The hype leading up to the game was immense. Red Sox vs. Yankees, Schilling vs. Clemens, and playoff implications for both teams. The game stayed tight through all 9 innings and both pitchers threw well, but eventually it was Schilling who made the key mistake to Derek Jeter in the 8th by giving up a 3-run home run with 2 outs that was too much for the Sox to overcome. They made it interesting in the 9th by loading the bases with the tying run at third, but this time David Ortiz couldn’t come through and the game ended; allowing the Yankees to inch another step forward in the AL East standings and put the Sox lead to only 4.5 games.

Looking ahead, there is reason to stay optimistic about the outcome of the regular season. The Sox travel to Toronto and Tampa Bay before returning to play out the last of their schedule at Fenway Park. Toronto and Tampa Bay have essentially been home ballparks for the Red Sox this season. With the importance of these last few series essential not only to win the AL East but to hopefully maintain home field advantage throughout the playoffs if possible, I believe that the Sox will respond and take care of business like we all know that they can.

While watching the game tonight, I was in the company of my roommate, who is a Yankees fan (I know I live with the enemy, but you know what they say: keep your friends close, but your enemies closer). She was intrigued by my dedication and passion about the Red Sox. She posed the question, "Why are you such a big fan? Why does it matter so much to you?" At first, it was difficult to answer. After much consideration and rambling thoughts, I came up with an analogy that came about as close as I could to describing the meaning of the Red Sox to me. I have an older brother who used to play both soccer and baseball. I remember always attending his games, and being so proud when he scored a goal or got a hit. It made me feel so special that I was his sister, and somehow I was able to share his glory and his triumph in some way. I feel that this is similar to what I feel when the Red Sox play. When they come back late in a game to rally for a win, and when they gather at home plate in a jumping frenzy of joy, I feel proud that they are the team that I root for. There is a connection felt not only between the fan and the team, but between the fans themselves. As the camera scanned through the crowd to looks of anxious faces on the Sox fans in the 9th inning, I knew they felt exactly as I did at that moment. We are all part of the same family, simply wishing that our brothers can get that base hit and drive in that run that will make us proud and honored to say, "I’m a Boston Red Sox fan."