Red Sox lose to Rays 4 - 3 in Game 3 of season

Jason Varitek began the bottom of the ninth with a solo home run, but the Red Sox could not push another run across.

Despite the Red Sox lackluster performance and loss yesterday evening, the night still was a beautiful one in my eyes. For it was the night that the 2009 baseball season stopped being a ghost, and became real to me. Listening to the radio on Opening Day was great, and hearing Joe Castiglione spin his yarn, is like hearing a forgotten grandfather speak of a lost yet familiar tale. However coming home from work, sitting back, cracking a beer, and letting myself be washed over with the din and cadence of baseball was like being baptized all over again. A reconfirmation of vows with a long love.

Even down two runs vs. the Rays heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, Red Sox manager Terry Francona still liked his club's chances on Thursday.

That's because he knew the top of his order would be coming up after Jason Varitek led off the inning. And when Varitek launched his second homer in three games, the Red Sox were within one, with none out and the top of their order up against Troy Percival.