Carlos Pena called it a sign that Tampa Bay is destined for big things this season. Joe Maddon said it was the most exciting win since he’s been with the Rays.
Hold on, guys. There’s a long way to go and the Red Sox aren’t going away.
Pena’s three-run homer capped a six-run rally in the ninth inning that carried Tampa Bay past the Cleveland Indians 10-7 Wednesday, putting pressure on Boston to keep pace.
The Red Sox did, getting a strong performance from knuckleballer Tim Wakefield and a three-run homer from light-hitting Jacoby Ellsbury in an 8-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals to stay three games back in the AL East.
“I felt great from the time I warmed up today that I had good movement and good command,” said Wakefield, who gave up four hits through six crisp innings. “It’s a matter of continuing what I’ve been doing, working hard, and the results will eventually show up.”
Jed Lowrie and J.D. Drew drove in two runs apiece for the Red Sox, who finished their season series 6-1 against the Royals.
In other AL games, it was: New York 5, Texas 3; Chicago 5, Texas 1; Minnesota 7, Seattle 3; Los Angeles 9, Baltimore 4; and Toronto 5, Oakland 1.
The Rays trailed 7-4 in the ninth when Eric Hinske hit an RBI double and Gabe Gross tied it 7-all with a two-run homer off Edward Mujica, who was trying for his first big league save.
Masa Kobayashi (4-5) replaced Mujica and gave up an infield single to Akinori Iwamura. The right-hander then walked Ben Zobrist before Pena homered to center for his fifth career game-ending homer, setting off a raucous celebration at Tropicana Field.
Pena tossed his helmet aside as he approached home plate, where he was mobbed by jubilant teammates bouncing in unison. The AL East leaders, who have never won more than 70 games in 10 previous seasons, improved to 68-45 with their eighth victory in 11 games.
“We know it’s great, we’re enjoying it, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Pena said. “We never lose focus in the fact, ‘Hey, let’s play the game today.”’
The Rays, whose 45 home wins are the most in the majors, now embark on their final trip out West beginning Thursday night at Seattle.
Troy Percival (2-0) got two outs in the ninth for the win.
“Probably the most exciting win I’ve been involved with here,” Maddon said.
Wakefield’s floating, tantalizing signature pitch wasn’t nearly as thrilling, but it was just as effective against a Royals team that couldn’t get a big hit even after manager Trey Hillman tossed one knuckleball after another at them in batting practice.
“It’s happened before,” said Wakefield, who improved to 7-8. “When I faced the Braves in ’92, Bruce Dal Canton threw knuckleballs to the guys in batting practice.”
Did it work?
“No.”
Luke Hochevar (6-10) hit Kevin Youkilis with a pitch in the first inning, the only blemish on an otherwise perfect night for Boston. Youkilis stayed in to run, but left the game when he was doubled off first to end the inning.
“It hurts like hell still,” said Youkilis, who said he wasn’t sure he’d be back to play the White Sox on Friday. “If I feel good, I’ll play. Bottom line.”
Yankees 5, Rangers 3
Jason Giambi homered, Sidney Ponson (7-2) beat his former teammates and Mariano Rivera returned from an aching back to save a win for visiting New York.
Derek Jeter had two hits and two RBIs after attending a memorial service earlier in the day in Oklahoma City for former Yankees star and longtime broadcaster Bobby Murcer.
Tommy Hunter (0-1) gave up five runs and eight hits in his second career start.
White Sox 5, Tigers 1
Jim Thome hit a three-run homer and John Danks (9-4) worked efficiently into the seventh inning, helping the host White Sox stay a game ahead of Minnesota in the AL Central.
Justin Verlander (8-12) gave up three runs in the first, then lasted into the eighth inning. He threw 130 pitches, giving up all five runs on six hits with eight strikeouts.
Twins 7, Mariners 3
Denard Span drove in a career-high four runs and robbed Adrian Beltre of a go-ahead homer in the seventh inning, leading visiting Minnesota to a victory.
Nick Blackburn (9-6) allowed three runs in six innings to tie Detroit’s Armando Galarraga for most wins by an AL rookie.
Jarrod Washburn (5-11) allowed five hits and four runs – three earned – in six innings.
Angels 9, Orioles 4
Vladimir Guerrero homered and drove in four runs, Garret Anderson had three hits and two RBIs, and host Los Angeles rolled past Baltimore.
Ervin Santana (13-5) allowed four runs and eight hits over seven innings with seven strikeouts and no walks. The first-time All-Star got as much run support in this outing as he did over his previous four starts combined, including a 5-2 loss at Camden Yards on July 27.
Garrett Olson (8-6) lasted only 2 2-3 innings, allowing six runs and seven hits.
Blue Jays 5, Athletics 1
At Toronto, Rod Barajas hit a three-run homer, Shaun Marcum (6-5) pitched seven strong innings and the Blue Jays extended the Athletics’ season-long losing streak to nine games.
Gio Gonzalez (0-1) was lifted after allowing four runs and four hits.
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