Sox Inch Closer To Division Lead

By Erik Pesta
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

After a three-game sweep of the division leading Blue Jays, the Red Sox sit just a half-game back in the A.L. East as they head into the first round of interleague play this weekend. Jason Bay was once again the offensive hero, hitting his 13th homerun of the season into the bullpen, to give the Sox a 3-0 first inning lead. David Ortiz finished the night 1-for-4 with an RBI, but he was robbed of a second hit due to the ridiculous (although effective) overshift that was put on by the Jays. Jacoby Ellsbury extended his hitting streak to 16 games with a first inning double, and also stole his 17th base of the season.

It was a bit of a wacky game. Toronto out-hit the Sox by four, yet scored just one run. Jon Lester allowed a baserunner in each of the first five innings, but went on to win the game and improve his record to 3-4, lowering his ERA to 5.91. It's nice to see Lester work himself out of trouble, but it would be even nicer to see him not get into trouble at all.

Toronto is starting to feel the effects of finally playing against their American League East brethren. The Blue Jays fattened up on the rest of the league while the Sox, Yanks and Rays all beat the hell out of each other for six weeks. The Boston series was only the third intra-division test Toronto has faced all year. Compare that to the seven Boston has endured, and it's easy to see how the Jays have started out so hot. Make no mistake, readers: the A.L. East is hands down the toughest division in baseball. I'm not saying the Jays are a fraud, and that's obvious from my previous posts praising them, but this series was an eye-opener of sorts. I don't see how the pitching can hold up, and there is no way their offense can maintain the pace it was on prior to the Boston series.

The Mets are in town for the weekend, and tonight's pitching match up is must-see: Daisuke Matsuzaka makes his return from the disabled list to face one of baseball's best pitchers, Johan Santana. The two time Cy Young Award winner brings his 5-2 record and minuscule 1.36 ERA into Fenway, for what promises to be a really exciting game. First pitch is at 7:10 from Boston.

On a side note, as we begin to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend, I'd like to thank all the men and women out there who serve our country in the armed forces. I have the utmost respect for all that you do. I think it's important that we remember it's not a day to just sit on the deck, eat hot dogs and drink beer. It's a day to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. I'm not preaching and certainly not getting into politics - just reminding everyone of the spirit of the holiday. Enjoy, folks!