Sox Rally Past Rangers, 3-2

After back-to-back losses that put the Sox 6.5 games out of the AL East race, Boston needed to bounce back with a good effort against Texas ace Cliff Lee. Lee was able to dominate the Sox for most of the game, pitching into the ninth inning. Then, Kevin Youkilis came to the rescue.

Youkilis drove in Marco Scutaro on his ninth inning double to tie the game at 2-2 and send it to extras. Who else would it be in the 11th? Of course, it was Youk again. With the bags juiced, Youkilis drove a fly ball deep enough to center that Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton was unable to nail the tagging baserunner, Scutaro once again, from third base. Boston 3, Texas 2 -- final.

Although he didn't figure into the decision, John Lackey finally put together an ace-caliber start, dealing 7 innings and allowing just 2 earned runs. The Sox bullpen was able to hold the fort with shutout ball for the remaining 4 innings of the game. Manny Delcarmen got the eventual win.

Jon Lester will take the hill for Boston tomorrow in the final game of this four-game set. Lester (11-3) will try to earn the Sox the series split.