Rays Win Again

The Rays won another heart stopping game last night, 4 to 3 in extra innings over the hapless Cleveland Indians after a strong performance by Jeff Niemann and the bullpen, which pitched 5 innings and struck out 10! The game was won by catcher Jaso running out a ground ball and beating the throw, many in the Indian dugout thought he was out (watch the replay, he was). After two fly outs, Jaso moved over to third and Maddon started his magic, giving the signs to the hitter Jason Bartlett to put on the squeeze bunt, a typical Maddon play. The squeeze worked to perfection as Jaso beat the throw home and the Rays celebrated another close but critical win. The Rays are winning, close and gut-wrenching games, but they are winning none the less. Hank Blalock seems to be solid playing first, going 2 for 4 last night. The pitching staff has been outstanding and the bullpen has been solid, even without J.P. Howell who stopped his minor league assignment due to discomfort in his elbow again, a minor setback for the beloved reliever. At the same time, the Yankees pounded the Red Sox and won it dramatic fashion with a walk off home run by Marcus Thames, they sit two games behind the Rays who send out David Price to the mound today, let's hope they continue to play hard and keep the lead alive in the AL East.