A crazy ninth inning Monday was highlighted by a vigorous argument on the mound between manager Joe Maddon and closer Troy Percival.
At issue was whether Percival should stay in the game after his troubling left hamstring affected his delivery. Maddon eventually prevailed, and the Rays won the game. But they may have lost their veteran closer, who is likely to get a few days to heal but after being re-evaluated could end up on the disabled list for the second time in the last month.
"I knew he was going to be upset," Maddon said. "Look, he and I go way back. We're going to be fine. This guy has done that for years. He's always been the last man standing.
"But you have to consider all of those Rays fans sitting up there, and everybody standing on that field. We had a lot invested in that game. So as much as I wanted to see Percy get that, you have to do what's right for everyone."
Maddon did what he felt was right. Now the Rays will wait to see if Percival feels all right.
RAYS 5, RED SOX 4: James Shields pitched well into the seventh, and the Rays hung on to survive a wild ninth inning in the first meeting with the Sox since the June 5 brawl. After Troy Percival allowed two runs, LHP J.P. Howell came on to retire Julio Lugo with the tying run at third base to earn his second save. Tampa Bay extended its AL East lead to 1 1/2 games.
