One Down, Seven To Go ...

Oh, look, we've got our first team out on the dance floor. Quick, someone tell the DJ to keep that 'Kool & The Gang' coming!

Yes, the Red Sox clinched nothing worse than a Wild Card berth thanks to a three-run ninth-inning rally over the Rays. Jason Varitek tied things up with a solo homer, and then Julio Lugo launched a two-run shot to complete the 8-6 comeback. Boston's victory and losses by the Indians and Angels means the Sox once again have the best record in the league. Simmons' skin is radiant today.

When The Wind Blows Out. Alfonso Soriano hit two homers — giving him 11 in September — to lead the Cubs over the Pirates 9-5. Aramis Ramirez and Derrek Lee also went deep for the Cubbies. With the win, Chicago extends their NL central lead to 2 1/2 games over Milwaukee. (The Brew Crew lost 4-3 in Atlanta.)

Wildboyz. Melky Cabrera's game-winning single in the 10th ended a crazy one, as the Yankees edged the Jays, 12-11. New York used a team-record 10 pitchers to secure the win. And hey, this is fun: in the first two games of this four-game series, the teams have already combined to throw 825 pitches. They've played 9 hours, 45 minutes of baseball in a mere 24 1/2 -hour span. It's like they're real athletes!

Crunching The Numbers. Philadelphia wins. Colorado wins. San Diego loses. Add the two, carry the four ... the Phillies are just a half-game back of the Padres in the Wild Card race. The Rockies are 2 1/2 out.