Papelbon Leaves For Phillies

Well, it's official-- star closer Jonathan Papelbon has left the Red Sox, signing a 4 year/$50 million contract with the Phillies today. Papelbon had a very good year with the Red Sox in 2011, going 4-1/2.33/87, along with saving 31 of 34 chances. Papelbon is the only closing pitcher in history to save 30 games in the first 6 full seasons of his career. He also is the Red Sox franchise saves leader, with 219, as he has been the primary closer for the Red Sox since 2006. HOWEVER, he is not worth $50 million and here's why. Yes, he is an above average closer-- top 5, I'd say. Still, he has directly ended the Red Sox season for 3 consecutive years, less so in 2010 though. In 2009, he was unable to protect a 5-2 lead in Game 3 of the ALDS which ended the Red Sox season. In 2010, he was just bad. This year, he was unable to protect a 3-2 lead with 2 outs and nobody on in the 9th inning of a crucial Game 162. I wish you well, Paps, you had a great career with the Sox.

Red Sox Able To Win When It Counted (89-70)

Entering the game, the Red Sox faced a dire predicament. If they lost, they would be tied with the Rays for the wild card, but they didn't lose. With runners on 1st and 2nd and 1 out in the 1st inning for the Yankees, Mark Teixeira was the beneficiary of some bad defense and was able to score on an inside-the-park home run to make it 3-0 early. After a one out triple by Jed Lowrie in the 5th, J.D. Drew drove him in with a single in his first game since July 19. With runners at 2nd and 3rd in the 6th inning, Adrian Gonzalez hit a hard grounder to first but a diving snag by Mark Teixeira allowed only one run to score. In the 7th, the Red Sox were able to put Mike Aviles on 3rd with one out. Marco Scutaro would double into left to score the run and make it 3-3. Then, the next batter, Jason Varitek singled up the middle to score a run and give the Sox a 4-3 lead. However, a sacrifice fly to deep center by Chris Dickerson would tie the game again in the bottom of the 7th. It stayed that way until the top of the 14th inning, when with runners at 1st and 3rd and two outs, Jacoby Ellsbury lifted a ball into the Yankees bullpen for a 3-run homer to make it 7-4.
       John Lackey was actually pretty good last night. After that homer by Mark Teixeira in the 1st inning, he was lights out, and he wound up allowing 4 runs, 3 earned in 6+ innings. However, behind him was some lights out relief as Alfredo Aceves, Daniel Bard, Jonathan Papelbon, Franklin Morales, and Felix Doubront were all very good and didn't allow the Yankees to get anything going. Jacoby Ellsbury went 2-7, however, one of those hits was the key 3-run homer, as he is now .322/31/103. Adrian Gonzalez (left) went 1-4 with an RBI, but if Mark Teixeira hadn't made a fantastic play, he would've been 2-4 with 2 RBIs. Jed Lowrie went 2-3 with a run scored, as he was a big catalyst for this team. Marco Scutaro went 2-4 with 2 runs and an RBI, including an intentional walk by Mariano Rivera, a sign of respect. Tonight, the Red Sox will head to Baltimore and send Josh Beckett (13-6/2.70/170) out against Tommy Hunter (4-4/4.86/43).

Bright Spots:
John Lackey- 4 runs in 6 innings, but only one came after the 1st
The Bullpen- 8 shutout innings, allowing only one hit and striking out 8
Jacoby Ellsbury- 2-7 with a key 3-run homer
Carl Crawford- 2-7 with a run scored
Dustin Pedroia- 2-6
Adrian Gonzalez- 1-4 with an RBI
Jed Lowrie- 2-3 with a run and 2 very important hits
Marco Scutaro- 2-4 with 2 runs and an RBI

Dull Spots:
David Ortiz- 0-6 with 4 LOB

This was quite a game, and we came out on top so it's all good!

OK, We Beat The Rays, Deep Breath Everybody (87-63)

Last night was a tense game, a good game, but a very tense one. After Desmond Jennings singled to lead off the game, B.J. Upton got out, but then Evan Longoria came up. After 3 batters, the score was 2-0 as Longoria hit a homer over the green monster. However, the Sox had a little rally in the 1st too as Jacoby Ellsbury doubled to lead off the inning. Then Dustin Pedroia came up and single him in to make it 2-1. After a wild pitch put Dustin Pedroia on 2nd base, David Ortiz singled him in to tie it up. Desmond Jennings made it to 3rd to start the 3rd inning with a single and some crafty baserunning. Then it was Evan Longoria again, with an RBI single to make it 3-2 Rays. A single and a steal by Dustin Pedroia led off the 3rd, and he would score on a double by David Ortiz. However, in the 4th was the key blow. Our light-hitting backup infielder Mike Aviles came up and crushed one over the green monster to make it 4-3, what would wind up as the difference in the game.

      Josh Beckett was pretty good, allowing 3 runs, 2 earned in 6 innings, as he is now 13-5/2.50/162. He was relieved by Alfredo Aceves, Daniel Bard, and Jonathan Papelbon; each had a scoreless inning, and the last 6 outs were strikeouts. Dustin Pedroia had a good game, going 2-4 while scoring 2 runs and driving in a run as well. David Ortiz had a good game too, going 2-4 with 2 RBIs, including an important RBI double. Carl Crawford had a rare decent game, going 2-3. However, it was really all up to Mike Aviles (left), who had that key solo home run in the 4th inning that would wind up being the difference, he is now .253/6/34 and .338/1/3 with the Red Sox. Today at 4:05, the Sox will have another great pitching matchup as Jon Lester (15-7/3.07/169) goes against Jeff Niemann (10-7/3.97/99).

Bright Spots:
Josh Beckett- 3 runs in 6 innings to keep the Sox in the game
Alfredo Aceves- a scoreless inning
Daniel Bard- struck out the side in order
Jonathan Papelbon- the save with a scoreless inning
Dustin Pedroia- 2-4 with 2 runs and an RBI
David Ortiz- 2-4 with 2 RBIs
Carl Crawford- 2-3
Mike Aviles- 1-3 with a very important home run

Dull Spots:
Adrian Gonzalez- 0-3 with 2 strikeouts and 2 LOB
Josh Reddick- 0-3 with a strikeout and 2 LOB
Marco Scutaro- 0-4 with 4 LOB

Alright, it's a lot more fun to blog about a game when we win.

Red Sox Stung By Rays In Extra Innings (85-60)

Last night, the Red Sox suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Rays, where they went down in 11 innings despite a late rally. Kyle Weiland's command was very bad early and in the first three batters of the game, he walked two and allowed a hit. However, a groundout, a strikeout and a flyout would allow the Sox out of the inning allowing only a run. In the 2nd inning, the Sox caught up though, as they out runners at 1st and 2nd with no outs and after a groundout to first advanced them, Jed Lowrie knocked one in with an RBI single. Two singles in the bottom of the 2nd for the Rays put the Rays in a good position to score when Desmond Jennings bounced a ball to Jed Lowrie, a run scored to make it 2-1. In the 3rd, the Rays loaded the bases with one out, and as Casey Kotchman crushed a ball to center, Jacoby Ellsbury would catch it for a sacrifice fly to make it 3-1. In the 5th, with Jacoby Ellsbury on 1st base with 2 outs, Adrian Gonzalez crushed a home run to right field to make it 3-3. However, the Rays distanced themselves again as Casey Kotchman hit a solo homer in the bottom of the 5th. The Rays put Sean Rodriguez and Desmond Jennings on 2nd and 3rd, respectively, with one out where Evan Longoria hit a flyout that would fall in Jacoby Ellsbury's glove for a sacrifice fly to make it 5-3. It stayed that way until the top of the 9th, as Marco Scutaro grounded out to start the inning. However, the next batter, Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit a quick line drive that just got over the wall for a solo home run. Jacoby Ellsbury then came up, who lofted a hanging slider to right for a no-doubter that would tie the game at 5-5. However, with no outs in the 11th, Desmond Jennings hit a line drive to right-center, just out of reach of Jacoby Ellsbury and Darnell McDonald. He would run all the way to third with a leadoff triple. The next batter, B.J. Upton grounded a ball to 1st, however Adrian Gonzalez would look him back to 3rd. However, the next batter, Evan Longoria would take a high fastball right back up the middle for a walkoff single.
      Kyle Weiland was not particularly good, allowing 3 runs in 4 innings, as he is now 0-1/6.75/5. Alfredo Aceves did a great job of eating some innings in relief, allowing 2 runs in 4 innings, has he has been so valuable to this team. Then came Jonathan Papelbon, who was simply lights out, going 2 shutout innings and throwing only 16 pitches. Then was Daniel Bard, who blew it all by allowing the walkoff hit. Jacoby Ellsbury had a good game, going 2-6 with a key solo home run, as he is now .317/26/91. Adrian Gonzalez went 1-3 with a 2-run homer, as he is now .340/25/108. David Ortiz had a decent game, going 2-4 and scoring a run. Jarrod Saltalamacchia only went 1-5, but his one hit was a very important home run, as he is now .247/16/51. Today will be a great pitching matchup as Jon Lester (15-6/2.93/167) takes the hill against James Shields (14-10/2.77/205).

Bright Spots:
Alfredo Aceves- not so much on how he pitched, but the fact that he went 4 innings is good
Jonathan Papelbon- he was fantastic in 2 shutout innings
Jacoby Ellsbury- 2-6 with an important solo home run
Adrian Gonzalez- 1-3 with a 2-run homer
David Ortiz- 2-4 with a run scored
Jarrod Saltalamacchia- 1-5 with a solo home run

Dull Spots:
Kyle Weiland- he settled down a bit, but he wasn't very sharp allowing 3 runs in 4 innings
Daniel Bard- he blew another game
Marco Scutaro- 0-4

This was a heartbreaker, luckily the Yankees share our 4-game skid.

Now, How Did This Happen? Blue Jays Walk Off In Extras (84-56)

This may have been the Red Sox' toughest loss this season. We didn't get blown out, in fact neither team scored very many runs at all. It looked like the Sox had the upper hand throughout, they just couldn't string any hits together and they ere brutal with runners in scoring position. They burned through 5 pitchers before Dan Wheeler allowed the inevitable blow, a home run to Brett Lawrie in the 11th inning. Wheeler threw the pitch, and Lawrie hopped twice before rounding the bases on a long solo home run to left-center field.
     Josh Beckett was good, but he didn't last long. He left in the 4th inning after spraining his right ankle pushing off of the rubber on a 2-2 pitch to Brett Lawrie. Alfredo Aceves came in in relief, and was equally good, tossing 3 2/3 more shutout innings against the Blue Jays, including a 5th inning where he struck out the side in order. Then Daniel Bard came in, who was very sharp for an inning and 1/3. Jonathan Papelbon was not quite as good, but he was able to escape a bases loaded jam by striking out Adam Lind on three straight fastballs. Dan Wheeler looked pretty good until Lawrie capitalized on a pitch down the middle, and he would earn the loss. The Red Sox bats were not very good, the few bright spots being Josh Reddick (2-5 with a double) and Marco Scutaro (2-4 with a double) as the Sox only managed 7 hits in the game. Tomorrow, the Sox will go for a win with Jon Lester (14-6/3.05/156) going against Luis Perez (3-2/3.77/51).

Bright Spots:
All the Pitchers- Just 1 run in 11 innings despite the loss
Josh Reddick- 2-5 with a double
Marco Scutaro- 2-4 with a double

Dull Spots:
The other batters- 3-30

Not a good game, not a good game at all.

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!

Red Sox Makin' It Rain In Fenway! (82-51)

Yesterday, the Sox played a double header against the A's, and won both games: 9-3 and 4-0. I was driving to North Carolina during the first game, so I'm here to blog the second! Dustin Pedroia doubled to center field to lead off the second, and immediately after, David Ortiz crushed a home run over the green monster to give the Sox an early 2-0 lead. In the 4th, the Red Sox loaded the bases on 3 straight singles to start the inning, and after Carl Crawford popped out, Jarrod Saltalamacchia grounded out to 1st base, which scored a run and made it 3-0. In the 6th, Jed Lowrie got on 1st on an error by the third baseman Scott Sizemore, and a batter later, Jarrod Saltalamacchia knocked him in with a double that made it 4-0.
     Erik Bedard was on pace for his first Red Sox win, but a rain delay made the Sox take him out early, so he tossed 4 shutout innings. The win went to Alfredo Aceves, who was equally good, tossing 3 shutout innings allowing not even a hit. Daniel Bard and Jonathan Papelbon closed it out with an inning each. Dustin Pedroia had a good game, going 2-4 with 2 runs scored and a double. David Ortiz (left) had a great game, going 3-4 with a 2-run homer, as he is now .311/27/86. Jarrod Saltalamacchia had a pretty nice game, going 2-4 with 2 RBIs, and a double, as he is now .252/13/46. After an off-day today (because of Irene), and an off-day tomorrow, the Yankees will come to town and send a pitcher To Be Announced to face John Lackey (12-9/5.98/91).

Bright Spots:
Erik Bedard- 4 shutout innings
Alfredo Aceves- 3 shutout innings
Daniel Bard- 1 shutout inning
Jonathan Papelbon- 1 shutout inning
Dustin Pedroia- 2-4 with 2 runs and a double
David Ortiz- 3-4 with a 2-run homer
Jarrod Saltalamacchia- 2-4 with 2 RBIs and a double

Dull Spots:
Marco Scutaro- 0-3
Adrian Gonzalez- 0-4 with 2 strikeouts
Carl Crawford- 0-4 with 2 strikeouts and 6 runners left on base
Josh Reddick- 0-3 with a strikeout and 4 runners left on base

This was a solid win, and we moved to being 2 games up on the Yankees.

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 Blast Three Homers To Overrun Mariners (73-44)

Last night the Sox played a good game, as they came back from deficits of 2-0 and 4-2. The Mariners were in business in the 1st inning, as they loaded the bases to start the game. Mike Carp then singled up the middle, scoring two and giving the M's a 2-0 lead. However, the Sox quickly got those runs back in the top of the 2nd as David Ortiz led off the inning with a home run over the center field wall. Later in the inning, the Sox put runners at 1st and 3rd with 1 out, and Mike Aviles knocked a fly ball to score Carl Crawford and tie the game. However, in the 2nd, Lackey loaded the bases again and this time a Dustin Ackley single brought home one to make it 3-2. In the 4th, Franklin Gutierrez was doubled home by Mike Carp to make it 4-2. However, in the 5th, the Sox cut the lead again, as Jed Lowrie led off the inning with a crushed homer to right. In the 6th, after Jarrod Saltalamacchia led off the inning with a single, he was quickly brought home on a long home run by Josh Reddick to give the Sox a 5-4 lead. In the 7th, the Sox padded their lead on an RBI single by David Ortiz to make it 6-4.

John Lackey was decent, as he settled down for just a run in 4 innings after the first 2. He did earn the win, and is now 11-8/6.13/79 this season. Franklin Morales pitched a scoreless 2/3 of an inning. Daniel Bard pitched a scoreless 1 1/3 and Jonathan Papelbon earned the save with a scoreless inning. Jed Lowrie only went 1-5, but that hit was an important home run as he is now .264/4/26. Adrian Gonzalez went 2-4 with a run scored. Dustin Pedroia just went 2-4. David Ortiz (left) had a great game, going 2-5 with a solo homer and another RBI, as he is now a very good .299/24/79. Jarrod Saltalamacchia went 2-4 and scored a run in a good day. Josh Reddick went 1-3 with a 2-run homer as he is now .322/6/25. Mike Aviles also had a good day, going 1-3 with an RBI, as he is now .333/0/1 since joining Boston. Tonight will be a great pitching matchup as Josh Beckett (9-4/2.17/127) and Felix Hernandez (10-10/3.31/174) will go head-to-head.

Bright Spots:

Daniel Bard- 1 1/3 scoreless innings

Jonathan Papelbon- a scoreless inning

Jed Lowrie- 1-5 with a solo home run

Adrian Gonzalez- 2-4 with a run

Dustin Pedroia- 2-4

David Ortiz- 2-5 with a solo homer and 2 RBIs

Jarrod Saltalamacchia- 2-4 with a run

Josh Reddick- 1-3 with an important 2-run blast

Mike Aviles- 1-3 with a sac fly

Dull Spots:

Nobody!

This was a great game, and on a rare occasion, no dull spots!

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.

Ortiz Lifts Sox In Comeback Win Over Twins (71-43)

Last night the Red Sox played a great game against the Twins, they came back from a 5-1 deficit to win 8-6. In the 2nd inning, the Sox took an early lead when Marco Scutaro drove in David Ortiz on an RBI single. However, in the bottom of the 2nd, the Twins led off the inning with a double by Michael Cuddyer (of whom I have an autographed ball). A Jason Kubel single was next, driving him in and making it 1-1. Kubel quickly scored as Jim Thome was behind him with a double. Later in the inning, Thome scored on a passed ball to make it 3-1. In the 4th, Kubel hit a high fly ball to right field which found the seats to make it 4-1. Then, in the bottom of the 5th, Trevor Plouffe scored on a double by Joe Mauer. However, in the 5th, the Sox got off to an awesome start on a triple by Carl Crawford. An Adrian Gonzalez fly ball came next, scoring Crawford and making it 5-2. After a Dustin Pedroia single, David Ortiz crushed a homer to right field to make it 5-4. Then, in the very next at-bat, Jarrod Saltalamacchia crushed a homer to right to tie it up at 5-5. In the 8th, with Ortiz on 3rd, Mike Aviles grounded a ball to the shortstop, who threw it home, but it bounced off Joe Mauer's glove and Papi scored to make it 6-5. However, Jason Kubel had another RBI single in the 8th, which robbed to Sox of a lead. In the 9th, with runners at 1st and 2nd with 2 outs, David Ortiz lined a ball to center and pinch-runner Darnell McDonald came around to make it 7-6. The next batter, Jarrod Saltalamacchia doubled in Dustin Pedroia to make it 8-6.

Tim Wakefield started out not well, but he settled down, allowing 5 runs, 3 earned in 7 innings, as he is now 6-4/4.92/62. He was relieved with Alfredo Aceves, who allowed 1 run in an inning, and Jonathan Papelbon, who got the save with a scoreless inning. Jacoby Ellsbury had a good game, going 2-5. Adrian Gonzalez also had a good game, going 2-3 with an RBI. Dustin Pedroia went 2-5 with 2 runs scored out of the cleanup role. David Ortiz had a great game though, going 4-5 with 3 runs scored and 3 RBIs, including a 2-run homer, as he is now .295/22/74. Jarrod Saltalamacchia (left) also had a good game, going 2-5 with a homer and 2 RBIs, as he is now .257/11/38. Marco Scutaro had another good day, going 3-4 with an RBI. Tonight, Erik Bedard (4-7/3.55/92) and Francisco Liriano (7-9/5.03/93) pitch.

Bright Spots:

Tim Wakefield- although his stats don't reflect it, he was pretty good for most of the game

Jonathan Papelbon- lights out, with 2 strikeouts in an inning

Jacoby Ellsbury- 2-5

Adrian Gonzalez- 2-3 with an RBI

Dustin Pedroia- 2-5 with 2 runs scored

David Ortiz- 4-5 with 3 runs and 3 RBIs, including a 2-run homer

Jarrod Saltalamacchia- 2-5 with a homer and 2 RBIs

Marco Scutaro- 3-4 with an RBI

Dull Spots:

Alfredo Aceves- cost Wakefield his 200th win by allowing the tying run

Josh Reddick- 0-3 with a strikeout

The Sox played really well last night, and I'm glad they could come back!

2004 Relived, Red Sox Get To Rivera, Win In Extras (70-43)

Last night, the Red Sox and Yankees played a heck of a game, as the Sox won 3-2 in the 10th inning to take 1st place. In the 2nd inning, the Red Sox loaded the bases on a walk and two hits with nobody out. However, the next two batters, Jason Varitek and Josh Reddick each got out before a Marco Scutaro line drive into right field made it 1-0. In the 5th, Eduardo Nunez crushed a home run to left field over the monster to tie it up at 1-1. In the 7th, another Yankees homer, this one by Brett Gardner made it 2-1. In the 9th, Marco Scutaro doubled to lead off the inning, and a Jacoby Ellsbury bunt put him at 3rd base with just one out. Dustin Pedroia obliged and hit a fly ball deep, and Scutaro was able to tag up and tie the game at 2-2. In the 10th, David Ortiz doubled with one out, and after Phil Hughes intentionally walked Carl Crawford, Josh Reddick came through with a drive to left with Gardner was unable to reach, and the Sox won!

Josh Beckett was very good, allowing 1 earned run in 6 innings, as he is now 9-4/2.17/127. He was relieved with Matt Albers for 2/3 of an inning (gave up 1 run), Franklin Morales for 1/3, then Dan Wheeler, Jonathan Papelbon, and Daniel Bard (got the win) for 1 inning. Dustin Pedroia had a good game, going 1-3 with an RBI. David Ortiz went 2-4. Carl Crawford went 3-4 and raised his average to .260, as he's been really hot lately. Josh Reddick had a god-awful day, going 1-5 and stranding 6 runners, but I suppose since he got the walk-off hit he's a bright spot as well. Marco Scutaro had a great day as well, going 4-4 with a run and an RBI, as he is now .272/5/24. Tomorrow, the Sox will head to Minneapolis and will send Tim Wakefield (6-4/4.99/58) to get his 200th win against Scott Baker (8-6/3.01/115).

Bright Spots:

Josh Beckett- pitched very well allowing just 1 run over 6 innings

Dan Wheeler, Jonathan Papelbon, and Daniel Bard- 3 combined scoreless innings

Dustin Pedroia- 1-3 with an RBI

David Ortiz- 2-4

Carl Crawford- 3-4

Josh Reddick- 1-5 with the walk-off hit, despite stranding 6 runners

Marco Scutaro- 4-4 with a run and an RBI

Dull Spots:

Jacoby Ellsbury- 0-4 with 8 LOB

Adrian Gonzalez- 0-5

Kevin Youkilis- 0-4 with a strikeout

Jason Varitek- 0-3 with 6 LOB

This was an exciting game, and we're back in 1st place!

Ellsbury the Hero Again; This Time, Touches 'em All (68-41)

Last night was another walk-off win, and another by Ellsbury as the Sox beat the Indians 4-3 to hold on to the AL East lead. After two quick outs in the 1st inning, a single by Adrian Gonzalez and a double by Kevin Youkilis put runners at 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs. David Ortiz delivered with a line drive through to left field that scored both runners with an wrror for Austin Kearns (only 1 RBI for Papi) to make it 2-0. In the 4th inning, a leadoff homer by Jason Kipnis cut it to 2-1. Then an Asdrubal Cabrera single and a double down the right field line by Travis Hafner made it 2-2. However, the Red Sox juiced the bases in the bottom of the 4th, and a Marco Scutaro groundout netted them another lead at 3-2. It stayed 3-2 until the 7th, when after a leadoff double by Lonnie Chisenhall, Ezequiel Carrera knocked a ground-rule double into right field to tie it up at 3-3. In the 9th, Darnell McDonald and Marco Scutaro were out to lead off the inning and it left Jacoby Ellsbury up against righty Joe Smith. Smith threw a fastball outside and low and Ellsbury's wonderful uppercut swing crushed it into the center field bleachers.

Tim Wakefield was so close, he almost got win #200, and he pitched really well, allowing 3 runs in 6 2/3 innings, but it wasn't enough as he is now 6-4/4.99/58. Randy Williams with 1 1/3 scoreless innings and Jonathan Papelbon with a scoreless inning, were each very good and Papelbon got the win in his 2nd straight night. Jacoby Ellsbury went 1-5 again, but again he gets mentioned for that walk-off homer, he is now .317/18/65. Dustin Pedroia went 2-4 and Adrian Gonzalez went 2-4 with a run scored. David Ortiz went 1-3 with a run and an RBI in a good game for him. Josh Reddick went 2-2 with a walk before being pinch-hit for with Darnell McDonald (for some reason). Tonight, Erik Bedard (4-7/3.45/87 with the Mariners) will make his Red Sox debut against former Red Sox Justin Masterson (8-7/2.56/112).

Bright Spots:

Tim Wakefield- despite falling short of win #200 he pitched very well

Randy Williams- 1 1/3 scoreless innings

Jonathan Papelbon- a scoreless inning

Jacoby Ellsbury- despite only going 1-5 he hit a walk-off homer

Dustin Pedroia- 2-4

Adrian Gonzalez- 2-4 with a run scored

David Ortiz- 1-3 with a run and an RBI

Josh Reddick- 2-2 with a walk

Dull Spots:

Jarrod Saltalamacchia- 0-4 with 3 strikeouts and 3 runners left on base

Marco Scutaro- 0-4 with 4 runners left on base and an RBI

This was another great game, and the Sox are walking off on a daily basis now!

Ellsbury, Salty Come Through In The Clutch To Win It (67-41)

Last night, the Red Sox played a great game against the Indians, as after a 1 hour, 35 minute rain delay, the game lasted until midnight, and I was there the whole time. In the 1st, the Indians took a quick lead on a solo homer by Jason Kipnis to make it 1-0. With the bases loaded in the 2nd, however, Jason Varitek struck out but the ball got away from the catcher and David Ortiz rushed home. However, in the 4th, Lonnie Chisenall put one in the seats to make it 2-1. But the Sox got that back as well, as in the 6th, Kevin Youkilis crushed a home run over the green monster. By the 9th inning, the Red Sox were playing at around midnight and I was getting pretty tired. There were runners at 1st and 2nd and my head was nodding so I picked up my guitar to occupy myself in some way. As I began to play the chorus of "Dirty Water," Jacoby Ellsbury lined a ball into center field and Jarrod Saltalamacchia raced around third, barely scoring the run and giving the Sox a 3-2 win!

Josh Beckett (left) pitched pretty well, allowing 2 runs in 6 innings, as he is now 9-4/2.20/122. Franklin Morales, who was lights out, relieved him with two shutout innings, a huge asset in the win as he has been a respectable 0-0/3.94/15 in 16 innings since coming to Boston. Jonathan Papelbon got the win in a scoreless ninth inning, making his record 3-0. Despite getting that key hit in the 9th, Jacoby Ellsbury only went 1-5, but he still deserves to be mentioned. Dustin Pedroia went 2-4, and is now batting .312 this season. Kevin Youkilis went 1-4 with that solo home run as he is now at .275/16/76 for the year. Tonight, Tim Wakefield (6-4/5.06/52) will go for #200 against Carlos Carrasco (8-9/4.67/80).

Bright Spots:

Josh Beckett- 2 runs in 6 innings in a good start

Franklin Morales- 2 shutout innings from the bullpen, striking out 3

Jonathan Papelbon- the win in a scoreless inning

Jacoby Ellsbury- the walk-off single, need I say more?

Dustin Pedroia- 2-4

Kevin Youkilis- 1-4 with a solo homer

Dull Spots:

Carl Crawford- 0-4 with 2 strikeouts and 3 runners left on base

Darnell McDonald- 0-2 with 2 runners left on base

This was an awesome game and I'm really glad I watched it!

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!

5-Run 7th Seals The Deal As Sox Beat Mariners (60-37)

Last night, the Red Sox extended their winning ways to 15-3 recently as they beat the Mariners 7-4. In the 1st inning, the Mariners took an early lead when Ichiro Suzuki scored on an RBI single by Dustin Ackley (watch this guy, he's gonna be good). However, in the bottom of the 1st, the Sox got it right back when Kevin Youkilis drove in Dustin Pedroia. In the 3rd, Jacoby Ellsbury knocked a home run to make it 2-1. In the 7th inning, the Red Sox loaded the bases with one out for a bouncing single up the middle by Adrian Gonzalez to make it 4-1. Two more came in on a line shot that turned out to be a double for Kevin Youkilis to make it 6-1. A David Ortiz single to center made it 7-1. With runners on 1st and 2nd in the 8th inning, Mike Carp hit a high and deep fly ball to right field that when I saw it I thought: Home run, wait no, flyout, as it went over the wall I discovered it would be a home run to make it 7-4.

John Lackey pitched for the reasons we signed him to that ridiculous contract, as he went 7 innings, allowing just 1 run. After that, he is now 8-8/6.28/63, but he has been ok since coming off the DL. Franklin Morales allowed 3 runs in 2/3 of an inning, in not the sharpest of outings for him; Daniel Bard pitched just 1/3 of an inning before the 22nd save for Jonathan Papelbon. Jacoby Ellsbury (left) had a pretty good game, going 2-5 with 2 runs and the solo home run as he is now .317/16/55, as he is having a great season. Dustin Pedroia had a great game, going 3-3 with 2 runs scored, as he is now batting .299 after such a slow start. Adrian Gonzalez went 1-3 with 2 RBIs, his league-leading 79th and 80th. Kevin Youkilis had a good game as well, going 2-3 with 2 RBIs in a good game, he is now .285/13/70 after a slow start as well. David Ortiz batted 1-3 with an RBI in a good game as well. Tonight, we will get to see Josh Beckett (8-3/2.12/100) go against Blake Beavan (1-1/2.70/8).

Bright Spots:

John Lackey- 1 run in 7 strong innings to earn the win

Jonathan Papelbon- a scoreless inning to earn his 22nd save

Jacoby Ellsbury- 2-5 with 2 runs and a solo homer

Dustin Pedroia- 3-3 with 2 runs scored

Adrian Gonzalez- 1-3 with 2 RBIs

Kevin Youkilis- 2-3 with 2 RBIs

David Ortiz- 1-3 with 1 RBI

Dull Spot:

Franklin Morales- 3 runs in 2/3 of an inning

Every Red Sox player got a hit in this game, a great win overall for the Sox.

Two Wins For the Price Of One! (57-36)

Well, this is going to be a very quick blog post. The Red Sox won, but they completely killed themselves and their bullpen in the process. The final score on ESPN or MLB.com says 1-0/16. And so it was, the Red Sox played 16 innings, and scored 1 run; which is sort of sad on the Rays' part because we won and they couldn't take advantage of a great offensenot scoring squat. The only run came on an RBI single by Dustin Pedroia in the 16th inning, scoring Josh Reddick. It would be safe to say that this game dropped the Red Sox' team ERA.

Josh Beckett was great, allowing 1 freaking hit over 8 innings, I'm gonna call him "Ray Killer" from now on (He did exactly that his last time out as well). The bullpen was also great, but none better than Alfredo Aceves (3 scoreless innings and the win) and Jonathan Papelbon (the save in a scoreless inning). The Red Sox had 5 hits and Dustin Pedroia had 3 of them in a 3-7 day, so its' safe to say that he was the only bright spot in their offense. I'm going to see the Sox in Baltimore tonight, and I get to watch Tim Wakefield (5-3/4.74/40) and Brad Bergesen (1-6/5.65/41).

Bright Spots:

Josh Beckett- 1 hit in 8 shutout innings

The Red Sox bullpen corps: 2 hits in 8 shutout innings

Dustin Pedroia- 3-7 with the walk-off single

Dull Spots:

The batters not named Dustin Pedroia: 2-45

This was an interesting game, but Dustin Pedroia is my man!

Red Sox Burst Late in 6 Run 7th Inning (47-34)

This was a great game, it looked like a certain loss up until the 7th inning, when the Sox scored 6 runs to get back in it. Marco Scutaro (right) led off the game in a big way, crushing a home run over the left field wall on the 5th pitch of the game. However, the Astros tied it back up in the bottom of the 1st on a sacrifice fly by Hunter Pence. In the bottom of the 2nd, the Astros came through again on an RBI single for Angel Sanchez (former Red Sox) and a double by Hunter Pence to make it 3-1. In the bottom of the 5th, an RBI double by Carlos Lee made it 4-1. In the 6th, the Astros pitcher Bud Norris singled on a line to left, scoring a run and making it 5-1 Astros. In the top of the 7th, it all changed as the Sox put runners at first and second to start the inning. Josh Reddick doubled on a ball down the right field line to make it 5-2. Then, Drew Sutton hit a hard groundball at the shortstop Clint Barmes, who missed it, scoring a run and making it 5-3. The Red Sox then loaded the bases, preparing for Dustin Pedroia's big hit, a 2-run single down the right field line to make it 5-5. In the nextat-bat, Adrian Gonzalez crushed a ball of the left-center wall, in Fenway it would've been gone, in any other ballpark, it would've been gone, but in Minute Maid Park, it was a 2-run double to make it 7-5.

Tim Wakefield was not good, allowing 5 runs and 11 hits in 5 1/3 innings. He got a no-decision and is now 4-3/4.82/33, as the knuckler wasn't working. The bullpen was perfect, as Dan Wheeler (2/3 of an inning, plus the win), Matt Albers (2/3), Franklin Morales (1/3), Daniel Bard (1), and Jonathan Papelbon (1 plus the save) all pitched last night. Marco Scutaro had that big leadoff home run, despite only going 1-5, as he is now .275/3/14. Dustin Pedroia (left)

went 1-3 with 2 RBIs and a run scored, all of them very important runs. Adrian Gonzalez only went 1-5, but his hit was huge, a big 2-run double, his 72nd and 73rd RBIs of the year. Josh Reddick had another great day at 2-4 with a run and RBI, as he is on a tear, now batting .450, this kid's for real. Drew Sutton went 1-2 with a run and an RBI, despite playing sub-par left field (he's an infielder). Tonight, at 6:05, Andrew Miller (1-0/3.09/10) and J.A. Happ (3-9/5.54/77) will battle.

Bright Spots:

The Red Sox Bullpen- 3 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing just 2 hits

Dustin Pedroia- 1-3 with a run and 2 RBIs, a very big hit

Adrian Gonzalez- despite going 1-5, his one hit was huge

Josh Reddick- 2-4 with a run and an RBI

Dull Spots:

Tim Wakefield- the Sox won the game, no thanks to him, as he allowed 5 runs in 5 1/3 innings

Kevin Youkilis- 0-4 with 3 strikeouts

This was a fantastic game, it seemed bleak for much of the game, but the Sox turned it around. Also, that was Game #81, the halfway point in the season, they are 47-34, on pace for a 94-68 season, however, they had some tough times in the first half, 0-6, 2-10; so, I hope my prediction of 98-64 is more realistic.

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.

Sox Avoid Sweep, End Skid At Four (45-32)

Today, the Red Sox played a good game, beating the Pirates 4-2 to end their losing skid at 4 games. The Red Sox took their first lead in the 4th, when Jarrod Saltalamacchia came home on a throw into the stands by Andrew McCutchen to make it 1-0. However, in the bottom half, the Pirates tied it on a sacrifice fly by Ronny Cedeno (great catch by Ellsbury!). In the 5th, the Pirates took a lead on an RBI single by Andrew McCutchen to make it 2-1. In the 6th, Kevin Youkilis came in to tie the game on a sacrifice fly by Josh Reddick. In the 7th, the Red Sox loaded the bases with no outs. An RBI groundout by Dustin Pedroia and a sacrifice fly by Kevin Youkilis were enough to give the Sox a 4-2 lead.

Andrew Miller (top right) was very good in his 2nd start with the Sox, allowing 2 runs, 1 earned in 6 innings. He earned the win, and he is now 1-0/3.09/10. Alfredo Aceves, Daniel Bard, and Jonathan Papelbon each threw a scoreless inning of relief. Adrian Gonzalez went 2-3 with a walk, raising his average to a remarkable .361. Kevin Youkilis also had a good game, going 1-3 with a run and an RBI. Jarrod Saltalamacchia (left) went 1-3 with a runs scored. After an off day Monday, on Tuesday the Sox head to Philly for a marquee matchup with Josh Beckett (6-2/1.86/79) and Cliff Lee (8-5/2.87/114).

Bright Spots:

Andrew Miller- 1 earned run and a win in 6 innings

Alfredo Aceves- a scoreless inning

Daniel Bard- a scoreless inning

Jonathan Papelbon- his 14th save with a scoreless inning

Adrian Gonzalez- 2-3 with a walk

Kevin Youkilis- 1-3 with a run and an RBI

Jarrod Saltalamacchia- 1-3 with a run scored

Dull Spots:

Darnell McDonald- 0-4 with 8 freaking runners left on base, we need to get rid of this guy!

This was a good game, and I'm glad they avoided the sweep.