Red Sox-Devil Rays (September 1, 2005)

Are you ready for a pennant race? September is now upon us and the contenders for baseball's postseason are lining up to get a shot at becoming the next team to win the World Series. Here in Boston, the Red Sox are leading the Yankees by 2.5-games in the A.L. East -- a small enough margin to raise alcohol sales throughout New England. Last night the Sox got a boost from an unexpected source. Kevin Millar hit two home runs and drove in three runs as Boston came from behind to beat Tampa Bay 7-6. It was the thirteenth consecutive home game in which the Sox have scored at least seven runs. Tim Wakefield was shaky early (five runs in the first three innings) but he ended up lasting through eight innings and he did not allow another run after the third to earn win No. 14. Mike Timlin gave up one run in the ninth to make things interesting but he did record his fourth save. David Ortiz and Doug Mirabelli each added home runs and 'Belli even stole a base (his second on the season and third career). The Red Sox will try to break out the brooms tonight as Bronson Arroyo (10-9, 4.44) takes the mound versus Tampa's Doug Waechter (5-8, 4.94). It is a 7:05 p.m. start with NESN and WEEI carrying the game. The Red Sox bullpen will bring back Keith Foulke from the disabled list tonight and there would be no better time to add a healthy, dominating Foulke to the mix than right now.