11

Jason Bay continued his absolutely amazing late-inning clutch hitting and Tim Wakefield continued his renaissance as the Red Sox won in Cleveland last night, 3-1.

Bay connected on a three-run bomb in the ninth, after the game remained scoreless. Wake and Cliff Lee were both outstanding, and Wake allowed just one hit in seven innings. Lee went eight and gave up just five hits.

Bay's bomb was of the no-doubt variety, and the extra runs were needed as Jonathan Papelbon struggled, giving up a run on three hits before slamming the door and giving the Red Sox their 11th straight win, their longest winning streak since they won 12 in 2006.

Toronto's loss last night combined with the Red Sox win but the Red Sox just percentage points out of first place.

Jason is now batting .500 (10-for-20) with 4 HRs and 10 RBI from the seventh inning on. He continues to be "The Quiet Man" who lets his bat do his talking. (And who was he traded for again?)

And Tim Wakefield continues to eat up valuable innings, going seven scoreless last night in a remarkably fast game, as it hadn't reached the two-hour mark by the time he was done (suck it, Wallace Matthews). Although he walked four and hit one batter, Wake was never really in any serious trouble all night.

Manny Delcarmen pitched a solid eighth and got the win. Julio Lugo was activated last night and should be in tonight's lineup, if the weather cooperates. It has been raining in Cleveland today, but hopefully they can get the game in, as the last thing the Sox need or want is another rescheduled twin bill.