Red Sox win (so the Rays obviously lost). White Sox and Twins lost.

A good scoreboard night for Boston. The only thing better would be if the Angels lost (they did not play).

Here's the overall standings:

Angels: 92-57
Rays: 88-60
Red Sox: 89-61
White Sox: 83-66
Twins: 82-68

Boston's magic number to clinch a playoff spot is down to six (combined Red Sox wins and Twins losses)

Boston is tied with Tampa Bay, although one game down in the loss column (remember that the Rays play Thursday when Boston is off, and they have a doubleheader next week).

Boston is 3 1/2 games behind the La/Anaheim Angels for the best record in the AL - and home field advantage throughout the AL playoffs.

Daisuke Matsuzaka got his 17th win (the most ever by a Japanese-born pitcher) last night.

Assuming Josh Beckett is Boston's No. 1 starter in the playoffs, who is No. 2? Depends on where Boston is.

If the Red Sox are on the road, go with Matsuzaka (8-0, 2.61 away; 9-2, 3.18 home).

If the playoffs begin in Boston, go with Jon Lester (10-1, 2.54 home; 5-4, 3.90 away) in Game 2.

Tonight, Beckett goes against the Rays. Beckett's pitch count has been held to the 80's since coming back from a sore elbow, but he may be ready to go triple digits tonight. Tampa Bay counters with Andy Sonnanstine, who did not give up an earned run in 7 innings at Fenway last week.

While Beckett seems ready to let loose, the Sox have others on the mend, notably J.D. Drew (back). Mike Lowell is hobbilng, but still playing. See the story by Rob Bradford of weei.com

E-mail this entry to a friend