Cool extra inning game

ESPN had the Rays-Red Sox game on, which the Rays won in 14 innings.

Andy Sonnanstine pitched 7 innings, allowed 4 hits, no walks, one unearned run, and struck out 7. It was the most unimpressive dominant performance I've seen in a long time. He doesn't throw very hard, and though he doesn't walk anybody, his control is hard to figure. He looks like he's missing his spots, not hitting the catcher's target, but perhaps he knows what he's doing. He to give just enough of an illusion of wildness to keep hitters from sitting on his 88 mph fastball.

It was a well pitched game, especially by both bullpens, until the geezers arrived. I kind of laughed when the Red Sox brought geezer Timlin into their bullpen 5 years ago, but he's had a pretty good career there. Looks like he's finally out of gas. Not sure about Percival. He came into the game protecting the easiest type of save, the 3 run variety, but walked the bases loaded with nobody out. Joe Maddon took him out and let Jason Hammel get the final outs. If Percival needs another trip to the DL, will he be ready in time for the playoffs? Dan Wheeler may be a better pitcher anyway, but Grant Balfour (48 innings, 22 hits, 70 strikeouts) may be the best reliever on the staff.

The announcers always say stupid things. Today they tell us that in trading for Mark Kotsay the Red Sox may have acquired their best defensive outfielder. Say what? Do they even watch the game? This is after two of the Rays early hits are on flyballs to right that Kotsay can't get to (he hasn't shown any kind of range since about 2004), not to mention an incredible diving catch by speedster Ellsbury. After him, Crisp, and Drew when healthy, Kotsay may be their 4th best defensive outfielder.

Congratulations to the Rays on taking 2 out of 3 on the road.