Seems Like Old Times

Remember those days when the Tampa Bay Rays were the punching back of the AL and the Red Sox used them to warm their fists on? Well, we had a return to those days this past weekend, and a doubleheader sweep on Sunday, as the Red Sox whipped Tampa Bay, 3-1 and 4-0.

The pitching this weekend was nothing short of spectacular, as the Big Three, Josh Beckett, Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz, held Tampa Bay to just two runs in 23 innings. The Rays have now lost 11 in a row and taking the express elevator down the shaft right now.

Dustin Pedroia was the hero of Game 1, as he scored the first run and hit a two-run dinger to give the Red Sox a 3-1 opener win. Clay Buchholz was terrific once again. He went seven innings and got a no-decision, but that doesn't take away from the great game he pitched, as he allowed just the one run.

Jon Lester was fabulous yet again, going eight innings in the second game and allowing just two hits. The Sox got their runs on a ground out, and bad hop two-run single by Jason Varitek, and a home run down the right field line by Jason Bay.

Texas split their twinbill yesterday with Seattle, so the Red Sox Wild Card lead is now four games. The Sox have the day off today and welcome the LA Angels to Fenway on Tuesday, with the return of Daisuke Matsuzaka.