WORTH THE WAIT

Fans in Red Sox Nation had to wait through a 2 hr and 11 minute rain delay for this game to come to a dramatic close. But was it ever worth the wait to see what closer Jonathan Papelbon did to the hated A-Rod!

Papelbon entered the game in the top of the eighth inning with two Yankees runners on base with two outs. The Sox held a 4-3 lead at the time and storm clouds were literally brewing above. Papelbon warmed, but the rain began to fall and the ground crew brought out the tarp. The ended and it appeared the game would resume, but lightning caused another delay.

Finally, the clouds cleared and the showdown was on. Papelbon vs the 2007 American League MYP with the game on the line. Three mighty pitches later A-Rod went down swinging to end the threat. Papelbon then pitched a perfect ninth to close out the victory for Boston. This three-game series is tied and the closing act is set for Sunday evening.

It was a wet and cold wait, but well worth it.

MANNY STEPS UP

David Ortiz remains in a terrible slump at the plate, but Manny Ramirez picked Big Papi up. Ramirez delivered a solo homer in the fourth. In the sixth, Ramirez made the Yankees pay for pitching to him with two runners on and first base open. He laced a Mike Mussina offering into right field to score Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia to give the Red Sox a 3-2 lead.

Ortiz is now hitting .070 (3 for 43) in 2008. While there is some worry about his performance most in Red Sox Nation feel he will soon return to form. However, Ramirez delivered in the clutch for Captain Clutch. And that brings a smile to everyone's face.

SUNDAY NIGHT BASEBALL

The series comes to a close tonight on ESPN. Taking the mound for Boston will be Dice-K Matsuzaka (2-0, 1.47 era). He squares off against Phil Hughes (0-1, 5.00).