Hey there is a former Jay in this series that I totally forgot about, Mike Timlin. Of course, Francona had forgotten about him too, at least until the 11th inning of last night's game. I'm not sure why he didn't go to Paul Byrd before Timlin, but having a couple of weeks didn't improve Timlin's control, he walked the first 2 batters then got an out on a hit and run moving the runners to second and third. An intentional walk then BJ pop fly that was just deep enough to score a speedy Fernando Perez and Timlin got a loss.
Timlin has a fond place in my heart for getting the last out in the Jay's first World Series win against the Braves but he really should have retired before this season. But then when you score 8 runs in a game you really ought to win before the 11th inning. Beckett had his second straight awful playoff start in row. He really doesn't look good, there must be some sort of injury that he's trying to pitch thru. He only pitched 4.1 and gave up 9 hits, 8 earned and 3 home runs. In between Beckett and Timlin there was 5.2 innings of shutout relief.
Scott Kazmir, for the Rays wasn't much better, lasting 4.1 as well, giving up 6 hits 5 earned and 3 homers of his own. The Rays bullpen weren't as good as the Sox' pen, they gave up 3 runs over the next 2.2 innings to allow the Sox to tied the game. Then Dan Wheeler came in and pitched 3.1 scoreless innings to get the games to extras.
So what did other former Jays and Canadians do in last night's game? Gabe Gross went 0 for 3. Kevin Cash got into the game to catch for an inning and Jason Bay was one of the offensive heroes of the game going 3 for 5 driving in 4.
Rays of the Day: Dan Wheeler (.346 WPA), Evan Longoria (.327), B.J.Upton (.234), Dave Price (.137) and J.P. Howell (.126). Suckage Rays were Kazir (-.332), Grant Balfour (-.210), Trever Miller (-.128). and Willy Aybar (-.099).
Red Sox of the Day: Dustin Pedroia (.473, with 2 homers), Jason Bay (.398), Papelbon (.201) and Okajima (.149). Suckage Sox Beckett (-.711!!), Timlin (-.363), Mark Kotsay (-.261), Ellsbury (-.254) and Youk (-.118).
Tonight's game has the old man Jamie Moyer (3.71, 16-7) starting for the Phillies against Hiroki Kuroda (3.73, 9-10).
