Rainy day at Fenway
Update 6:20 pm All indications are the game will start on time, with the grounds crew just pulling the tarp off the field and the rain subsiding. It's only been a slight drizzle all day, and the field typically drains well.
There's been a constant drizzle since the early morning on this chilly day in Boston, and indications are it's supposed to rain throughout the evening.
If they do play, game two of this much-anticipated series between first-place Tampa Bay (35-23) and Boston (36-25) will be in front of a national cable audience.
The Rays will likely send out their regular lineup tonight against Red Sox ace Josh Beckett, as Carl Crawford is slated to be back in left; though with the chilly day and manager Joe Maddon wanting to be cautious, we'll see in a few minutes how the All-Star responded after pinch-hitting last night. Right-hander Edwin Jackson, who hasn't been at his best the last two starts, will try to be the stopper tonight, giving Tampa Bay a much-needed strong performance from their starters.
Matt Garza was the latest Rays starter to struggle in Fenway, tying a season-high with seven runs, four of which in a sixth-inning rally. Garza said it all started with the mistake of hitting Youkilis and it snowballed from there, but manager Joe Maddon didn't seem to think the error by Jason Bartlett rattled him. "It was just a bad start to the inning," Maddon said.
As the Red Sox field staff continues to tend to puddles near each team's dugout, we'll keep you updated on the days.
-- JOE SMITH
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