The Pen Failed: Peter

Well, Jenn, after the recent past, topped by last night, I was beginning to think the Sox were ready to permanently put the Rays in their rear view mirror. However, today, was a different story. Admittedly Dice gave up a threespot in the 4th after holding the Rays to a single hit up to then, and he only gave up a total of four hits in all, but that got him the 'L'. However, had the pen held up its end of the bargain, the Hose likely would have come up with another win and put Tampa three games to the rear, instead of the one they are now. But, Manny came on in relief of Atch, who'd done a nice job with a scoreless inning following Dice, and faced five batters in the 8th. Four hits and a walk later, followed by more Rays bat work after Manny took a shower, all five were on the board as Rays runs. It's difficult, to say the least, to win if you never get anyone out. Anyway, that pretty much finished off the Fenmen for the evening. Tampa got a final run in the same inning from Ramirez. Thus, when the Sox bats finally came to life again, same 8th inning, it was too little, too late. Youk went for the collar, dropping him below .300, but Beltre continued to hit, getting a single and a sac fly to maintain his team leadership in RBI's. Papi also had a good evening, twice sending the ball on a long ride to the deepest reaches of the outfield without leaving the yard. Results: a pair of doubles to go with a walk for three ribbies and a tie with Beltre in that category.
You know, Jenn, at the present pace, the Sox could have a trio of guys with 30HR's and 100 RBI's each by season's end. Wouldn't that be something!
The good news tonight, other than the aforementioned bat work of Papi and Beltre, is that Mr. Hankie's Yankees also lost, so we're still just a game out.