The Red Sox took on the Rangers today looking to win their 5th in 6 games and avenge their loss to the Rangers last night. Also, because the Rays were shutout by the red hot Blue Jays earlier today, losing 1-0, a win by the Red Sox would mean that they would be only 1.5 back of the Rays heading into an intriguing matchup in Boston between the Rays and Sox which begins Monday. The Yankees lost today as well and fell into 4th in the AL East, below the Jays, showing once again that a big payroll does not equal success. They are all but out of it.
So the Sox sent recent acquisition Paul Byrd to the mound tonight to face off with young Rangers' starter Brandon McCarthy. Byrd has proved to be a very good pickup as he has stabilized the end of their rotation and provided a locker room presence, exactly what the Red Sox acquired him to do. Early 2nd inning RBIs from Alex Cora and Coco Crisp gave the Sox an early 2-0 lead. A David Ortiz two run shot, his 18th, in the 5th pushed it to a 4-0 advantage. 6th inning RBIs from Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia, as well as a 7th inning solo shot from Jason Bay, his 27th, made it a 7-0 lead.
Paul Byrd didn't even need have of those runs as he neutralized a dangerous Rangers lineup over 6 and 2/3 shutout innings, giving up only 3 hits. In the end it was a 7-2 lead and another series win for the Sox. They are now 1.5 games behind the Rays, who have hit a bit of a rough patch, losing 5 of 6 to the Yanks and Jays.
As I mentioned, the Red Sox will welcome the Rays to Fenway for a 3 game series starting Monday in what could be a huge series in the AL East race. The two do meet again later this month in Tampa, but because of the way the Red Sox have played at home this season, especially against the Rays, 6-0 this season, this looks to be their best chance to catch the Rays. The first pitching matchup definetely favors the Red Sox as they send their most consistent pitcher, Jon Lester, to the mound against the man who has been the Rays' worst, Edwin Jackson. Although Jackson has had a fine season, he is the #5 starter in that rotation and Lester has probably been the #2 or #3 starter for the Red Sox this season. Game 2 features Daisuke Matsuzaka (16-2) against Scott Kazmir (11-6), while game 3 has Josh Beckett (12-9) scheduled for the Sox against the Rays' Andy Sonnanstine (13-7).
As for injuries, the Mike Lowell, did not play tonight but it is currently unknown if that had anything to do with his the oblique injury that he recently missed 3 weeks for. Tim Wakefield has nothing wrong with his shoulder and will make his next start. JD Drew (back), took batting practice again today and should return to the team within a week, further good news for the Sox down the stretch. Bartolo Colon could return to the Red Sox, in either a bullpen role or in the rotation, after missing almost 3 months with a back problem, after a positive rehab start yesterday. Julio Lugo is probably done for the year and Jed Lowrie will be the everyday shortstop down the stretch and maybe into next season.
