Sox are left blue again

''There's no red button going on around here," insisted Millar. ''Not in this clubhouse. We just have to shut off the negative and go in there like tomorrow's a new day. It'll be a challenge to face Randy Johnson in New York [tonight] and there's not a bigger boost than going out to play a good series against that team."

Last night's defeat, marking only the second time they've lost three straight this season (they also did it from April 25-29), dropped the Sox to fourth place in the American League East. The Sox haven't been out of the top two spots in the division at this point in the season since 1997, when they were 19-27, fifth in the East.

The biggest downers in this series for the Sox were starting pitching and defense. David Wells allowed five runs on seven hits in 6 1/3 innings Tuesday. Bronson Arroyo allowed five runs (two earned) on six hits in six innings Wednesday, while the Sox made two errors (including one by Arroyo).

And last night, Wade Miller, was atrocious, lasting only two innings, allowing seven runs on six hits and three walks in a game that took only 2 hours 21 minutes before 26,255 at Rogers Centre.

''They outplayed us in every area," said Sox manager Terry Francona.

''Toronto beat us up this series and we turn the page and go to New York," added Millar, who went back to a closed batting stance, and produced three hits. ''It's no secret it will be a great series against [the Yankees]. But we have to find a way to go in there and win some ballgames."

Damon, who said Wednesday that the Sox needed to play with more urgency, felt they had good at-bats against Gustavo Chacin, even though they were swinging early in the count because Toronto's starter and winner was around the plate with what appeared to be a hittable fastball.

''We come to play every day, but it just hasn't worked for us," Damon said. ''We gave up a lot early. We still feel good about ourselves. Things just aren't going the way we would like."

Damon said the things the Sox should be focusing on are ''making the big plays, swinging the big bats, making the right pitch. We're winning and losing as a team, and, unfortunately, we're losing a little more than we're winning.