One Down, Seven To Go ...

Oh, look, we've got our first team out on the dance floor. Quick, someone tell the DJ to keep that 'Kool & The Gang' coming!

Yes, the Red Sox clinched nothing worse than a Wild Card berth thanks to a three-run ninth-inning rally over the Rays. Jason Varitek tied things up with a solo homer, and then Julio Lugo launched a two-run shot to complete the 8-6 comeback. Boston's victory and losses by the Indians and Angels means the Sox once again have the best record in the league. Simmons' skin is radiant today.

• When The Wind Blows Out. Alfonso Soriano hit two homers — giving him 11 in September — to lead the Cubs over the Pirates 9-5. Aramis Ramirez and Derrek Lee also went deep for the Cubbies. With the win, Chicago extends their NL central lead to 2 1/2 games over Milwaukee. (The Brew Crew lost 4-3 in Atlanta.)

• Wildboyz. Melky Cabrera's game-winning single in the 10th ended a crazy one, as the Yankees edged the Jays, 12-11. New York used a team-record 10 pitchers to secure the win. And hey, this is fun: in the first two games of this four-game series, the teams have already combined to throw 825 pitches. They've played 9 hours, 45 minutes of baseball in a mere 24 1/2 -hour span. It's like they're real athletes!

• Crunching The Numbers. Philadelphia wins. Colorado wins. San Diego loses. Add the two, carry the four ... the Phillies are just a half-game back of the Padres in the Wild Card race. The Rockies are 2 1/2 out.