Chatting SoxandPhils in the canned soup aisle

Christine has a cold, so I ran to the store to get her some soup for tomorrow's lunch.

While in the store, I heard a man say, "Nice hat."

Being the guy wearing the colors of an out-of-town team with a large front-running following, I can never tell if such a greeting is sincere or sarcastic.

"Thanks," I said, stalling for time to decide his intent.

"Are you a real fan?" he said.

"Yup," I answered. "I grew up in a Yankees house."

That was enough cred for him. He was wearing a Phillies 2008 championship T-shirt, but said he has also liked the Red Sox since watching them lose the 1967 World Series. He's from Philly and said he'd root for the Phillies over the Red Sox when they hook up next month.

It was a nice chat, especially since I usually just shy away from strangers.

By the way, either I missed them after four trips up and down the cracker aisle, or our local Shop-Rite doesn't carry oyster crackers. How could that be?

9th inning: Matty commented about the Phillies proclivity to giving up ninth inning runs. Sure, having a closer with an ERA of 7.24 doesn't help, but the Phillies worst inning the whole year has been the last. Throughout baseball, the 9th inning is the frame in which teams give up the fewest runs. I blame Brad Lidge's struggles, but this stat is further proof of the obvious: The Phillies need to be up big before the 9th inning to win in the playoffs. (Incidentally, the Phillies best inning is the 7th; baseball's worst is the 6th.)

Tonight's games: The Phillies are off, so Tyler Walker probably won't be "sweating like a hostage." But I'd bet on that happening tomorrow as the Phils have a twin bill in Miami.

The Red Sox are playing the Royals in the central time zone. They're up 8-5 in the 6th on another three-run homer by Jason Bay.

Tim Wakefield gave up a run before he gave up a hit. He's pitching like a guy with questionable leg strength: five runs (four earned) on five hits and SEVEN walks through five innings. The Red Sox twice had the lead up to six runs, but it's now it's down to three. Wake's thrown 104 pitches through five, so I think he's done for the night.

Hopefully, we hold and continue the march to New York.