASON

Red Sox Ruin Rays, 4 to 0

TAMPA BAY: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 4 0

BOSTON: 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 x - 4 7 0

Well the second game of today's doubleheader not only had a similar outcome to the first game, but the second game actually had a better score. The Boston Red Sox shutout the Tampa Bay Rays in their last encounter of the season and have their second sweep of this current homestand in Fenway Park. Five straight victories and counting. The Red Sox and Rays will not meet again until 2010, as the Rays have been eliminated from postseason play - the Red Sox have not. Oh and yes, the afternoon was quieter in the bar than in the morning. Before the start of game number two, the Eagles fans left, happy it seems. And I headed home after the second game began, because apparently the game was blacked out in this area for some reason. Guess having having a double dose of the Red Sox is too much for some satellite/cable providers (must be Yankee fans)! Boston has their last regular season day off tomorrow and then Tuesday begins the final push of the remaining three weeks of the season. Postseason - we're on our way!

=============================================

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

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Jon Lester, Winning Pitcher: Jon Lester (13)

BOSTON: Homerun: Jason Bay (32)

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 84, Losses: 58, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

=============================================

Next game: Tuesday 15 September 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Los Angeles Angels, Fenway Park, Daisuke Matsuzaka

Boston Tames Tampa Bay,3 to 1

TAMPA BAY: 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 - 1 6 0

BOSTON: 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 x - 3 9 0

Another Sunday in my favorite New England sports living bar and today the overflow of Eagles fans from the Philly bar across the street are joining us today. Hasn't been this noisy on Sundays all season. A revelation - there's an Eagles fight song (heard it many times this morning). An early start to the day as the Boston Red Sox are playing a doubleheader and this is the first game. A pitching duel of a game, which makes this a very long game in a very long day. It took until the sixth inning, but a Red Sox run finally scored on a Martinez single that drove in Pedroia from second. Then the Tampa Bay Rays brought the game back to being even. In the end it was an Ortiz pinch hit that made the difference in the game. The pitching, of course, was good on both sides and Papelbon was not scary today. Another game will be played in Fenway Park today and let's hope for a similar outcome. The Eagles game is still on and the Philly bar fans are still singing. Perhaps the afternoon will be quieter.

=============================================

TAMPA BAY: Starting Pitcher: Matt Garza, Losing Pitcher: Matt Garza

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Clay Buchholz, Winning Pitcher: Hideki Okajima (6)

BOSTON: Save: Jonathan Papelbon (36)

BOSTON: Homerun: Dustin Pedrioa (13)

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 83, Losses: 58, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

=============================================

Next game: Sunday 13 September 2009, 2:00 p.n. PT, Tampa Bay Rays, Fenway Park, Jon Lester

Happy 29th Birthday Daisuke Matsuzaka!!!

Daisuke Matsuzaka is a right-handed batting and throwing pitcher. He is a starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. Daisuke made his Major League debut with the Boston Red Sox on Thursday 5 April 2007 when he was twenty-six years, six months, and twenty-three days old. The Red Sox played the Kansas City Royals in Kauffman Stadium that day and Daisuke pitched seven innings and gave up one run in the four to one victory. He pitched for the World Baseball Classic champion Japan 2006 and 2009, named World Baseball Classic MVP 2006 and 2009, and has a ring for the World Series Champion Boston Red Sox 2007. Daisuke wears number eighteen.

Red Sox Reign Rays, 9 to 1

TAMPA BAY: 0 0 0 0 1 - 1 4 0

BOSTON: 0 0 8 1 0 - 9 8 0

Yesterday it rained (water) in Fenway Park - no game. Today it rained (runs) in Fenway Park - won game. Great at bats for Boston in the third. And although the rain (water) came in the middle of the game to delay the inevitable, the Boston Red Sox won their third game in a row and have taken the first game of a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays. It was a short game - an official five innings - and it allowed Beckett a "complete" game victory. I know, it's a stretch, but I do like it when pitchers have complete games. And the Red Sox have increased their lead over the Rangers for the AL Wild Card and have also gained ground on the Yankees.

=============================================

TAMPA BAY: Starting Pitcher: Wade Davis, Losing Pitcher: Wade Davis

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Josh Beckett, Winning Pitcher: Josh Beckett (15)

BOSTON: Homerun: Kevin Youkilis (25)

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 82, Losses: 58, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

=============================================

Next game: Sunday 13 September 2009, 9:00 a.m. PT, Tampa Bay Rays, Fenway Park, Clay Buchholz

Red Sox, Rays - POSTPONED Until Sunday 9/13

Per the notification below, today's Boston Red Sox versus Tampa Bay Rays game in Fenway Park has been postponed because of inclement weather and will be played on Sunday 13 September as part of a doubleheader.

"Rays' rainout forces twin bill SundayFirst game at Fenway to start at noon ET, second at 5 p.m.

By Bill Chastain / MLB.com
09/11/09 9:56 PM ET
BOSTON -- Friday night's Rays-Red Sox series opener was postponed due to rain.
The game will be played as part of a Sunday doubleheader at noon and 5 p.m. ET.
The start of Friday night's game was delayed by six minutes due to rain before starting at 7:16 p.m. Twelve minutes later, after the Rays had loaded the bases with one out, the tarp was put on the field.
After a lengthy delay, the game finally was called at 9:50. Sunday's game will start from the beginning, meaning the Rays will lose the bases-loaded situation.
Bill Chastain is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs"

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 81, Losses: 58, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

=============================================

Next game: Saturday 12 September 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Tampa Bay Rays, Fenway Park, Josh Beckett

Happy 26th Birthday Jacoby McCabe Ellsbury!!!

Jacoby Ellsbury is a left-handed batting and throwing center fielder. He is the starting center fielder for the Boston Red Sox. Jacoby made his Major League debut with the Boston Red Sox on Saturday 30 June 2007 when he was twenty-three years, nine months, and nineteen days old. The Red Sox played the Texas Rangers that day in Fenway Park and Jacoby started in center field in the five to four defeat. He was named American League Player of the Month for September 2007, he has a ring for the World Series Championship Boston Red Sox 2007, and he currently leads Boston’s single season (2009) stolen base record with sixty (and counting) steals. Jacoby wears number forty-six.

Happy 31st Birthday Nicholas Anthony Green!!!

Nick Green is a right-handed batting and throwing shortstop. He is a shortstop for the Boston Red Sox. Nick made his Major League debut with the Atlanta Braves on Saturday 15 May 2004 when he was twenty-five years, eight months, and five days old. The Braves played the Milwaukee Brewers that day in Milwaukee and Nick replaced the second baseman. Nick signed with the Boston Red Sox in January 2009. Although an infielder, Nick made his Major League pitching debut with the Boston Red Sox on Thursday 27 August 2009 when he was thirty years, eleven months, and seventeen days old. The Red Sox played the Chicago White Sox that day in Fenway Park and Nick came in as a relief pitcher in the eighth and ninth innings and had two scoreless innings in the nine to five defeat. Nick wears number twenty-two.

Red Sox Over Orioles, 7 to 5

BALTIMORE: 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 - 5 12 1

BOSTON: 2 0 0 1 0 1 3 0 x - 7 15 1

And it is a sweep for the Boston Red Sox! Although it was more of a game today against the Baltimore Orioles than yesterday, the Red Sox managed to come out ahead in the end to record another victory. Boston had more hits than yesterday, but amazingly not a single homerun today. And unfortunately, the bullpen was not able to protect Boston's lead and give Byrd his deserved win. The Red Sox will not be back in Fenway Park until Friday when the Rays come in for a three-game series. Boston still leads the AL Wild Card. =============================================

BALTIMORE: Starting Pitcher: Jason Berken, Losing Pitcher: Matt Albers

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Paul Byrd, Winning Pitcher: Billy Wagner (1)

BOSTON: Save: Jonthan Papelbon (35)

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 81, Losses: 58, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

=============================================

Next game: Friday 11 September 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Tampa Bay Rays, Fenway Park, Jon Lester

Happy 23rd Birthday Michael Matthew Bowden!

Michael Bowden is a right-handed batting and throwing pitcher. He is a relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. Michael made his Major league debut with the Boston Red Sox on Saturday 30 August 2008 when he was twenty-one years, eleven months, and twenty-one days old. The Red Sox played the Chicago White Sox that day in Fenway Park and Michael pitched five innings and gave up two runs in the eight to two victory. Michael wears number sixty-four.

Boston Bombs Baltimore,10 to 0

BALTIMORE: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 5 0

BOSTON: 3 1 4 0 0 1 1 0 x - 10 11 0

Homers! (first multi-homer game for Pedroia). Homers! (first time in Red Sox history five homers in three innings). Homers! (Ortiz ties DH homerun lead with his two hundred sixty-ninth). The Boston Red Sox are back in Fenway Park and the long balls are flying! For the Baltimore Orioles, this first game of a two-game series, was over in the first inning. The Red Sox had great hitting (double digit) and pitching (no runs) today. Over half the innings that Buchholz pitched were 1-2-3 innings - marvelous! Being home is what Boston needed, as well as having a series against the already eliminated Orioles. Welcome home Boston - sweep the birds tomorrow!

=============================================

BALTIMORE: Starting Pitcher: David Hernandez, Losing Pitcher: David Hernandez

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Clay Buchholz, Winning Pitcher: Clay Buchholz (5)

BOSTON: Homeruns: Dustin Pedroia (11, 12), Kevin Youkilis (24), Alex Gonzalez (7), J. D. Drew (20), David Ortiz (23)

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 80, Losses: 58, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

=============================================

Next game: Wednesday 9 September 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Baltimore Orioles, Fenway Park, Paul Byrd

Red Sox Recap, 1 to 7 September

Between Tuesday 1 September and Monday 7 September 2009, the Boston Red Sox played seven games on the road – three against the Tampa Bay Rays and four against the Chicago White Sox. Here are the breakdowns over the time period.

Total Each Series

Red Sox: 19 runs, 30 hits, 2 errors
Rays: 15 runs, 29 hits, 3 errors
Two wins, one loss (won the first and third games)
Analysis: Red Sox had 56% of the total runs, 51% of the total hits, 40% of the total errors

Red Sox: 10 runs, 30 hits, 1 error
White Sox: 23 runs, 42 hits, 1 error
One win, three losses (won the third game)
Analysis: Red Sox had 30% of the total runs, 43% of the total hits, 50% of the total errors

Combined Series Totals

Red Sox: 29 runs, 60 hits, 3 errors
Opponents: 38 runs, 71 hits, 4 errors
Three wins, four losses
Analysis: Red Sox had 43% of the total runs, 46% of the total hits, 43% of the total errors

Season-To-7 September 2009

Red Sox: 720 runs, 1248 hits, 77 errors
Opponents: 623 runs, 1258 hits, 95 errors
Seventy-nine wins, fifty-eight losses
Analysis: Red Sox had 54% of the total runs, 50% of the total hits, 45% of the total errors

AL East Standings (at the start of Tuesday 8 September 2009)

New York 89 50 .640
Boston 79 58 .577
Tampa Bay 72 66 .522
Toronto 61 76 .445
Baltimore 56 81 .409

AL Wild Card Standings (at the start of Tuesday 8 September 2009)

Boston 79 58 .577
Texas 76 60 .559
Seattle 72 66 .522
Tampa Bay 72 66 .522
Minnesota 69 68 .504

White Sox Wipe Red Sox

BOSTON: 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 1 8 0

CHI. WHITE SOX: 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 2 x - 5 8 0

Although Beckett has another loss, he did pitch better than he has in recent starts and he did not give up a homerun. A positive outing that could become a trend. Unfortunately, the Boston Red Sox did not split the four-game series against the Chicago White Sox, but they did leave U. S. Cellular Field without being swept. And Ellsbury stole his sixtieth base of the season. Boston returns home to Fenway and will attempt to have a better homestand than this road trip.

=============================================

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Josh Beckett, Losing Pitcher: Josh Beckett (6)

CHI. WHITE SOX: Starting Pitcher: Mark Buehrle, Winning Pitcther: Mark Beuehrle

CHI. WHITE SOX: Homerun: Carlos Quentin

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 79, Losses: 58, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

=============================================

Next game: Tuesday 8 September 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Baltimore Orioles, Fenway Park, Clay Buchholz

Red Sox Rout White Sox, 6 to 1

BOSTON: 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 3 - 6 10 0

CHI. WHITE SOX: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 - 1 6 0

A joust today between Red Sox Jon and White Sox John, starting pitchers both. In the end, Jon outpitched (outjousted?) John and the Boston Red Sox were victorious in this third game of the series. The Chicago White Sox will not sweep Boston. There were few of us in the New England sports living bar to witness this most welcomed result. It is a holiday (Labor Day) weekend and many have left to enjoy other locales. Mike was here (Andrew is still out because of his injured foot) and for most of the game he only had three people in the bar - yours truly, the other regular Rich, and a guy whose name I think is Chris. No matter how few of us there were, the win (though a missed shutout) in U. S. Cellular Field could not have been better received. The Red Sox had a day of double digits hits and double homeruns. Hope Boston will favor us with another win tomorrow and finish with a series split. Because of Boston's win and their losses, the Red Sox were able to gain ground on the Yankees and to increase the distance from the Rangers and the Rays. Here's to victory!

=============================================

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Jon Lester, Winning Pitcher: Jon Lester (12)

CHI. WHITE SOX: Starting Pitcher: John Danks, Losing Pitcher: John Danks

BOSTON: Homeruns: Mike Lowell (17), Victor Martinez (21)

CHI. WHITE SOX: Homerun: Ramon Castro

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 79, Losses: 57, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

=============================================

Next game: Monday 7 September 2009, 11:05 a.m. PT, Chicago White Sox, U. S. Cellular Field, Josh Beckett

White Sox Wound Red Sox

BOSTON: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 - 1 3 0

CHI. WHITE SOX: 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 x - 5 8 0

Perfection is not easily obtained and although pitcher Gavin Floyd of the Chicago White Sox was perfect for five and two-thirds innings, he would have to settle just for the victory against the Boston Red Sox. Game perfection will have to wait another day for Floyd. Red Sox hitting was kept to half of the runs and a third of the hits that they produced yesterday. Even though the game in U. S. Cellular Field was over for the Red Sox at the end of the first inning, Tim Wakefield did manage to have a decent return with a couple of 1-2-3 innings. Boston needs to salvage this series with a win tomorrow and maintain the lead in the AL Wild Card.

=============================================

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Tim Wakefield, Losing Pitcher: Tim Wakefield (4)

CHI. WHITE SOX: Starting Pitcher: Gavin Floyd, Winning Pitcher: Gavin Floyd

BOSTON: Homerun: Jason Bay (31)

CHI. WHITE SOX: Homeruns: Mark Kotsay, Paul Konerko

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 78, Losses: 57, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

=============================================

Next game: Sunday 6 September 2009, 11:05 a.m. PT, Chicago White Sox, U. S. Cellular Field, Jon Lester