Recap: Boston vs. Cleveland
Sports Network | September 23, 2008
Boston, MA (Sports Network) - Kevin Youkilis hit a two-run homer, while Jason Bay's RBI single in the fifth inning was the difference, as the Boston Red Sox clinched a postseason berth with a 5-4 win over the Cleveland Indians in the second installment of a four-game set from Fenway Park.
Dustin Pedroia collected two hits and drove the other two runs for the Red Sox, who earned a spot in the playoffs for the second consecutive season and for the fifth time in the last six campaigns.
Since 2003, the only year Boston has failed to play beyond the regular season came in 2006. Over the last five seasons, the Red Sox have reached three AL Championship series and won the World Series twice, in 2004 and 2007.
The Red Sox still have an opportunity to catch Tampa Bay for the AL East crown. They are 2 1/2 games behind the Rays.
Tim Wakefield (10-11) got the win, allowing six hits and four runs over six innings, fanning six with a walk. Jonathan Papelbon recorded the final four outs to earn his 41st save.
Jhonny Peralta went 2-for-4 with an RBI for the Indians, whose seven-game win streak came to a halt. Grady Sizemore, Jamey Carroll and Shin-Soo Choo also knocked in runs.
Tribe starter Cliff Lee (22-3) took the loss, his first since July 6, as he was charged with nine hits and five runs over seven full frames.
After dodging a pair of bases-loaded situations in the seventh and eighth innings, Papelbon began the ninth by striking out Choo and Peralta swinging. He finished off the victory by inducing a pop out to short from Victor Martinez -- touching off a spirited but subdued celebration.
