BASEBALL

The American League Wild Card race is just that… wild.  It’s basically a race between the sinking Red Sox and the surging Rays.  Last night, the Red Sox needed a win on the road in Baltimore or they were out.  Of course, Baltimore put up a fight, rallying in the 9th inning and getting within a run of the Sox.   But, in the end, the Red Sox prevailed to an 8-7 victory.  Now the Red Sox and Rays are still tied for the Wild Card and, even though they’re not playing each other, it all comes down to the final game of the season.  The Red Sox will take on the Orioles again in Baltimore with John Lester on the mound, and Tampa Bay will face the Yankees in Tampa with David Price giving it his all.  The Yankees have already clinched, but might think that playing the Red Sox would be easier than this very tough Rays team in the post-season.  So they have all the incentive in the world to try.

Elsewhere in the baseball, after a blown lead earlier this week, people were writing off the St. Louis Cardinals for the playoffs.  But last night, they continued their post-season push against Houston.  These guys have everything to lose, and that’s why the Cardinals came out super strong.  They got some solid hitting from Nick Punto, who drove in a couple wins and cruised to a victory against the Astros.  They will take on the Astros again in the final game of the season with Chris Carpenter on the mound — a very good pitcher.  They have all necessary momentum to get the win, but can they pull it off… or will they collapse?  If they win, it doesn’t mean they’re in, because they’re tied with the Braves, but the Braves have a tougher match-up in the Phillies.

BASKETBALL

Finally, in some rare NBA news, it looks like Miami’s Big Three will host a massive charity game.  The game will include not only LeBron, D-Wade, and Chris Bosh, but also a slew of other young talent that will definitely draw a crowd.  This includes Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, Washington’s John Wall, Memphis’ Rudy Gay, Boston’s Rajon Rondo, New York’s Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire, and New Orleans Chris Paul (among other young talent).  It’s practically like an all-star game out there, and it’s rumored that #1 pick Kyrie Irving may stop by to play a few minutes.  Clearly these NBA guys are making the most of their talents for a good cause.