With Derek Lowe unable to rise to the moment, the Sox are left to count on Pedro Martinez, Tim Wakefield, and Curt Schilling to reverse their fortunes after the Yankees took two of three last weekend in the Bronx. The division winner will enjoy home-field advantage in the playoffs.
"We would like payback, and if we could get payback, that means the AL East is back in our favor," Johnny Damon said. "That means flying all the way across the country for your first round of the playoffs. That's what payback would be."
The Orioles made the Sox pay last night when pinch hitter Jose Leon broke a 5-5 tie by lacing a decisive two-run single off Mike Myers with the bases loaded in the eighth inning. One run was charged to Ramiro Mendoza, who allowed two hits before he yielded to Myers with one out and the game on the line.
Lowe made things difficult by lasting only five innings, causing manager Terry Francona to stick with Myers longer than he normally would as he tried to help his key relievers recover from their roles in the 12-inning, 7-6 victory the night before. With the bullpen depleted, Francona also summoned Byung Hyun Kim to pitch the ninth with the Sox trailing, 7-5. Kim retired the first two batters before allowing two runs, leaving the Sox short despite a two-run, last-gasp rally in the bottom of the ninth.
"I was trying to protect some people tonight," Francona said. "If there is blame, I will take it because it didn't work."
The Sox dropped to 6-9 against the Orioles, who have hurt Boston's bid for the division title more than any other opponent. Good thing Francona's crew remained six games up on the idle Angels (and surging Rangers) in the wild-card race, especially since Boston ends the season with four games in Baltimore.
"It's a really hard team for us to play," Lowe said. "They just put together really good at-bats and they pitch well. For an unknown reason, they play us well."
