Running on empty

Then they shocked the Yankees in the first round of the postseason, rolled over the Oakland Athletics in the American League Championship Series, and played in the World Series. No one even notices there isn't a divisional flag flying in Comerica Park.

Then there were the Cardinals, who had a seven-game lead in the National League Central a year ago today, then lost seven in a row and eight of nine, their lead shrinking to a half-game, before they righted themselves. The Cardinals won the World Series.

So, would anyone in New England like to take a deep breath, especially with the Sox' magic number to qualify for the playoffs just three after the Tigers were swept by Cleveland?

Not likely, not when the Sox can feel Alex Rodriguez's breath on the backs of their necks, with the Yankees, who trailed by 14 1/2 games May 29, now just 1 1/2 games behind in the AL East with nine games to play, 10 for New York.

"Win," said Mike Timlin, who loaded the bases in advance of the slam allowed by Papelbon on a hit batsman, walk, and intentional walk after a sacrifice bunt. "That's the bottom line. Doesn't matter how, doesn't matter who, we just need to win and prove what kind of team we are."

Deep breath?

Not likely, not with the magic number to win the division stuck at nine after each of the last four nights, the Sox losing four while the Yankees were winning.

Not likely, not when the best record in the league is now shared by the Indians and Angels, with the Sox a half-game behind and in danger of losing home-field advantage in the playoffs.

Not likely, not when Papelbon is summoned, for only the third time all season, into a close game in which the Sox were trailing - it was 2-1 - strikes out the first batter he faces, Adam Lind, then gives up a slam to Russ Adams, the same Russ Adams who had made Eric Gagné so miserable with a game-deciding double the night before.