Rays Tie Red Sox for AL Wild-Card Lead

The Boston Red Sox continued their season-ending nose dive last night, dropping their series opener against the Baltimore Orioles 6-3.  Coupled with a Tampa Bay win over the Yankees, the Red Sox find themselves tied with the Rays for the American League wild-card lead.

Boston looked to get their final series of the season off to a good start Monday night, sending staff ace Josh Beckett to the bump to face the Orioles.

But Baltimore had different plans.

Continuing in their role of late-season spoiler, the Orioles roughed Beckett up to the tune of six earned runs on seven hits over six innings.  The right-hander served up a pair of home runs, including Robert Andino’s back-breaking three run inside the parker.

Tommy Hunter and Baltimore’s pen held the Red Sox to three runs, spacing out 11 hits and four walks.  On the night, Boston was only able to go 2-10 with runners in scoring position.

Meanwhile in Tampa Bay, the Rays struck early and leaned on ‘Big Game’ James Shields to bring home the victory.

Now, with two games remaining, the Rays have climbed all the way back to even in the AL wild-card race.  The Red Sox have gone 6-19 in September during their unbelievable collapse.

Boston will send Erik Bedard to the hill tonight against the Orioles, and has Jon Lester penciled in to pitch on short rest Wednesday.  Tampa Bay will call on rookie sensation Jeremy Hellickson this evening and David Price in their season finale.

For more on the Rays and Red Sox, be sure to check out Rays Colored Glasses and BoSox Injection.