Rays Beat Sox 5-4

The Sox were down 3-2 with two outs in the eighth until Dan Wheeler walked Kevin Youkilis and then Jason Bay went deep on him to take a 4 to 3 lead. All seemed to be going according to plan until pinch-hitter Dan Johnson homered off Jonathan Papelbon in the ninth inning to tie it, and it only got worse from there as Dioner Navarro doubled in the go ahead run and the Rays beat the Sox 5-4. The Rays now have a 1 1/2 game lead in the AL East.

Dice-K had another one of his aggravating outings as he went 5 innings allowing 3 runs on 8 hits with 4 walks while striking out 5. Dice-K just didn't look like himself, and I only say that because he let up so many hits. We all know he doesn't go deep into games, but he usually doesn't let up many hits. I will say that I think he seemed to lose his touch when he took a fall while going after a ground ball. It is not an excuse, but he never really seemed right after that. The bullpen (other than Papelbon) looked fantastic, as they combined for 3 scoreless innings allowing only 1 hit. Papelbon was due for a bad night, and I still think they are using him too much, and I hope he can hold up. Hopefully, after an outing like this, Francona will give him a couple nights off. The Sox wanted to give Ortiz the night off, but he ended up getting two at bats, but went hitless in both. I really don't understand why, if Francona wanted to give him the night off that he would turn around and have him bat twice. Doesn't make sense to me, but what do I know...

-BMack