One ace down, one up

I thought the Red Sox had been scuffling until I saw a list of the hottest teams in August. Coming into today, they were second in the league at 10-4 for the month. Unfortunately, the Rays were first at 11-4. I guess that explains why I have felt worse about their performance than it really is.

But then we get a game like today. Ace Josh Beckett should have shut down the Blue Jays like their ace did to us last night. Nope. He's gone in the 3rd inning, and the Sox are embarrassed 15-4. At least Shawn Marcum got the win for my fantasy team.

The loss drops the Sox 4.5 behind the Rays, who won again tonight. There's a race again for the Wild Card, as the White Sox and Twins (each won today and they're tied for the division) are just a half game behind.

Phillies: They still can't hit. Although they hit .193 tonight, a slight improvement on the .190 they posted for the first six games of the road trip. But they gave Cole Hamels just enough to beat the Padres 2-1.

Good game for young Cole - one earned, seven hits, no walks and three strikeouts in eight innings. He's finally won his 10th game; he's been trying since July 3 but has been largely stymied by his own hitters. The Phils have an off day tomorrow to shake off this funk. Don't forget to show your support for Jimmy Rollins on Tuesday.

The Mets and Marlins won, so Phils are still two out.