Aviles' HR Powers Sox To 4-3 Win; the Nation Exhales

Mike Aviles' first home run as a member of the Red Sox couldn't have come at a more opportune time. With the game tied at 3 in the bottom of the 4th inning, Aviles launched a changeup from Rays starting pitcher James Shields off the Sports Authority sign atop the Green Monster to put the Red Sox ahead.

Aviles was in the lineup for the ailing Kevin Youkilis who is bothered by a hernia and bursitis in his left hip (he'll miss tomorrow's game, too); the home run was his 6th of the season.

Josh Beckett picked up his 13th win of the season in his first game back after suffering a sprained ankle on September 5th. He allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on 7 hits while striking out 7 and walking 1.

Remember the dominant Daniel Bard? He made an appearance in the top of the 8th inning striking out the side. Jonathan Papelbon pitched a scoreless 9th striking out the side for his 30th save of the season.

NOTES -

The home run by Aviles was hit so hard, it put a hole in the Sports Authority sign above the Monster.

The win gives the Red Sox a 4-game lead over the Rays in the Wild Card race with just 12 games left in the regular season.

The Yankees loss to the Blue Jays keeps Boston's slim divisional title hopes alive.