Game 161: Sox 8, O's 7

Sox finally get a win... but barely. Papelbon gives up a run in the ninth but strands the tying run on 2nd to get the save. Phew! The hero of this game was Lavarnway, making a spot start at catcher after Varitek took a hit by pitch off the knee in the Yankee series and Saltalamacchia took a foul ball off the collar bone yesterday. How does the rookie respond? Two for four with 2 home runs and 4 RBI including what ended up being the deciding run. Ellsbury also hit a home run trying to secure his bid as AL MVP this year.

Bedard started the game but was largely ineffective. Three and a third innings, 5 hits, 3 walks, and 3 runs. Still, that kept the Sox in the game and Aceves was able to eat up 3 2/3 innings for his 10th win of the season. The Sox bullpen almost lost this game too though as Bard gave up 2 runs in the 8th and Papelbon gave up that one run in the 9th.

Tomorrow's game is our Day of Reckoning. Win and we're at least getting a 1-game playoff. Lose and we'll need the Yankees to beat the Rays to stay alive. I don't think I've ever wanted the Yankees to win before but these are special circumstances. Win Sox, win Yanks. Nevermind that the Sox haven't won 2 games in a row since August. The time is now...