The Red Sox had a golden opportunity to accomplish two important goals tonight.
One, they could have gotten to the prince of the world, the newest phenom and collective wet dream in New York right now, Joba Chamberlain. A ferocious at-bat from Eric Hinske led off a crucial bottom of the seventh inning. Hinske fell behind on two 97 mph heaters from Chamberlain before taking three well-placed sliders on the inside corner before lining a double down the left field line. A questionable bunt by Crisp followed due to the inevitable Lugo strikeout to follow when a simple grounder through the hole or a sacrifice fly would be acceptable. Jacoby Ellsbury grounded to Doug M, the defensive MVP for New York on the night.
Two, they could have finished off the division. Game over. Pack your bags. Everyone get out, nothing to see here. A six and a half game lead with four series remaining on the season and the Red Sox pitching is an impossible hill to climb. I refuse to label it a bad pitch, but Schilling coughed a long ball up to Jeter and the Yankees remain at the end of their collective ropes, grasping on for a last second climb. With the Orioles for two, Toronto and Tampa, they could put together a big run. I
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