Right to the End

Well, here we are in Baltimore against the O's. For a team that's last in the division and worst in the entire league, the O's are sure becoming a large hemorrhoid for the Sox! Yesterday after having outlasted the Stripes in 14 innings, the Sox got taken down by the O's when JB couldn't keep the ball in the yard, even with a good K ratio for the time he was in the game.That allowed the Rays to finally tie the Hose for the Card. Tonight, after the Sox built a 5-1 lead by the 4th, they let the Birds get close again, 5-3. Then, they stretched things out again, 7-3 in the 6th when Crawford got a trip, followed by Scoots with a homer. In the 8th, Lavarnway, the catcher of the future for the Sox, made it 8-4, Sox, with his second homer of the game (he had a 3 run job in the 4th), quite a show for his first ever MLB start. So, 8th inning up 8-4, Sox are safe, right? Not so fast. This is September, 2011 for the Sox. Bard comes in to pit the noose around the Birds' neck and set up for The Laser. Unfortunately, with two outs, he gives up a pair on three hits (including a triple), and by the time the frame is closed out, it's Sox, 8-6. The Fenmen do nothing in the 9th against the O's so-so reliever Gregg and Pap comes on. First batter up, a two strike line single. Pap gets an out on a grounder, but as The Dustman tries to get the lead runner by tagging him out midway to 2d to start a DP, the guy drops to the ground and when Dusty throws on to Gonzo to attempt a double up, the lead guy gets safely to 2d. Replays show the ump was right in saying there was no tag. A Guerrero single followed by a ground out send home the O's seventh run. Finally, Pap gets the third out and we can stop reaching for the nitroglycerin tabs--for now. Sox win, 8-7 and remain tied with the Rays. One game to go! Lester's taking the ball on three days' rest. It's time to step up to the situation and grab it by the throat!