Finishing the regular season with a win is a good way to go out -- no matter what. A sweep, though, is even sweeter.
Behind another strong offensive performance, the Sox defeated the Indians, 12-7, on Sunday to sweep Cleveland and prepare the Sox for the postseason.
The Red Sox finish the regular season with a 95-67 record. That's the third best record in the Major Leagues, behind the Yankees (103) and the Angels (96, with a game in progress).
The Sox's offense was aided by two home runs from J.D. Drew, a solo shot by Dustin Pedroia and a grand slam by Jed Lowrie. It was Lowrie's first career grand slam and his first home run at Fenway Park. David Ortiz also had two RBIs, finishing his season at 99 -- just short of the 100 mark he has hit every season with the Sox since last year.
Clay Buchholz was not good, considering he will be the Sox's No. 3 starter in the ALDS. He gave up six runs on five hits and two walks in three innings of work Sunday. He threw 70 pitches.
Lowrie hit the grand slam from the left side of the plate, but on replays was noticeably grimacing with pain. He said afterwards he's ready to go for the playoffs, but I'm sure we'll hear something about his wrist getting checked out.
It wasn't a perfect win, because we all would have liked to see Buchholz pitch really well, but it's something to build on going into the postseason. It's still not exactly known when the Sox will play game No. 1 versus the Angels this week, but we should know tonight.
It's time for real October baseball. Ya'll getting excited?