Red Sox 3
Yankees 4

This series isn’t about the standings. It’s not about pitching matchups and injuries, or lineups and bullpens. It isn’t about pitch counts, Joba Rules, or squirrels. It’s about going into Yankee Stadium and taking a series in August. Something this franchise, no matter how much better on paper or in the win column they are, is hopelessly unable to do.

Beckett’s problems were the usual, fastball command. He turned to the curve far too ofter in the first three innings, so much so that A-Rod was waiting on the big, meaty helping of hangar steak in the seventh. That turned out to be the game winner, after Youkilis and Lowell got to the toughest nerd of all time, Kyle Farnsworth. Mariano came in for four outs, albeit easy ones, but I’d surmise he’s unavailable tonight. Who’s the closer? Oh god, I hope its Joba Chamberlain and someone takes his slightly curved hat brim to the upper deck. Actually, I hope it doesn’t come to that.

The Red Sox, as usual, are gluttons for punishment. They’ve backed themselves into a corner and must win tonight. You may be saying, “Self, the Sox can do no worse than a five game lead after this series, how is it a must win?” This was their chance to lock a playoff spot in concrete, and if they let it slip I wonder how they’re going to get through September and October. That said, they’ve got a shot to redeem themselves. Curt, this is your time to shine, let’s see if you can do it. I can see the dollar signs in your eyes from 200 miles away.