Aside from a three-run homer off Joba Chamberlain on Friday night, David Ortiz could do little to prevent the Yankees from sweeping the Red Sox and clinching the AL East — their eighth division title since 2000.
The home run was Ortiz's 27th of the season, but it was all the offense he managed over the weekend. In Saturday's and Sunday's games combined, Ortiz went hitless in five at-bats with no RBIs.
The Red Sox may have bigger problems than Ortiz's bat, however. With seven games left in the regular season, the Red Sox have yet to lock up a playoff spot, and with the Yankees taking the division, the wild card is their only option. The Sox’ magic number is two, so the team isn't panicking yet, but their listlessness at the plate these past two games in New York should be of some concern.
Starting Monday, the Red Sox host the Blue Jays for three games at Fenway Park. Ortiz is batting only .229 against the Jays this season but is a .274 career hitter against them. He is 2-for-6 with a home run against Monday's starter, Scott Richmond. He's had great success against Tuesday's scheduled starter, Ricky Romero, going 5-for-10 with three doubles and a homer against the rookie for a 1.1000 slugging percentage. Even against Toronto's ace, Roy Halladay, Ortiz has been productive, going 27-for-96 (.281) with six homers, six doubles, seven walks and 24 RBIs.
