After winning the series opener and losing in game 2, the Sox were feeling pressure to get a big win in game 3 and guarantee at least a series split with the Bronx Bombers. The Yankees had other plans and shelled Josh Beckett for 7 earned runs on 11 hits in just 4.2 innings, a performance that was frustrating to watch. Beckett couldn’t keep the Yankees of the base paths and got burned with his 2 walks in the 5th inning, as both came around to score. Beckett was not able to get the Sox back to their winning ways like he has so many times in the past.
The pressure has now officially been placed on the shoulders of the Red Sox players, needing a victory on Monday night to salvage a split of the crucial 4-game series in the Bronx. With the Rays now on a 5-game skid, the Sox had an incredible opportunity these past 2 days to pick up a game on both the Yankees and Rays and could not get the job done when needed. Despite the 2 losses, a win on Monday night would go a long way to keep the Sox hopes alive and in the same vain, a loss would be devastating to the Sox hopes.
No one said it would be easy to come into New York and win the series, but as an eternal optimist and a witness of the miraculous comebacks over the last decade with this team, I was convinced this was the Sox chance to once again shock the world. A split of the series would not be a bad result, given the Sox spot just 4.5 back in the AL Wild Card. As long as the Rays keep struggling, anything is possible.
Looking past Monday night, the Sox go to Toronto for a 3-game set with the streaking Jays, who scored 20 runs in their 3-game set with the Tampa Bay Rays and have now won 5 of their last 6 games and are looking to flex their muscle within the AL East. After the set with the Blue Jays, the Sox head to Texas to take on the 1st place Rangers, who are the only team in baseball with a significant lead in their division (7.5 games up). Taking on the Rangers is always a tough task given their talented young pitching staff and ridiculously powerful lineup.
The list of tough tests is long, but it’s now not about a tough test and all about piling up the W’s. Each and every night, regardless of the opponent, the Sox need to win and fight for every single victory. This season is filled with excuses, but I having a tough schedule down the stretch will not be one of them, because it is win often or go home. Not to be over dramatic, but every single man needs to step-up and give that extra effort now, or you can kiss this season goodbye.
50 games remaining and realistically the Sox need to win at least 35 of them to have a chance. With each loss, the likelihood of a post-season experience shrinks a little, leaving this team in a worse spot. If there was a ever a team that needed a late momentum swing, it’s the 2010 version of the Boston Red Sox.
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