lead DOWN to 1 1/2 games, but Playoff Clinch is set at 3 games.

The Red Sox limp into Tampa Bay tonight for a three game set against the Rays.

Their magic numbers are in single digits, but the number of games remaining will be in single numbers as well after tonight's encounter with Scott Kazmire.

The "Magic Number" to clinch a play off Spot is 3 games and 7 games to clinch the AL East. Most people have conceded the AL East to the high flying Yankees. I say -- NO WAY!

The yanks have been on a roll and must falter sometime in the last week. I strongly feel the Sox will restore their offensive attack with a return of Manny to the lineup and Yook back at 1B.

Here is the Pitching match ups game One in the Series in the Bay:

Beckett looks to snap Sox skid
Boston (90-63) at Tampa Bay (63-90), Friday, 7:10 p.m. ET

Beckett is 2-2 with a 4.91 ERA in four career starts against Tampa Bay.

TB: LHP Scott Kazmir (13-8, 3.54 ERA)Kazmir is 6-4 with a 2.62 ERA in 16 starts against the Red Sox in his career.

Player to watch: Boston second baseman Dustin Pedroia is hitting .533 (8-for-15) with one double and one RBI in his career against Kazmir.