With another short but sweet start from Daisuke Matsuzaka, the Red Sox were able to whittle the magic number down to seven in the American League Wild Card race, thanks in part to a timely beating to the Texas Rangers by the Angels – and, of course, another systematic dismantling of the Baltimore Orioles.
On the way to a 9-3 victory in Baltimore on Sunday, the Red Sox notched seven runs over just the first four innings, ensuring the series sweep over the embattled O’s.
Dice-K worked effectively through 5 1/3 innings against Jason Berken, giving up eight hits and three runs with five K’s and just one walk.
Jacoby Ellsbury continued to feed on the abundance of bird food, cranking his eighth jack of the year and the second of the series. But Jason Bay would not be outshined in his return from flu-like symptoms, matching his career high 35th home run.
Tonight’s “It’s My Party and I’ll Cry if I Want To… But I’d Much Rather Hit Home Runs Instead” Award goes to Jason Bay. Hey, J-Bay… Happy 31st.
Next game – 9/21 BOS @ KC – Wakefield / DiNardo
