Game 2: Sox vs. Rays

If you told anyone before the start of this series that game 1 would be the pitchers' duel and game 2 would be the five hour home run-fest, they probably wouldn't have believed you. The Sox have Scott Kazmir figured out finally. He hasn't pitched well against Boston all season. The Rays took advantage of a weakened Josh Beckett. I'm not surprised. Don't look for any post season heroics from him in his compromised state.

Over all, the first two games against Tampa were a success. Boston, who gained the split they were after, will have their most reliable arm on the mound in Jon Lester when they go back to Fenway. Dustin Pedroia emphatically came out of his playoff slump hitting two home runs. Prior to that he was hitting .095 in the post-season. It's mildly disappointing that the Sox couldn't come up with the win last night, but considering all the trouble they've had at the Trop this year, a split is fine.

The Rays have shown that they're capable of winning at Fenway this season. However, I still like the Sox chances now that home field belongs to them. We know that Lester can handle playoff pressure. I wonder if Matt Garza of Tampa can do the same in game three. The White Sox bludgeoned him for 7 hits and 5 runs in 6 innings his last time out.