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Red Sox leave respectful, yet still hopeful

By Brant James, Times Staff Writer
In print: Thursday, September 18, 2008


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ST. PETERSBURG — The Red Sox are two games behind the Rays in the American League East standings with 10 games to play. For all intents and purposes, make that three, as the Rays' 10-3 win Wednesday gave them not only a series win but a 10-8 victory in the season series.

Veteran third baseman Mike Lowell could not play Wednesday because of soreness in his right hip stemming from a partially torn labrum. He may play Friday at Toronto. He may not. And he is missed.

So what do the Red Sox do now? Regroup, and begin healing and preparing to enter the playoffs as a wild card?

Not with seven games left at Fenway Park, where they are 52-22. The Rays play eight of their final 12 on the road, where they are three games under .500.

"We gained five games in a week one time," Lowell said. "Obviously, they can control their destiny, but we're just going to keep fighting until (winning the division) is unattainable. We didn't do ourselves any favors in this series, but it's not out of the realm of possibility."

Such was the prevailing sentiment in the Red Sox locker room, a nod to the Rays, but a resolve to make their inexperienced adversaries actually finish off the division and earn a first playoff berth. Underscoring all that was a not-so-subtle confidence in their chances once the playoffs begin. The Red Sox won the World Series as a wild card in 2004.

"If you're in, you're in," DH David Ortiz said. "I never notice it when you win the division and when you go in as the wild card. That's what you're looking for, being in the top four."

There were encouraging signs even as the Red Sox left town a game farther back. Ace Josh Beckett produced a third straight strong outing in a no-decision Tuesday, and Ortiz, who has battled hand problems, hit his 21st and 22nd homers.

"Some nights we didn't have a whole lot to hang our hat on," manager Terry Francona said. "We got knocked around, but to see David swing like that is good."



[Last modified: Sep 18, 2008 08:57 PM]



Comments on this article
by Brian Sep 18, 2008 8:57 PM
Ortiz doesn't care if they win div now! In April he said this is long season and the Rays won't be there in the end! EAT THOSE WORDS POPI + Remdawg! Move over Sox fans and Jerry Remy, The Rays and Raymond are new Big Dogs in the MLB !
by paul Sep 18, 2008 8:52 PM
Well, I know the D-Rays might think they are huring more than the Red Sox, but the value/talent of who the Red Sox are missing is huge...Lowell, Drew, Bay for two of the three games in Tampa. If they get them back, watch out Rays...
by SteveinCali Sep 18, 2008 2:17 PM
Actually, they were also missing 2/3 of the starting outfield, namely, JD Drew, Jason Bay, and Mike Lowell. Do you people even follow baseball?
by Carmine Sep 18, 2008 8:51 AM
If and when Crawford and Upton come back, the two of them w/ Perez out there if he can play RF, will be a frightening fast outfield. finding a hole for a ball to fall in will be tough
by Tim Sep 18, 2008 7:41 AM
So let me get this straight .. They are out their 3rd baseman and they miss him .. we are missing 2/3 of our starting outfield and just got our 3rd baseman back off the 15 day DL .. Who had a bigger disadvantage ??!!! GO RAYS !!!
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