The Captain Goes Down With the Ship

Today, it was announced that Jason Varitek plans on retiring on Thursday. Varitek spent 14 years with Boston, and was named their captain in 2005. Varitek is a career .256 hitter, and while he has declined the past few years, his influence has done the opposite. Pitchers love throwing to him, and he is shaken off as rarely as John Lackey has a good day (he didn't get shaken off much). Perhaps the moment he's most remembered for is when he got into a fight with Alex Rodriguez (right), in a game that many considered turned the 2004 season around-- they later won their first championship in 86 years. I've grown a bit tired of Varitek and his constant outs the past few years, but he's the man and I certainly appreciate what he's done for the Red Sox franchise.

Red Sox Offer Varitek A Minor League Deal

Today, it was reported that the Red Sox have offered a minor league deal with an invite to spring training to Jason Varitek. Varitek is the team captain and has played for the Red Sox his entire career (1997-2011). His 162-game average for his who career has been .256/20/79, however, he has definitely tailed off from those prestigious numbers in recent years. In 2011, Varitek batted just .221/11/36 as the backup catcher fro the 2nd straight year. Varitek's last solid season came in 2007, when he batted at .255/17/68. While Varitek's game-calling skills behind the plate haven't deteriorated at all, his skills behind the plate have diminished. In 2011, he threw out just .14% of batters, as opposed to 31% by Jarrod Saltalamacchia and a league-leading 41% by Kelly Shoppach. Varitek would likely be slated at #4 on the depth chart for catchers, behind Salty, Shoppach, and Ryan Lavarnway. If I were Varitek, I'd accept the fact that his distinguished career is over and retire.

Late Rally Not Enough As Sox Drop Series To Toronto (85-58)

The first blood of the game was drawn on a bloop single in the 1st by David Cooper to make it 1-0. However, the next batter, J.P. Arencibia crushed a ball high in the air to left for a 3-run homer to make it 4-0. Then, the Jays padded their lead even further in the 3rd with an opposite field home run for Edwin Encarnacion to make it 5-0. It stayed that way until the 7th inning when the Sox put two on with a Jason Varitek walk and a Darnell McDonald single with two outs. Jacoby Ellsbury would deliver with a line drive double to left to score Varitek and make it 5-1. The next batter, Marco Scutaro hit a hard line drive through the left side of the infield to score two and make it a game again at 5-3. However, the Blue Jays got one of those back as Eric Thames crushed a homer to right field to make it 6-3 in the bottom of the 7th. The Blue Jays got another run on back-to-back one out doubles by Brett Lawrie and David Cooper to make it 7-3 in the 8th inning. In the 9th, the Sox got one of those back on a homer to right for Jason Varitek to make it 7-4, but it wasn't enough.
       Andrew Miller was pretty bad, allowing 5 earned runs in 5 innings, as he is now 6-3/5.48/43. Michael Bowden allowed a run in 1 2/3 innings of relief. Felix Doubront allowed a run on two hits in 2/3 of an inning and Matt Albrs threw 2/3 scoreless. Jacoby Ellsbury had a pretty good day for the Sox, as he went 2-5 with a run and an RBI. Marco Scutaro, however, who has been very hot lately, had another awesome day, going 3-4 with 2 RBIs, as he is now .291/5/44, as he's having a career high in batting average, along with making some nice plays in the field yesterday (left). Jason Varitek had a pretty good day, going 1-3 with 2 runs and a solo homer, as he is now .233/11/33, pretty decent for a backup catcher. Tonight, the Sox head all the way from Toronto to Tampa Bay and will send John Lackey (12-11/6.11/95) against Wade Davis (9-8/4.50/86).

Bright Spots:
Jacoby Ellsbury- 2-5 with a run and an RBI
Marco Scutaro- 3-4 with 2 RBIs
Jason Varitek- 1-3 with 2 runs and a solo homer

Dull Spots:
Andrew Miller- 5 runs in 5 innings for the loss
Felix Doubront- a run in 2/3 of an inning
Dustin Pedroia- 0-5 with 3 strikeouts and 5 LOB
David Ortiz- 0-4 with a strikeout and 2 LOB
Kevin Youkilis- 0-3 with a strikeout and an LOB
Jed Lowrie- 0-4 with an LOB

Well, that was a tough game, and series... but at least the Yankees lost!

Red Sox Rally Late, Stay In First (83-52)

Last night, the Red Sox played a roller-coaster game and wound up winning 9-5 to keep them in 1st place. With Eduardo Nunez on 2nd and 2 outs in the 3rd inning, derek Jeter blooped a ball to center field that deflected off Jacoby Ellsbury's glove for an RBI single. However, in the bottom of the 3rd, the Sox led off the inning with a single and a double, and a groundout by Dustin Pedroia tied the game up. Later in the inning, Jed Lowrie lined a ball hard down the 1st base line to give the Sox a 2-1 lead. With 2 outs, in the 5th, Adrian Gonzalez singled, and David Ortiz quickly drove him and himself home with a no-doubter home run to center field. Mark Teixeira was hit to lead off the 6th, and after a wild pitch put him on 2nd, Robinson Cano doubled him home to make it 4-2. After a Nick Swisher walk, Eric Chavez lined a ball down the 1st base line and into the corner, Josh Reddick couldn't handle it and two runs scored. Later in the inning, another run scored as Eduardo Nunez hit a sacrifice fly to center field to make it 5-4 Yankees. After Josh Reddick walked with 1 out in the 6th, Jason Varitek hit a perfectly placed ground ball down the 3rd base line, where Reddick would dash around all the bases and score to tie it at 5-5. Soon after, Jacoby Ellsbury crushed one, a 2-run homer that would give the Sox a 7-5 lead. In the 9th inning, Josh reddick led off the inning with a double, and he was quickly brought home as Jason Varitek homered to make it 9-5.
     Josh Beckett was pretty good up until the 6th inning, and total he allowed 5 runs, 4 earned, in 7 innings as he is now 12-5/2.54/149. Daniel Bard and Jonathan Papelbon closed it out with an inning each and the game was in the bag. Jacoby Ellsbury (left) had a good game, going 2-5 with 2 runs and the 2-run homer, as he is now .313/24/84. Dustin Pedroia went 2-5 with an RBI in a good game for him. David Ortiz went 1-3 with that important 2-run homer, as he is now .313/28/88. Jed Lowrie went 1-3 with an RBI in a good day. Josh Reddick went 1-3 with 2 runs scored in a good day for him. Jason Varitek had a great day, going 2-4 with 2 runs and 3 RBIs, including a 2-run homer, as he is now .240/10/32, as he is having a decent year for a backup catcher. Tonight, the Sox will look for a series win with Jon Lester (14-6/3.09/150) going against A.J. Burnett (9-11/5.31/137).

Bright Spots:
Daniel Bard- a scoreless inning
Jonathan Papelbon- a scoreless inning
Jacoby Ellsbury- 2-5 with 2 runs and a 2-run homer
Dustin Pedroia- 2-5 with an RBI
David Ortiz- 1-3 with a 2-run homer
Jed Lowrie- 1-3 with an important RBI
Josh Reddick- 1-3 with 2 runs scored
Jason Varitek- 2-4 with 2 runs and 3 RBIs, including a 2-run homer

Dull Spots:
Nobody!

This was a good game for the Sox, and I'm very glad they won!

Pedey Power- Pedroia Lifts Sox (75-48)

Last night, the Red Sox played a game against the Royals and won 4-3 in a pretty tight game. In the 1st inning, Alex Gordon doubled to lead off the inning and after Melky Cabrera bunted him to third, he was driven in on a groundout by Billy Butler. In the 2nd, Josh Reddick doubled to lead off the inning. After two quick outs, Jason Varitek drove him in with a single to make it 1-1. In the 3rd inning, a Mike Aviles single and a Jacoby Ellsbury walk put 2 runners on. After a flyout and a groundout by Adrian Gonzalez, which moved the runners up, Dustin Pedroia hit them home with a single up the middle. With 1 out and Alcides Escobar on 1st base, Alex Gordon homered the other way to left to make it 3-3. In the 5th, Jed Lowrie doubled and after two outs, he came in on a single by Dustin Pedroia to give the Sox a 4-3 lead.

Josh Beckett wasn't too good early, but he settled down a lot and wound up allowing 3 runs in 7 innings. He earned the win and is now 10-5/2.46/137. Daniel Bard threw a scoreless 8th and Jonathan Papelbon threw a scoreless 9th, as has happened so many times this year. Jacoby Ellsbury went 1-3 with a run scored in a good day. Dustin Pedroia (left) had a great game, going 3-4 with 3 RBIs, as he is now .309/16/65. Josh Reddick went 1-3 with a run. Jason Varitek went 1-3 with an RBI in a good day for him. Tonight, the Red Sox will send Andrew Miller (4-1/5.40/30) up against Jeff Francis (4-13/4.76/78).

Bright Spots:

Josh Beckett- 3 runs in 7 innings for the win

Daniel Bard- a scoreless 8th

Jonathan Papelbon- a scoreless 9th

Jacoby Ellsbury- 1-3 with a run scored

Dustin Pedroia- 3-4 with 3 RBIs

Josh Reddick- 1-3 with a run scored

Jason Varitek- 1-3 with an RBI

Dull Spots:

Adrian Gonzalez- 0-4 with a strikeout and 4 runners left on base

Ryan Lavarnway- 0-4 with a strikeout

Well, we hit as many hits in this game as we did last series. For once, that wasn't talking about how awesome this game was.

Red Sox Lose Despite Turning A Triple Play (74-47)

Last night, the Sox played a really hard and disappointing game against the Rays, losing 6-2. However, they made history with their first triple play since 1994. After two singles to start the 2nd inning for the Rays, Casey Kotchman advanced them on a slow bouncer to the right side. Sean Rodriguez then drove in one of those runs on a grounder to third that Lowrie botched to make it 1-0. It quickly became 2-0 as Matt Joyce grounded out to Dustin Pedroia. The Sox got one run back in the 3rd as Jason Varitek crushed one down the line that stayed fair for a solo shot. In the 4th, after 2 singles to lead off the inning, the Sox turned their first triple play since 1994. In the 5th, however, the Rays got some insuranceas Desmond Jennings crushed one over the monster to make it 3-1. In the bottom of the 6th, Jacoby Ellsbury hit his second home run of the day and hit one into the bullpen to make it 3-2. In the 8th inning, the Rays led off with runners at 1st and 2nd and 1 out. B.J. Upton then singled to score another to make it 4-2. A few plays later, the Sox made another bad defensive play that allowed Ben Zobrist to steal home. They got B.J. Upton essentially picked off, but when Zobrist tried to score Mike Aviles threw the ball to third instead of home. After an RBI single by Casey Kotchman the score was 6-2.

Erik Bedard was decent again, which is what he asked of him and he's come through. He allowed 3 runs in 6 innings and is now 4-8/3.44/104. In relief, Matt Albers was awful, allowing 3 runs in 1 1/3 innings. Franklin Morales threw 2/3 of a scoreless but allowed some inherited runners to score. Dan Wheeler was, therefore, the Red Sox only clean reliever, throwing a scoreless inning. Jacoby Ellsbury was, for the 2nd straight game, 1-4 with a home run, except last night it was a solo shot, but he is now .313/22/78. Jason Varitek went 1-3 with a solo home run, as he is now .226/8/24. Tonight, John Lackey (11-8/6.13/79) will go against David Price (10-10/3.76/158), as the only thing I can say about this matchup is "C.C. Sabathia?"

Bright Spots:

Erik Bedard- 3 runs in 6 innings

Dan Wheeler- a scoreless inning of relief

Jacoby Ellsbury- 1-4 with a solo home run

Jason Varitek- 1-3 with a solo home run

Dull Spots:

Matt Albers- 3 runs in 1 1/3 innings

Everybody else in the lineup- 1-23 with 6 strikeouts

This was another bad game for the Sox, and now we're in 2nd place.

Red Sox Edge Twins In Second Game of Series (72-43)

Last night, the Red Sox played a pretty good game against the Twins which they won 4-3 and extended their AL East lead to 2 1/2 games, and won their 4th straight. After the Twins led off the game with runners at 1st and 3rd, they scored their first run on a sacrifice fly by Michael Cuddyer. Later in the inning, they loaded the bases, and a Delmon Young walk pushed the lead to 2-0. In the 5th, however, the Sox got those runs back on a crushed 2-run homer by Darnell McDonald. In the 6th, the Red Sox got a lead on a an RBI single by Jason Varitek, scoring Jed Lowrie to make it 3-2. However, the Twins tied it up at 3-3 in the 6th when Danny Valencia scored on a double by Tsuyoshi Nishioka. With the bases loaded in the 7th, David Ortiz bounced a ball down the first base line which pitcher Phil Dumatrait botched, and Dustin Pedroia scored to make it 4-3.

Erik Bedard was pretty good in his 2nd start for the Sox, allowing just 2 runs (both scored in the 1st) through 5 innings. He is now 4-7/3.55/98 total and 0-0/4.50/11 as a Red Sock. Matt Albers got the win, allowing a run in an inning. He was relieved with Franklin Morales (2/3 scoreless), Daniel Bard (1 1/3 scoreless), and Jonathan Papelbon (1 scoreless). Adrian Gonzalez had a pretty good day, going 2-4. David Ortiz went 1-3 with the game-winning hit, his 76th RBI of the year. Jason Varitek went 1-3 with an RBI and a run scored in a good day for him. Darnell McDonald (left) had a great day, going 2-3 with a 2-run homer, as he is now .182/4/15 on the season. Tomorrow, the Sox will go for a sweep with Jon Lester (11-5/3.23/131) against Nick Blackburn (7-9/4.58/71).

Bright Spots:

Erik Bedard- he was very sharp after the 1st inning

Daniel Bard- a scoreless inning of relief

Jonathan Papelbon- save #26

Adrian Gonzalez- 2-4

David Ortiz- 1-3 with an RBI

Jason Varitek- 1-3 with a run and an RBI

Darnell McDonald- 2-3 with a 2-run homer

Dull Spots:

Matt Albers- a blown save, despite a win

Jacoby Ellsbury- 0-5 with a strikeout

Kevin Youkilis- 0-4 with 3 LOB

Jed Lowrie- 0-3 with 6 LOB

Carl Crawford- 0-3 with 2 strikeouts and 3 LOB

I'm glad the S0x won, because we now hold a 2 1/2 game lead in the division.

Red Sox Prove That They Are the Better Sock (66-40)

Today, the Red Sox closed out a series win over the White Sox with a 5-3 win. The Red Sox took an early lead in the 2nd inning on a 2-run homer by Jason Varitek into the left-center bleachers. However, it didn't last long as the White Sox cut it to 2-1 when Tyler Flowers scored on a rocket double by Brent Morel. In the 3rd, the White Sox tied it when, with runners at 1st and 3rd, Alex Rios singled through the let side of the infield. The White Sox took a lead in the 4th when, with 2 runners in scoring position, Alexei Ramirez singled in Gordon Beckham to make it 3-2. It stayed that way until the 7th, when with 2 runners in scoring position, Dustin Pedroia lined a ball back up the middle to make it 4-3. In the 9th, the Sox padded their lead when Adrian Gonzalez lined an RBI double down the right field line to make it 5-3.

Andrew Miller was alright, allowing 3 runs in 5 2/3 innings, as he is now 4-1/5.36/25. He was relieved with a scoreless inning by Alfredo Aceves, 1 1/3 scoreless innings by Daniel Bard, and a scoreless inning by Jonathan Papelbon. Jacoby Ellsbury had a pretty good game today, going 2-5 with 2 runs scored, doing his job from the front of the lineup. Dustin Pedroia went 2-4 with that huge 2-run single, as he is now .309/15/59, as he is having another MVP year. Speaking of MVP years, Adrian Gonzalez went 2-5 with an RBI double, improving himself to .357/18/90. Jason Varitek (left) only went 1-4, but his hit was a 2-run homer, and he is now .237/7/22. Marco Scuatro went 2-4 with a run scored, as he was saying "We don't need no Mike Aviles!" Tomorrow, the Sox will go back to Fenway to face the Indians, and will send John Lackey (9-8/6.20/66) against Josh Tomlin (11-5/4.01/73).

Bright Spots:

Andrew Miller- 3 runs in 5 2/3 innings to go with 8 strikeouts

Aceves, Bard, and Papelbon- 1 hit and no runs in 3 1/3 innings

Jacoby Ellsbury- 2-5 with 2 runs scored

Dustin Pedroia- 2-4 with 2 RBIs in a key single

Adrian Gonzalez- 2-5 with an RBI double

Jason Varitek- 1-4 with a 2-run homer

Marco Scutaro- 2-4 with a run

Dull Spots:

Kevin Youkilis- 0-3

Carl Crawford- 0-4 with 2 strikeouts

This was a good game for the Red Sox, good pitching and good hitting, woohoo!

Red Sox Salvage Series, Avoid Sweep (46-34)

Today the Red Sox avoided a sweep at the hands of the Phillies in a 5-2 win. The Red Sox took their first lead of the day in the 5th inning on RBI singles by Drew Sutton and Jacoby Ellsbury to make it 2-0. In the 6th, Jason Varitek knocked a solo home run to give the Sox a 3-0 lead. In the top of the 8th the Red Sox took a 5-0 lead on back-to-back home runs by Dustin Pedroia and Jason Varitek, Varitek's second home run of the day. In the 9th, the Phillies scored their only runs of the day on a 2-run homer by Ryan Howard to make it 5-2, but that was it.

Jon Lester (top right) pitched very well, allowing just 2 hits in 7 shutout innings. He rightly earned the win and is now 10-4/3.43/105 as he is having a great year. Daniel Bard pitched a scoreless inning before Bobby Jenks allowed Howard's homer, recording 1 out. Jonathan Papelbon earned his 15th save of the year afterwards. Jacoby Ellsbury had a great game, going 3-5 with an RBI, as he is now .300/9/40. Dustin Pedroia only went 1-5, but his one hit was a big one as it was his 7th home run of the season. Jason Varitek (left) had a very good game, going 2-4 with 2 solo home runs, as he is now .248/5/17. Josh Reddick went 2-4 and scored a run, as he is on a tear, batting .444. Drew Sutton went 2-4 with a run and an RBI as he is .310/0/6 as he's been good when called upon. Marco Scutaro went 2-4. Tomorrow, the Sox head to Houston and will send Tim Wakefield (4-3/4.54/33) against Bud Norris (4-6/3.36/100) and the Astros.

Bright Spots:

Jon Lester- 7 shutout innings and the win

Daniel Bard- a scoreless inning

Jonathan Papelbon- his 15th save

Jacoby Ellsbury- 3-5 with an RBI

Jason Varitek- 2-4 with 2 solo home runs

Josh Reddick- 2-4 with a run

Drew Sutton- 2-4 with a run and an RBI

Marco Scutaro- 2-4

Dull Spots:

Bobby Jenks- 2 runs in 1/3 of an inning

Darnell McDonald- 0-3 with 3 runners left on base

Adrian Gonzalez- 0-4 with 2 strikeouts

This was a good game for the Sox and they played really well.

Red Sox Score Early, But Not Often, In Loss To Pirates (44-31)

Last night the Red Sox lost 3-1 to the Pirates as their offense was just held in check the whole game. They scored early in the 1st inning, as with runners on the corners, Kevin Youkilis bounced a ball to third base, scoring Jacoby Ellsbury to make it 1-0. In the 3rd inning, the Pirates loaded the bases with no out, preparing for a single that literally bounced off third base by Ronny Cedeno and a double play on Chase d'Arnaud to give the Pirates a 2-1 lead. In the 6th, Lyle Overbay brought in Neil Walker to give the Pirates a 3-1 lead, but that's all she... or in this case, he, wrote.

Jon Lester (right) was actually pretty sharp, allowing 3 runs, 2 earned, in 6 innings. He still lost, however, and is now 9-4/3.66/100. In relief, Matt Albers threw 2/3 of an inning, Tommy Hottovy threw 1/3 and Dan Wheeler threw a scoreless inning. Adrian Gonzalez continued his torrid streak, going 2-4 and raising his average up to a remarkable .360 mark. Jason Varitek actually had a good game, going 2-3. Tonight, Tim Wakefield (4-2/4.26/31) will take his first trip to PIttsburgh since 1993, when he was a member of the team, and will face Jeff Karstens (4-4/2.54/51).

Bright Spots:

Jon Lester- 2 earned runs in 6 innings, despite a loss

Dan Wheeler- a scoreless inning of relief

Adrian Gonzalez- 2-4

Jason Varitek- 2-3

Dull Spots:

Jacoby Ellsbury- 0-4 despite a walk and run scored

Darnell McDonald- 1-4 with 6 runners left on base

Mike Cameron- 0-3 with 2 strikeouts

This was a tough game, and I'm disappointed they lost.

Beat Down In Toronto, Red Sox Slaughter Blue Jays (38-26)

Well, today was a really close game where the Sox just barely edged the Blue Jays by a very close score of 16-4. The scoring started in the 3rd inning for the Red Sox, when they put runners on first and third with no outs. Adrian Gonzalez promptly doubled to put the score at 1-0. After David Ortiz was walked to load the bases, Jed Lowrie was hit, scoring Dustin Pedroia and pushing it to 2-0. Adrian Gonzalez soon came in on a sacrifice fly by Carl Crawford, making it 3-0. David Ortiz then came in on an RBI single by Marco Scutaro to make it 4-0. In the 4th inning, Jason Varitek came home on a single by Dustin Pedroia to make it 5-0. In the bottom of the 4th, the Blue Jays cracked through with a 2-run double by Rajai David to make it 5-2. In the 5th, the Sox put runners at first and second with 1 out. J.D. Drew singled to right field, scoring one of them and making it 6-2. In the next at bat, Jason Varitek launched a line drive to right field that made it over the wall and made it a 9-2 game. Later in the inning, David Ortiz launched a sharp line drive that made it over the wall for another 3-run homer, making it 12-2 Red Sox. In the 6th, the Sox came through again Jason Varitek singled in Marco Scutaro to make it 13-2. In the bottom of the 6th, a 2-run home run by Edwin Encarnacion put the Jays right back into the game at 13-4. In the 8th, an RBI groundout by Jacoby Ellsbury and a 2-run double for Dustin Pedroia made it 16-4.

John Lackey was not great, allowing 4 runs in 6 innings, but it didn't really matter as he still won the game and is now 4-5/7.41/29. Dan Wheeler, Tommy Hottovy, and Michael Bowden each threw a scoreless inning of relief. Jacoby Ellsbury went 2-6 with a run scored and an RBI in a good game. Dustin Pedroia, however, had a fantastic game, going 3-5 with 2 runs scored and 3 RBIs, as he is now .263/4/26. Adrian Gonzalez went 1-3 with 2 runs and an RBI. David Ortiz went 2-3 with 2 runs scored and that great 3-run homer, as he is now .325/16/39. Marco Scutaro did a very good job of what he's good at, going 4-6 with 3 runs scored and an RBI. J.D. Drew went 2-5 with 2 runs scored and an RBI in a good game for him. Jason Varitek (top left) had a rare great game, going 2-3 with 3 runs scored and 4 RBIs, including that big 3-run homer, as he is now .234/3/13. Tomorrow, in the series finale, the Sox will trot out Jon Lester (8-2/3.98/79) as the Blue Jays will with Kyle Drabek (4-4/4.98/43).

Bright Spots:

Dan Wheeler, Tommy Hottovy, and Michael Bowden- scoreless innings each of relief

Jacoby Ellsbury- 2-6 with a run and an RBI

Dustin Pedroia- 3-5 with 2 runs scored and 3 RBI

Adrian Gonzalez- 1-3 with 2 runs and an RBI

David Ortiz- 2-3 with 2 runs scored and that big 3-run homer

Marco Scutaro- 4-6 with 3 runs scored and an RBI

J.D. Drew- 2-5 with 2 runs and an RBI

Jason Varitek- 2-3 with 3 runs scored and 4 RBI, including a 3-run shot

Dull Spots:

Nobody!

This was a great win for the Sox, I mean, wow!

Red Sox Unable To Come Back Against White Sox (30-25)

The White Sox got off to an early lead in the 2nd inning, as with the bases loaded, Gordon Beckham singled through the left side to make it 1-0. It quickly became 2-0 as Jed Lowrie botched a ground ball by Brent Morel to shortstop. Still with the bases loaded, Alexei Ramirez singled right up the middle, scoring two and making it 4-0. In the 3rd, the White Sox padded their lead as an A.J. Pierzynski double hopped into the crowd, scoring Paul Konerko and making it 5-0. In the bottom of the 3rd, Jason Varitek lined a ball into the bullpen for a home run, making it 5-1 White Sox. In the 4th, Brent Morel scored after Alexei Ramirez was caught in a rundown after a single to center, making it 6-1. In the 6th, the White Sox put runners on second and third with one out, both of whom came on in a single by Juan Pierre. Carlos Quentin proceeded to hit one of the green monster, scoring Pierre and making it 9-1. Paul Konerko then knocked a sacrifice fly out to right field, scoring Alexei Ramirez and making it 10-1. In the bottom of the eighth, Josh Reddick came in to score on a Drew Sutton single to make it 10-2. However, the Red Sox got a bunch back as Drew Sutton and Kevin Youkilis came around on an opposite field home run by David Ortiz over the green monster to make it 10-5. In the 9th, after the Red Sox put runners on the corners with 1 out, before a sacrifice fly by Josh Reddick to make it 10-6. Then Drew Sutton doubled to right field, scoring Jason Varitek and making it 10-7, but that would be it.

Alfredo Aceves was not good at all for the Sox, allowing 8 runs, 6 earned in 5 innings, earning the loss and making him 2-1/3.51/18. Scott Atchison was not much better, allowing 2 runs in 2 innings of relief. Bobby Jenks and Dan Wheeler, coming off the DL, each threw scoreless innings. After Dustin Pedroia went to the bench after an 0-2 day, Drew Sutton came in and performed nicely, going 2-2 with a run and 2 RBIs. David Ortiz had a very good game, going 2-4 with that big 3-run homer, as he is now .310/12/27. Jason Varitek had a very good game, going 3-4 with 2 runs scored and a solo home run, he is now .235/2/8. Today at 1:35, Tim Wakefield (2-1/4.14/16) will try to stop a sweep against Gavin Floyd (5-5/3.69/56).

Bright Spots:

Bobby Jenks- a scoreless inning of relief

Dan Wheeler- a scoreless inning of relief

Drew Sutton- 2-2 with a run and 2 RBIs off the bench

David Ortiz- 2-4 with a three-run homer

Jason Varitek- 3-4 with 2 runs and a solo shot

Dull Spots:

Alfredo Aceves- 6 earned runs in 5 innings

Scott Atchison- 2 runs in 2 innings of relief

Jacoby Ellsbury- 0-3 with a strikeout

J.D. Drew- 0-4 with 3 runners left on base

Although the Sox scored 6 unanswered runs, this was still a tough loss.

Mom, I Think We Can Take The Battery Off The Charger (26-22)

Last night, the Red Sox played a good pitcher's duel against the Indians, beating them 4-2 largely based on the performance of Josh Beckett and Jason Varitek. In the bottom of the 2nd, the Indians took a 1-0 lead on an RBI single by Ezequiel Carrera. After the Red Sox put runners on first and third with one out to start the third, Jed Lowrie knocked a sacrifice fly onto the warning track, tying the game at 1-1. The Red Sox took the lead, however, on an RBI double down the right field line to make it 2-1. In the top of the 7th, Jason Varitek hit a shot around the right field foul pole, scoring David Ortiz, and making it 4-1 Red Sox. The Indians got a run back on a home run by Travis Buck, to make it 4-2, but it was not nearly enough.

Josh Beckett (top right) was fantastic, allowing just a run and 5 hits through 6 2/3 strong innings. He earned the win, and is now 4-1/1.69/58, as he is actually leading the league in ERA. Rich Hill came in and threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings, before Jonathan Papelbon allowed 1 run in the 9th, but earned his 9th save of the season. Adrian Gonzalez only went 1-4, but the hit was that big 2

-run double, his 42nd RBI of the year. David Ortiz had a good game, going 2-4 with a run scored, and raising his batting average up to a .302 mark. Jason Varitek (left) had a great day, going 1-3 with a big 2-run homer, making him .203/1/7 on the season, and even threw out two stealing baserunners. In tonight's ballgame, Jon Lester (6-1/3.68/63) will go against Mitch Talbot (1-0/1.46/11).

Bright Spots:

Josh Beckett- one run in 6 2/3 innings, earning the win

Rich Hill- 1 1/3 scoreless innings of relief

Adrian Gonzalez- 1-4 with a big RBI double

David Ortiz- 2-4 with a run scored

Jason Varitek- 1-3 with a 2-run homer and 2 potential baserunners thrown out

Dull Spots:

J.D. Drew- 0-4 with a strikeout

Drew Sutton- 0-4 with 2 strikeouts

I am glad that the Sox won, and that Beckett is really getting his career back on track.

Red Sox Rally Late; Walk Off Vs. Orioles (21-20)

Last night was a very exciting game for the Red Sox, as they worked back from a 6-run deficit to win 8-7. The Orioles got off to an early lead, scoring twice on a Derrek Lee double and a Vladimir Guerrero groundout. They made it 3-0 on a soft single by Matt Wieters, scoring Guerrero. They made it 5-0 on a Mark Reynolds single and a J.J. Hardy sacrifice fly. They then got one more insurance run in the 6th with an Adam Jones single up the middle. However, that's when the Red Sox started scoring as they put a runner at second to start the 6th. Jed Lowrie quickly doubled in that runner, making it 6-1. After a great at-bat, Jason Varitek singled to right field to make it 6-2. Several batters later, Adrian Gonzalez hit a soft single to left, scoring Carl Crawford and making it 6-3. After that, though, Kevin Youkilis ripped a double off the green monster, scoring Jason Varitek and Adrian Gonzalez and making it a one-run game. However, the Orioles got a run back with a Mark Reynolds solo home run in the 7th, to make it 7-5 Orioles. Another RBI single by Jason Varitek scoring Jed Lowrie made it 7-6 though. In the bottom of the 9th, the Red Sox put runners at first and second to start the inning, and Adrian Gonzalez delivered, crushing a 2-run double off the green monster and making it 8-7 Red Sox, the final!

Daisuke Matsuzaka was not sharp, allowing 5 runs in 4 1/3 innings, as he is now 3-3/5.30/26, as he hasn't been too bad or good this year. Scott Atchison and Alfredo Aceves each allowed a run, in 1 2/3 and 3 innings, respectively. Jacoby Ellsbury had a pretty good day, going 2-5 with a run scored. Adrian Gonzalez went 3-5 with a run and 3 RBIs, including that huge walk-off double, as he is now .327/9/37 as he has been great. Kevin Youkilis went 2-4 with 2 RBIs on another huge hit, that 2-run double, as he is now .254/7/27 this year. J.D. Drew and Jed Lowrie each went 2-4, with 1 run and 2 runs, respectively. Jason Varitek had a rare good game, going 2-5 with 2 RBIs and a run. Tonight, Tim Wakefield (0-1/5.40/11) and Zach Britton (5-2/2.42/29) will square off.

Bright Spots:

Alfredo Aceves- 1 run in 3 innings of relief

Jacoby Ellsbury- 2-5 with a run scored

Adrian Gonzalez- 3-5 with a run and 3 RBIs, including the walk-off double

Kevin Youkilis- 2-4 with 2 RBIs on another huge hit

J.D. Drew- 2-4 with a run scored

Jed Lowrie- 2-4 with 2 runs scored

Jason Varitek- 2-5 with 2 RBIs and a run

Dull Spots:

Daisuke Matsuzaka- 5 runs in 4 1/3 innings, not so good

David Ortiz- 0-4 with 6 runners left on base

I am thrilled that the Sox won this game, as they were really able to rally late!