Almost there

I've said I won't be heartbroken if the Rays win the East (as long as the Red Sox win the Wild Card), but I can't say I'm rooting for that scenario. Last month, when the Sox lost 2.5 games despite going 18-9, I thought the Rays locked it up. But just like that, things can change, and we're now 0.5 games back after taking the opener against the Rays tonight 3-0.

I don't think we'll sweep the series, but I feel good about remaining a half game out when this set ends.

Tonight was all young homegrown pitching. Jon Lester (now 14-5) and Jonathan Papelbon (36 saves) combined to shut out the Rays on seven hits and three walks. They had 12 strikeouts. All the scoring came in the bottom of the 1st: RBI double by David Ortiz, RBI single by Kevin Youkilis and solo homer by Jason Bay.

The Phillies took a tiny step toward making up for the fact that Cole Hamels blew it in the biggest game of the year on Sunday. Although they tried to blow it away tonight, the Phils beat the Marlins 8-6. In a game the Marlins had no business being in, they ended the game with the potential tying run on first.

Joe Blanton pitched awfully - four earned in five innings - but got the win. Brad Lidge pitched poorly - two hits - but got the save. The offense was a bit lopsided - seven hits from the first five batters, one from the bottom four. Jayson Werth had a homer and three RBI (he was already Phillie of the week), Jimmy Rollins had three hits, and Ryan Howard also had a multi-hit game.

The Mets, who lost Billy Wagner for all of next year, were off. So the Phillies are 1.5 games out.