The Red Sox beat the Blue Jays 4-2 in 11 innings last night, increasing their lead in the AL East to four games over the second place Rays.

It was a big night for Shane Victorino, as he came through with a two-run single in the top of the 11th, marking the team’s 19th win in its final at-bat. Victorino also had an outfield assist, gunning down Jose Reyes at the plate to prevent the Jays from adding to their 1-0 lead in the sixth inning.

Victorino Signing Has Been A Win

The Red Sox inked the 32-year-old Victorino to a three year, $39 million contract this winter, and he has lived up to his salary thus far.

According to Fan Graphs, one of the leading baseball analytical websites, Victorino ranks as the ninth best outfielder in baseball this season:

Though former right fielder Cody Ross may be miffed the Red Sox passed on him last offseason, it is clear the Red Sox made the right decision in letting him walk. Ross, who signed a three year deal with the Diamondbacks, will be lost for the rest of the season with a hip injury.

Mike Napoli Continues To Struggle

The Red Sox had gone 0-5 with runners in scoring position through the first six innings, largely thanks to Napoli, who struck out three times on the night. Napoli fanned with the bases loaded in the sixth inning, and with a man in scoring position in the 10th inning. He leads the American League with 158 strikeouts, and has hit .135 in August. If only the Red Sox had listened to one wise columnist who is campaigning for Napoli to get less playing time…

Middle Relief Woes

Junichi Tazawa surrendered a game tying home run to JP Arencibia in the eighth inning last night, increasing his ERA against the Blue Jays to 9.00 on the season.

The Red Sox continue to search for additional options in the back of the bullpen, as Tazawa has thrown a career high 55.1 innings.

This isn’t a rant against General Manager Ben Cherington for not trading for a veteran reliever at the trade deadline last month. The price for relievers was astronomical, as the Orioles and Tigers surrendered their fourth and sixth ranked prospects for Francisco Rodriguez and Jose Veras, respectably. The Red Sox’ fourth and sixth ranked prospects are Allen Webster and Rubby De La Rosa. Nobody in his right mind would advocate the Red Sox trading away prized young arms for middling veteran relief pitchers.

But because the Red Sox didn’t make a move, they have to improve from within. It is time for Craig Breslow, Drake Britton and others to begin to take some of the late inning duty off Tazawa.

Closer Koji Uehara Continues To Be Awesome

Uehara triggered a $4.25 million vesting option for next season with his appearance last night. Since taking over the closer’s role in late June, Uehara has arguably been the best closer in baseball:

 Series Continues Tonight

The Red Sox continue their three game series tonight, as Jon Lester takes the hill in an effort to deliver his second consecutive quality start. Lester gave up one earned run in seven innings last Thursday against the Royals.

Photo via AP

 

 

 

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