Red Sox beat Rays 3-0 in playoff like atmosphere. Just 1/2 game back

[SpiralHawk]

Just 1/2 game back.



Red Sox 3, Rays 0
The Boston Globe
Lester helps Sox zero in on the Rays

By Amalie Benjamin
Globe Staff / September 9, 2008


His face, underneath its cool exterior, broke enough for a muted celebration. Standing by the dugout railing, watching the other Jon finish up what he had started, Jon Lester accepted momentary congratulations, then closed again.

Lester, of course, is not one for much outward emotion. Not one for self-promotion or major expressions of excitement or joy. Unlike, say, Jonathan Papelbon, who had just closed out another stellar performance from his starter.

But, no matter how calm Lester is, there is one undeniable fact. He can dominate.

And he did last night. Though it wasn't quite his no-hitter or his nine-inning shutout in Yankee Stadium, it was a stellar performance in a game the Sox needed to have. Because there's not much better than keeping a down team down. And coming into this se ries in Fenway Park, that's exactly where the Rays seemed to be, a theme that continued with last night's 3-0 loss to Lester.

"It was important, I think a little bit more important than a normal start," Lester said. "Obviously they're ahead of us right now, and we're trying to get back in first place. It was a good atmosphere tonight in the ballpark. It almost felt like we're in the playoffs."

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2008/09/09/lester_helps_sox_zero_in_on_the_rays/

[joeybee12]

1. They've got it tough for the next two weeks...4 this weekend against

Toronto, and they give my Sox trouble, even when they stink, and they ain't stinking right now. Then next week AT Tampa and then AT Toronto. I'm cautiously optimistic. I think.

[Ganja Ninja]

6. If the Rays win tonight against Beckett I give them a better than

50/50 chance to win the AL east. Toronto's pitching has been lights out for the last month and like you said the schedule favors the Rays.

[hughee99]

2. Jason Bay!!!

8th inning 2-out 2-run HR to take a 4-3 lead. If Pap can close it out, it's a 1/2 game lead. I never thought I'd see it, but it's a playoff atmosphere against the Rays. I think both teams are headed for the post-season anyway, but it's a battle to avoid the Angels in the 1st round.

Manny Who?

[hughee99]

3. And it's tied.

PH Dan Johnson drops one into the bleachers over the bullpen.

[joeybee12]

4. Now tampa is ahead...shit.

[hughee99]

5. Rough night for Papelbon.

I still have faith, though.

[joeybee12]

8. Tied tonight...

...gonna be another nail-biter. I just want them to make the play-offs, because they're finally all getting healthy, and I think they can do it again this year. But it'll be down to the wire.

[hughee99]

9. Still tied 1-1 in the 13th.

Lots of squandered chances lately for the Sox. This certainly isn't the Rays bullpen of old, they're pitching out of some tough spots.

[MaineDem]

7. And then there was Tuesday night. :(

Oh well...

[cboy4]

10. Excellent job men! You're for real, aren't you!!?

[SpiralHawk]

11. Dang. The Rays do look very real.

Gonna be interesting in the playoffs. Some good baseball ahead.

Step it up Red Sox! Step up big!

[joeybee12]

12. Tonight's looking good so far...

...I'm still depressed from Wednesday, though.