A Sweep...Just Barely

The Red Sox swept the Tampa Bay Devil Rays today four straight games with a 5-4 victory at Fenway Park, but not before there was a little high drama in the ninth.

Tim Wakefield pitch eight solid innings, gave up just five hits and left with a 5-0 lead. Coco Crisp returned from the DL and went 1-for-5. Mark Loretta had two hits and three RBI and Trot Nixon had two hits and an RBI.

Unfortunately, Wily Mo Pena was placed on the 15-day DL with the continued problem he has with his injured left wrist. Manny Ramirez also sat out today's game with back stiffness. It is believed he will play tomorrow night in Toronto.

But the drama was in the ninth. Rudy Seanez walked the bases loaded with two outs, and Julian Tavarez came in and struck out Greg Norton, but the ball got passed Doug Mirabelli and he reached base and a run scored. Tavarez walked the next two hitters to force in two runs, and then Carl Crawford singled to left. Willie Harris threw to the plate to cut down Joey Gathright easily to preserve the victory.

Thank God I was at my nephew's communion in Bay Ridge and missed that ninth inning.

An easy win turned into a squeaker due to the bullpen again. Just when you thought it was safe to trust Rudy Seanez, he gives you a performance like this. More and more he looks like a candidate to be DFA'd (designated for assignment). Tavarez has been handling a heavy workload, and also has a guaranteed two-year deal. The Red Sox were also handed another blow when Mike Timlin was put on the 15-day DL today with a right shoulder strain. Manny Delcarmen was recalled from Pawtucket. You have to wonder if Terry Francona will trust Seanez in clutch situations. He seemed to be giving the Sox some good innings, but lousy outings like today might have him turning to Delcarmen more. We'll see.

Not all the medical news was bad. David Wells worked out on the stationary bike and his knee looked a lot better. It is not yet known if he will make his next start in Toronto on Wednesday night.