Lackey, Sox Lack It vs. Rox

Well, the Sox winning streak of at least six games against the Rockies is over. Lackey took to the hill tonight and, although his numbers for the most part were winnable (is there such a word?), he made three bad pitches and paid--with three shots to the cheaps. Hose never recovered from the early onslaught, and lost 8-3. Of the few positive things tonight, Salty got a homer of his own and Bradley, continuing his very late season surge, got a hit and a steal. He's approaching the Mendoza line, in fact.
For those asking what difference it makes for the final few games since the Sox have clinched the Division, there are two reasons why it makes a great difference. First, the team with the best won-lost record entering the playoffs gets home field advantage through out the league playoffs. That, at the moment, is the Sox. But they're only one game ahead of the former Sox-laden A's for that honor, and missed a great opportunity tonight to expand that lead as the A's were beaten by the Halos down in LaLa Land, three zip. There are four games to go, and the Sox should not miss this opportunity. While they certainly have acquitted themselves well in road games, even against other playoff teams and contenders, their home record is one of the best in baseball this year.