Getting a win over A.J. Burnett has been no easy task for the Red Sox this season, but they found a way to do just that and keep pace with the Rays in the AL east race.
After falling behind 2-0, Kevin Youkilis delivered a clutch 2-out hit in the 5th to drive in Boston's first run. Sean Casey then drove one to right that just missed being his first home run of the season, but brought home Dustin Pedroia and Youk to give the Sox the lead.
Paul Byrd gave it right back in the bottom of the inning, but the bullpen pitched well the rest of the way and kept the Sox in it.
BOX SCORE: Red Sox 4, Blue Jays 3
In the 8th, the Red Sox loaded the bases with one out and Jason Varitek's slow grounder brought home Jason Bay with the winning run. The Jason's have been doing a lot of that lately.
Byrd was average again, but he seems to do just enough every game to give the team a chance to win and not tax the bullpen too much. At this point, he has to be the No. 4 starter on the playoff roster ahead of Tim Wakefield.
The Sox have a chance to clinch a playoff berth this weekend with a combination of two wins or two losses by the Yankees and Twins. It will be nice clinching the spot and eliminating the Yankees at the same time.
Saturday's game features a great matchup between Jon Lester and Roy Halladay. If the sox can wrap things up this weekend they'll be able to set up the pitching staff and get some guys some rest heading into the playoffs. That will be huge no matter if they win the division or get the wild card.
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