Got 'em right where we want 'em

I was about to go with the "I'm never going on a road trip again during the playoffs because the Red Sox are losing the American League Championship Series" theme for tonight's entry, but then I remembered something. Two things, actually.

This team was down 0-3 in the 2004 ALCS and 1-3 in last year's league championship round.

Never mind today's 9-1 trouncing by the Rays, who won the last two games and lead the series 2-1. These Red Sox, of the champion era, play best when they're down and given their last rites.

Or, perhaps, the Rays are just a better team this year. If so, I'll tip my hat and wish them luck and a loss against the Phillies, or luck and a win against the Dodgers. But until then, this series isn't over.

Although it was a bit frustrating to see Jon Lester get knocked around, David Ortiz continue to struggle and the entire offense make Matt Garza look the pre-2008 playoff version of Josh Beckett.

Tim Wakefield, who hasn't pitched in three weeks, will try to even the series up tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the Phillies have the late game tonight. They had tied it 3-3 in the 6th when Ryan Howard scored on a wild pitch, but Chad Durbin, who has been in Christine's doghouse lately, allowed a leadoff home run to Casey Blake in the bottom of the inning. Scott Eyre relieved him, but Howard threw the ball away on a Rafael Furcal bunt, allowing another run to score. The Dodgers are up 5-3, and they're still threatening to add more. The Phillies still pain my wife, who wants me to finish this entry before L.A. scores again.

[Photo credit: Associated Press]