Homer-happy Rays rout Red Sox to grab ALCS lead!

[Ganja Ninja]

Boston, MA (Sports Network) - B.J. Upton and Rocco Baldelli each hit a three- run homer as Tampa Bay crushed Boston, 9-1, in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series at Fenway Park.

Evan Longoria and Carlos Pena also went deep for the Rays, who took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series with the four-homer attack. The suddenly high-powered Tampa Bay bats have slammed seven homers in the last two contests.

"Every time we go out, we want to win," Pena said. "It just feels nice to actually accomplish that, especially when the stakes are so high at the moment."

Matt Garza (1-1) earned the win by going six-plus innings and scattering six hits and allowing the one run, with five strikeouts and three walks.

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=mlb/news/newstest.aspx?id=4185137

:headbang: :woohoo: :applause: :beer: :toast: :party:

[chelsea0011]

1. Looks like the first "must win" coming up and the Red Sox have their backs to the wall.

I love the Sox but it was nice to see Rocco belt one.

[Ganja Ninja]

2. I have to wonder how much longer Rocco's career will last.

He can't play every day and I don't know how his disorder will affect his ability to keep himself in shape. Maybe he can find a medication that will mitigate the problem but it doesn't look promising.

[Forkboy]

3. I'm surprised by the final score, but not the result.

The Rays gained so much confidence about playing and winning at Fenway in the last series up here. They have no fear at all, and aren't intimidated in the slightest bit. I picked them to win the series, and I see no reason to doubt that pick yet.