Happy Sunday, folks. Given the results around the league last night, it appears that the Red Sox’s magic number to clinch the postseason is down to one. The Rangers can get to 85 wins, while the Astros can get to 84. If the Rangers were to get to 85 wins, they’d clinch the American League West. If they sit at 84, the Red Sox own that tiebreaker. The Astros hold the tiebreaker over the Red Sox, so if Boston were to lose its final seven and Houston were to win its final 7, the Red Sox would trail them
in the standings. That’s not accounting for the third and final spot, but I won’t try to litigate that.
Long story short, win one game, and you’ve got yourself a Wild Card spot. It’s that simple. Except it’s not, because Patrick Sandoval is scheduled to pitch today, and he’s not very good. The Rays are throwing Griffin Jax, who has a 3.40 ERA since moving to the rotation, but has struggled against the Red Sox in two starts this season. Most recently, he allowed 7 earned runs in five innings.
With the Patriots on today and a questionable pitching matchup, I’m not expecting a lot of eyes on the Red Sox this afternoon. Winning your way into the postseason is always fun, however, so let’s hope we can get that celebration in Tampa tonight. If not, the Red Sox will return home to Fenway for their final homestand of the regular season on Tuesday.
First pitch at 1:40 pm on NESN and WEEI.
