7th inning stretch

We're approaching the final stretch, and I hope today's 7th inning turns out to be a metaphor for the season.

Clinging to a 2-0 lead against the Empire, Jon Lester loaded the bases with no outs. You had the sense that this would be the moment the 2010 Red Sox would finally succumb after battling through so many injuries and facing very tough Rays and Yankees opponents.

But Lester struck out Curtis Granderson. Daniel Bard came in from the pen, and six pitches later, Derek Jeter and Nick Swisher also struck out. Bard gave up a run in the 8th, but Jonathan Papelbon nailed down the save.

The Sox are still kicking. Don't count out a SoxandPhils series, Trent says.

The Phillies are off today.