September 18, 2003
Close Calls
One run made all the difference today. Seattle's offense was shut down again, as five Texas pitchers held the Mariners to 1 run. The Seattle staff was equally effective, also allowing 1 run through nine innings, but in the 10th, sparked by A-Rod's leadoff double, the Rangers had four straight batters reach against Hasegawa to give them the win.
In Boston, an error by Todd Walker led to a run and a threat by the Devil Rays in the 9th. Kim was able to hold them off for a 4-3 win. Wakefield allowed three runs, only 1 earned, as an earlier error by Garciaparra also led to a run. Boston's magic number for the wild card is down to eight. Cleveland, Baltimore and Tampa Bay and are the final opponents for the Red Sox, while the Mariners have six against Oakland. Things are looking up for the Sox.