With Jason Bay making Manny Ramirez a dreadlocked memory and power hungry Dustin Pedroia blasting a grand slam for his fifth home run in 10 games, the Red Sox cruised to an 11-3 victory that dropped New York seven games out of the wild card race and 10 1/2 back in the AL East with just 30 to play.
Even a miracle might not be enough, not after Bay drove in four runs on a double and triple to back six solid innings from Paul Byrd. The Sox improved to 6-2 on their three-city AL East trip, which wraps up today in Boston’s final visit to Yankee Stadium, with Jon Lester opposing Mike Mussina. For years this building was where Red Sox teams went to gag on humble pie, but that worm has turned. Last night the Yanks had no answer for a balanced Sox attack that brought the thunder during a seven-run eighth capped by Pedroia’s blast.
The Yankees began the series by proclaiming they needed to take at least two out of three to keep their deficit from becoming insurmountable. Then they lost the opener 7-3 before getting croaked last night. Now they’re in danger of being swept right out of the playoff picture.
Nation Notes: When Sean Casey attempted to hit Tuesday, he did more damage than good. Casey apparently aggravated his stiff neck, and remained on the bench. The first baseman hasn’t played since last Thursday.
