Masterson Masterful in Relief

Bottom of the seventh inning, one out: Pitching: Manny Delcamen, At Bat: Johnny Damon, Result: Walk. Next Batter: Derek Jeter, Result: Single. Next Batter Bobby Abreu and on deck Alex Rodriguez. Warming in the bullpen: rookie, Justin Masterson. Result: Walk. Bases loaded, one out, and one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball at bat, Alex Rodriguez. Terry Francona comes out and makes the call for the 23-year old rookie.

Masterson had one job. Thrown strikes and pitch to contact, and that's just what he did. It was an 0-for-1 sinker and A-Rod took a hack and hit a weak grounder up the middle that was gobbled up by Boston short stop Alex Cora, who turned the unassisted double play. The boo's came down on A-Rod.

Rodriguez has struggled in the clutch his entire Yankee career. Although last year he had 32 RBI in the eighth inning or later many of them came in April. This year A-Rod has only two RBI in the eighth inning or later. Last night he was 0-for-5. Grant it he is not going to get a hit in every game, but I think it is safe to call A-Rod a choke artist. 

Wakefield had another solid start for the BoSox. This was Wake's first start since hitting the DL. Wakefield went five strong allowing three runs. The Sox were able to bang out seven runs with a lot of help from the bottom half of the order. Lowrie, Crisp, Baily, and Cash went a combined 8-for-18 with three RBI and the big bats did what they always do. In Jason Bay's first game in the rivalry, he pulled through going 2-for-4 with a run scored and two RBI. 

As for the Yankees it was a struggle from the get go. Although they had a 1-for-0 lead early their pitcher Andy Pettitte had to work very hard and was never able to get into a groove on the hill. Johnny Damon provided the spark for a dead offense going 2-for-4 with two home runs.

For the Yankees it is go time. Falling back in the AL wild card yet again. The Yankees are now six games back in the wild card and it isn't looking good for the  Bronx Bombers. The Yankees will need to win the next two against Boston to maintain pace in the wild card. The Yankees will thrown veteran Sidney Ponson in tonight's match up.  

For Boston it was a great night all around. With the Rays losing the Sox are now three-and-a-half back in a division that they still have their eyes on. Also losing was the Minnesota Twins who are now two-and-a-half games back in the wild card. The Sox will send newly acquired right Paul Byrd to the hill. This will be his third start with the Sox and second on the road. 

In other news the Sox moved right fielder JD Drew, who is a key component for the team, to the 15 day DL. On that note the Red Sox are showing serious interest in aquiring CF Mark Kotsay from the Braves. Kotsay is hitting .289 this year with an OBP of .340. The Red Sox could use the bat with the loss of RF JD Drew.

The two teams will meet up again tonight at the stadium. Game time is set for 7:07 on ESPN's Wednesday Night Baseball.