Sox 7, Tampa 4

The Sox did what they are supposed to do Tuesday night -- beat a weaker team. But a sinking line drive to shallow center field added some unwelcome drama to the proceedings.

Manny Ramirez, who is starting to heat up, drove in three runs with a 2-for-4 performance and Matt Clement gave up 3 runs in 7 innings and struck out six but got a no-decision. Mike Timlin, who allowed an inherited runner to score and gave up one run of his own in one inning of work, got the W.

Jonathan Papelbon inherited a three-run lead in the ninth and gave up his first walks of the season to load the bases. Damon Hollins then hit a sinking liner to center. Defensive replacement Adam Stern raced in and left his feet. Fenway held its breath as Stern dove for the ball, and let out a cheer when he made a snow-cone catch to end the game.

If Stern had missed that ball with two outs and the runners moving on contact, tie game, at least.

Kevin Youkilis had another strong performance, going 2-for-4 with 2 RBI and a run scored. David Ortiz had a pair of doubles and scored two runs.

Tonight Curt Schilling (3-0, 1.64) faces Doug Waechter (0-0, 3.72). Schilling's comments yesterday on WEEI that Sox pitchers threw at Tampa hitters last year in retailiation for Scott Kazmir's wildness give the game an interesting subtext, especially when Schilling starts pitching inside.