Sox Win 97th Game

12-3. An unusual sight at Camden Yards to see the Red Sox blow out the home team O's. Baltimore has given the Red Sox fits this year, but the Sox bats responded early & often in this game. Dana Nava hit a 3-run homer in the 1st to stake Clay Buccholz to a 5-0 lead before taking the mound. Buck navigated through 7 innings against a dangerous lineup, given up 3 runs all by way of HR's to Jones & Davis. I'm with Lou Merloni on his assessment that Clay is not pitching as well as the numbers would indicate. His velocity was 89-90 last night & he still has trouble locating his pitches. But even an 80% effective Clay Buccholz can help your rotation in the playoffs. For my money it would be Lester & Lackey at home to start the playoffs & Buck pitching game 3 on the road. Ortiz & Gomes also added homers last night. Good to see Ortiz go to left for his 30th dinger of the year. The big man has been a model of consistency all year as he finishes his 7th season of 30/100 with the Red Sox. Quite a milestone. The Oakland A's won in Seattle, so the Sox magic number is down to 1 for best record with 2 games left. Jon Lester goes tonight for his 16th win. Wouldn't it be sweet revenge for the Sox to clinch best record on the field that they lost on in 2011 to miss the playoffs & get a manager fired.