The Boston Red Sox (71-53) are now 4 1/2 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays (5 games behind in the loss column.

Sox fans can no longer depend on the hoped-for fade by the Rays. It does not look like it's happening, although a visit by the Angels today may mean trouble.

And if the Rays do hold on, then the Sox have to contend with either the White Sox or Twins (both 70-53) for the wild card.

Anyone notice in the Jays rout of Boston Sunday that Jed Lowrie (.318) went 3-for-3?

Now for the minors:

Pawtucket's Devern Hansack (6-10, 4.01 ERA) won Sunday with 6 1/3 innings (3 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 3 K) ... catcher Dusty Brown continues his good year (.283, 12 HR) with a 2-for-5 day and a homer ... George Kottaras (.237) served as the DH, going 3-for-5 ... Sean Danielson (.248) was 2-for-3.

Portland shortstop Argenis Diaz (.305) was 2-for-4, scoring three runs.

Lancaster catcher Luis Exposito (.291) was 1-for-3.

Lowell outfielder Luis Sumoza went 3-for-4 with 2 HR. He's batting .297 with 12 homers.

The Dogs are off today; the Sox (with Jon Lester) in Baltimore.

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