Clinch!

(Image from MLB.com)

After 155 games and the best record in baseball at 92-63, the Boston Red Sox became the first team to clinch a playoff spot for this postseason. With their 8-6 win following a loss by Detroit, the Sox are now guaranteed at least the Wild Card slot.

The game was close to a groaner - the Sox were up 5-2 on the heels of a 2-run HR by the ever-maligned J.D. Drew (.378, 3HR, 7 RBI in his last 11 games), when the Devil Rays came charging back due to Matsuzaka's problems and a 3-run bomb given up by Lopez to put them ahead 6-5. The Captain tied it up at 6-6 with a solo shot in the bottom of the ninth, and then ex-Devil Ray Julio Lugo decided the contest with a 2-run shot. Pap put the game on ice with the save.

I still want the Sox to win the Division. It's not just pride; the spot has benefits for them going into the playoffs. The Magic Number stands at 6 now, because the Yanks beat the Jays in 10 frames tonight. This is a great opportunity for the Sox because they are rolling on positive energy right now, and the MFNYY are worn out and beaten up after playing two back-to-back 14- and 10-inning games. Hopefully their tired arms will give it up to Toronto in the next couple games.

A few notes:

• Is there anyone happier to be here than Eric Hinske? He's been getting a lot of playing time recently, and every shot of him show him sporting a huge grin. He's also got a gigantic ugly tattoo on his arm, which I didn't know until the postgame lockerroom interview.
• Jacoby Ellsburrrrrrrrrrrrry! This kid is exciting. He's done nothing but produce and energize the team and the crowd since he's been here. After 25 games, he's put up the following numbers in 86 AB: .372/.421/.558, 3HR, and 14RBI with a whopping 8 stolen bases thrown in for good measure. That's a .979 OPS, people. His speed is astounding, his poise is remarkable, and his eyes have a calmness about them that I haven't seen since the likes of MFNYY Captain "Calm-eyed" Derek Jeter.
  
• Where is Manny?
• Gagné has looked, dare I say it, daecent in his last couple outings.
• Francona becomes the first Red Sox manager to lead the team to the postseason for the third season.
• Don Orsillo will be commentating on at least one of the divisional series. Congrats to Donny O! I still yearn for the day when they tap Remy for the national games.
  
• Red Sox Nation. In the words of DJ Khaled, we're taking over.
  

The BoSox will be playing baseball this October. Are you ready?