Boston keep up the pressure with dominant win

The Boston Red Sox defeated Tampa Bay Rays 3-0 at Fenway Park to narrow the gap on the American League East Leaders to a half-game. The Rays, who have never made it into the post season, have now lost four in a row. But the Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon still believes the club will qualify for the play-offs despite the recent poor run. "We've just run into a little bit of a snag hitting-wise and when you don't hit, all of a sudden everybody wants to magnify the negativity about it," Maddon said.

Jon Lester pitched seven innings and Jason Bay homered in a three-run first inning as the Red Sox dominated proceedings. The half-game deficit is the closest the Red Sox have been to first place since July 23. Bay said: "We're still trying to win the East and at least get the wild-card, so these wins are important." Boston, the defending World Series champions, have won six of seven and have won seven out of seven matches against Tampa at Fenway Park this season.

Lester was on impressive form with the ball as he conceded only six hits during his time, while striking out nine batters. * Reuters