Race to the finish

With each team having just 14 games left in the regular season, the SoxandPhils are in a tight race ... with each other to see who clinches first. The Phillies lowered their magic number to six today - almost small enough for Christine to breathe - while the Red Sox took theirs down to seven.

By the way, don't look now, but the Red Sox have trimmed the Yankees lead to five games one week before their showdown in the Bronx. The Empire had a nine-game lead little more than a week ago.

The Red Sox continued their dominance of the poor Orioles behind a decent start by Daisuke Matsuzaka: three runs on eight hits and a walk with five strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings. In the 9-3 win, birthday boy Jason Bay homered. So did Jacoby Ellsbury.

In a game delayed by rain, which probably cost Cliff Lee a win, the Phillies beat the Braves 4-2. Lee gave up a run in four innings and looked good before rain ended his day early. Brad Lidge recorded his 31st save, but of course, he gave up a run while doing so.

Memo to Cholly: Lidge ain't getting it done this year. {Memo to Greg: Cholly knows that, but he can't say it. He has no other choice but to keep putting Lidge out there because ...}

More bad news: While the last three starters have had abbreviated starts (Lee by rain and J.A. Happ and Pedro Martinez by injury), you'd think Brett Myers would get some work. Nope, he's injured too. Is Jamie Moyer the only pitcher left without injury concern?