Whew...
The Rays answered back with 4 homers and a decent start from Brad Jackson to even up the ALDS before heading to Boston. Jackson put the Rays in an early 2-0 hole and it was "here we go again" before Jose Mendez turned things around with a 3-run homer to put Tampa Bay ahead to stay. 3 more homers including solo shots from Danny Ayala and Mike McKee in the 8th to give them some insurance led the way. Jackson settled in and pitched well, and the bullpen came up with some clutch outs. Ed Pretty got Jackson out a man on 2nd, 2-out situation in the 7th and Joe Trader retired two righties after Pretty left with 2 on and 1 out in the 8th. Trader was brought in to face lefty Rays-killer Mario Aguilar but Boston pinch-hit for him and it didn't faze Trader. Jeff Brockman will try to put it all together in Game 3.
Houston is one game away from the ALCS, the Pirates lost their first playoff game in 25 years to Columbus and the Rockies started their World Series defense with a rare pitchers' duel triumph in Coors Field.