Sox Slug Their Way To A First Place Tie

For the first time since the day after the All-Star break, the Boston Red Sox have found themselves in a tie for first place atop the AL East. The long ball led the way for Boston, with a total of six players going deep. Leading the way was David Ortiz, who hit a 3 run bomb in the first inning, followed my Mike Lowell, also in the first. Jason Bay hit a shot in the 4th inning with Jason Varitek and Kevin Youkilis following suit in the same frame. Jacoby Ellsbury hit the final sox homer in the 5th inning. Dustin Pedroia also added an RBI.

Pitching wise, Disuke Matsuzaka picked up his 17th win, going 5 innings with 7 strikeouts. Tampa stater Scott Kazmir didn't fare as well, going 3+ innings, giving up 4 homers and 4 walks.

This is a rough start for the Rays in what could be called their most important homestand in franchise history. They have two games remaining with Boston, then wild-card hopeful Minnesota comes in for a four game series. If the Rays start to slide, the eyes of the Twins will be wide open, looking for the last spot in the playoffs.