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.

Red Sox Fall On Rough Start By Lester (30-24)

Last night, the Red Sox suffered a tough 7-3 loss to the White Sox, where they tied the game after an early deficit but couldn't hold on. In the 1st inning, the White Sox loaded the bases with only one out to start the game. A.J. Pierzynski immediately delivered with a bouncing single up the middle, scoring Alexei Ramirez and Carlos Quentin to make it 2-0 early on. In the bottom of the 1st, the Red Sox got one back as Adrian Gonzalez knocked a shot to right field for his 10th homer of the year. In the 3rd inning, Paul Konerko hit a home run over the green monster to make it 3-1 White Sox. In the bottom of the 3rd, however, the Red Sox put runners on second and third with one out. After grinding out a long at-bat with Jake Peavy, Dustin Pedroia delivered with a single up the middle to make it 3-3. Then in the 6th inning, we lost control of the game as the White Sox loaded the bases with two outs. Alexei Ramirez blooped a ball down the first base line just out of Adrian Gonzalez' reach, which would fall for a double and score two. Then Carlos Quentin singled up the middle, scoring another two and making it 7-3 White Sox.

Jon Lester (top right) was not very good at all, allowing 7 earned runs in 5 2/3 innings, earning a loss and making him 7-2/3.94/74. Dan Wheeler threw 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief and Michael Bowden threw 2, but it was not enough. Dustin Pedroia only went 1-4, but he had that clutch two-run single, and he is now .243/4/18. Adrian Gonzalez went 2-4 with that long home run to right, as he is now .332/10/36, as he's been great all year. David Ortiz did a good job of getting on base, going 2-3 with a walk, and raising that average to .306. Unfortunately for the Red Sox, the bottom half on the order did not even get a hit, as the last 4 people went a combined 0-13 with a walk. Tonight, Alfredo Aceves (2-0/2.22/17) and Phillip Humber (3-3/2.85/33) will square off in Fenway.

Bright Spots:

Dan Wheeler- 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief

Michael Bowden- 2 innings of scoreless relief

Dustin Pedroia- 1-4 with a clutch 2-run single

Adrian Gonzalez- 2-4 with a solo home run

David Ortiz- 2-3 with a walk

Dull Spots:

Jon Lester- a loss with 7 earned runs in 5 2/3 innings

Carl Crawford- 0-4 with a strikeout and 5 runners left on base

Drew Sutton- 0-3 with a strikeout and 2 runners left on base

J.D. Drew- 0-3

Jarrod Saltalamcchia- 0-3 with a run scored

Ok guys, not the time for the losing streak, we're back to a tie for first place at 30-24.

Weekly News

After last night's 3-0 loss to the Tigers, the Red Sox concluded their week at 5-2, and 30-23 on the season. Our Player of the Week is big pickup Carl Crawford, who seems to be settling in for the first time this year, as this week he batted .423/3/8, to make him .236/4/21 on the season. He has really been struggling early on, but hopefully once summer comes he'll be the Carl Crawford that we hated for so long in Tampa Bay. Our pitcher of the week is Josh Beckett, who allowed just 3 runs in 13 1/3 innings, he is now 4-2/1.80/63, as he's been great all year. The game of the week was Wednesday (5/25/11), when the Red Sox exploded 14-2 on the Indians, as every player got a hit, and Jon Lester was completely dominant. The performance of the week was Thursday (5/26/11) as Carl Crawford scored 2 runs, had 3 RBIs, and 2 triples in a 4-5 day! This was a very good week for the Sox, and it will vault them into first place in the AL East.

Red Sox Unable To Hit, Can't Sweep Tigers (30-23)

Last night, the Red Sox' offense was unable to get going off Justin Verlander in a 3-0 loss to the Tigers. In the first inning, the Tigers put a runner on first with one out to set up an RBI double by Brennan Boesch to make it 1-0 Tigers. Right after that, Miguel Cabrera singled to the right side, bringing in Boesch and giving the Tigers an early 2-0 lead. Neither team scored again until the 8th inning, when, with a runner on second and two outs, Don Kelly singled right back up the middle to make it 3-0 Tigers.

Josh Beckett (right) was pretty sharp last night, only allowing 2 runs in 6 innings, but he earned the loss and is now a great 4-2/1.80/63. Rich Hill pitched a scoreless inning of relief, and Scott Atchison allowed a run in an inning of relief, but that was all either team would need. Jacoby Ellsbury had a good game from the leadoff position, going 1-3 with a walk. J.D. Drew had a very good game, going 2-3, and raising his average up to a measly .240 mark. Jason Varitek went 1-3 with a double as it appears maybe he is settling into his groove. Tonight, the Red Sox will travel back to Fenway to face the White Sox and will send Jon Lester (7-1/3.36/70) to challenge Jake Peavy (1-0/3.00/14).

Bright Spots:

Josh Beckett- Beckett pithed very well with just 2 runs in 6 innings, but he had no run support

Rich Hill- a scoreless inning of relief

Jacoby Ellsbury- 1-3 with a walk

J.D. Drew- 2-3

Jason Varitek- 1-3 with a double

Dull Spots:

Dustin Pedroia- 0-4 with 4 runners left on base

Adrian Gonzalez- 0-3 with a strikeout

Kevin Youkilis- 0-4 with a strikeout

David Ortiz- 0-4

Carl Crawford- 0-3

Drew Sutton- 0-3

Well, this is what happens you face Justin Verlander.

Red Sox Edge Tigers On Late Homer By Ortiz (30-22)

Today, the Red Sox beat the Tigers 4-3, in a close game decided by lots of home runs. The Red Sox put runners at first and third to start the game in the 1st inning, and took first blood on a sacrifice fly by Adrian Gonzalez. In the 2nd inning, Mike Cameron lined a ball deep to left field for a solo home run to make it 2-0 Red Sox. Then, in the 3rd inning, Dustin Pedroia crushed a home run way back to left field, also solo, to make it 3-0 Red Sox. In the 4th, the Tigers got one back as Andy Dirks crushed a home run to deep right to make it 3-1 Red Sox. Then in the 6th, Brennan Boesch killed a ball a long way to right field to cut the lead to 3-2. Later in the inning, when Miguel Cabrera was on third with 2 outs, Jhonny Peralta singled him in to make it 3-3. In the 9th, the Red Sox pinch-hit David Ortiz for Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and Ortiz promptly lined a home run to right-center field to give the Sox a 4-3 lead.

Clay Buchholz was pretty good for much of the game, but things got out of hand in the 6th, and he left with 3 earned runs in 6 innings. He got a no-decision, and is now 4-3/3.41/44, as he has been very good this year. The win went to Matt Albers, who pitched 2 scoreless innings before a scoreless one by Jonathan Papelbon, who earned his 10th save of the year. Dustin Pedroia went 1-4 with a home run, as he is now .247/4/16, after a very rough start. Jed Lowrie went 2-4, but had nothing to show for it, as he pushed the batting average to .306 this year. Mike Cameron actually had a very good game, going 2-2 with that solo home run, as he is now .200/3/7 this year. David Ortiz, of course, had the key hit coming off the bench with a go-ahead home run, his 11th of the year. Later, in Game 2 of the double header, Josh Beckett (4-1/1.69/58) and Justin Verlander (4-3/3.42/73) will square off.

Bright Spots:

Matt Albers- 2 scoreless innings and the win

Jonathan Papelbon- his 10th save of the year with a scoreless inning

Dustin Pedroia- 1-4 with a solo home run

Jed Lowrie- 2-4

Mike Cameron- 2-2 with a solo home run

David Ortiz- What else!

Dull Spots:

Kevin Youkilis- 0-3 with a strikeout

Carl Crawford- 0-4 with 2 strikeouts

Drew Sutton- 0-4

Jarrod Saltalamacchia- 0-3 with 2 runners left on base

I'm glad the Sox won, don't get me wrong, but this was kind of a sloppy game in my opinion.

Big 3rd Inning Helps Sox Continue Streak (29-22)

Last night, the Red Sox extended their winning streak to four, and put themselves into first place in a 6-3 win over the Tigers. With Jacoby Ellsbury on third base and two outs in the 1st inning, Jacoby Ellsbury came in to score on a wild pitch by Rick Porcello. However, with Austin Jackson on second base and two outs, the Tigers got the run back on a single by Miguel Cabrera. In the bottom of the 2nd, Jhonny Peralta crushed a 430 foot home run to left field to give the Tigers a 2-1 lead. However, the Red Sox got that back as Jacoby Ellsbury wrapped a solo home run around the right field pole to tie the game at 2-2. Then, with Sox on first and second base, Kevin Youkilis whacked a double deep into the right center gap to make it 4-2 Red Sox. Soon after, Carl Crawford knocked a home run into the seats to make it 6-2 Red Sox. The Tigers got one back with an RBI double by Jhonny Peralta to make it 6-3.

Tim Wakefield was very good after a rough first two innings, as he really settled into his groove, going 7 innings and allowing 2 runs on 5 hits. He earned the win, and is now 2-1/4.14/16. Daniel Bard relieved him with a scoreless inning, before Jonathan Papelbon allowed a run in an inning. Jacoby Ellsbury had a good game, going 2-5, scoring 2 runs and with a solo homer as he is now .299/6/27. Adrian Gonzalez went 2-5 with a run scored, as he has been on a tear. Kevin Youkilis only went 1-4 but he had a huge hit with that 2-run double. Carl Crawford went 1-3, but he had that big 2-run homer, as he is now .245/4/21. Tonight, Clay Buchholz (4-3/3.30/41) will be the opponent of Andrew Oliver in the first start of his season.

Bright Spots:

Tim Wakefield- 2 runs on 5 hits in 7 innings, earning the win

Daniel Bard- a scoreless inning of relief

Jacoby Ellsbury- 2-5 with 2 runs and a home run

Adrian Gonzalez- 2-5 with a runs scored

Kevin Youkilis- 1-4 with a big 2-run double

Carl Crawford- 1-3 with a 2-run home run

Dull Spots:

David Ortiz- 0-4 with 2 strikeouts

Jarrod Saltalamacchia- 0-4 with 2 strikeouts

Wow, after such a bad start, the Red Sox are in first place, I'm so happy!

Wow, This is Like Little League, With a Good PItcher! (28-22)

Wow, the Red Sox have scored 14 runs, twice in a row, off two different teams, as they beat the Tigers 14-1 today. The Red Sox got on top early in the 2nd inning on an RBI double by Drew Sutton. It got to be 2-0 on an RBI single by Josh Reddick, as the rookies were contributing. Later in the inning, Jacoby Ellsbury capped the rally with a 3-run homer deep to right field to make it 5-0. With 2 runners on in the 3rd inning, Carl Crawford knocked a 2-run triple off the wall in right center to make it 7-0. In the 4th, an RBI single by AlexAvila was the Tigers' only run of the game, making it 7-1. However, an error by Scott Sizemore on a hit by Adrian Gonzalez, and scoring Josh Reddick made it 8-1. Another RBI triple by Carl Crawford was hit in the 7th inning, and made it 9-1. However, in the 8th, an RBI double by Dustin Pedroia and an RBI single by Adrian Gonzalez pushed it to 11-1. Then another RBI double by Drew Sutton and a 2-run single by Josh Reddick made it 14-1, before the game was called due to rain.

Alfredo Aceves (top right) definitely pitched well today, allowing just a run on 5 hits in 6 innings, earning the win and making him 2-0/2.22/17, as he's been very good. Matt Albers followed him with a scoreless inning, and that was it for pitchers due to rain. Jacoby Ellsbury had a great day, going 1-3 with 2runs and that 3-run homer, as he is now .296/5/26. Dustin Pedroia went 1-5 with an RBI double and a run, and Adrian Gonzalez did the same, with an RBI single. David Ortiz went 2-3 and scored 3 runs, pushing the average to a great .309 mark. Carl Crawford went 4-5 with 2 runs and 3 RBIs, along with 2 triples, as he is now .244/3/19. Drew Sutton had a great game, going 2-5 with 2 runs and 2 RBIs, and Josh Reddick went 3-5 with 2 runs and 3 RBIs, as the rookies really did contribute. Tomorrow, the Sox will send Tim Wakefield (1-1/4.50/14) against Rick Porcello (4-2/3.08/30).

Bright Spots:

Alfredo Aceves- 1 run in 6 innings, in a very good start

Matt Albers- a scoreless inning of relief

Jacoby Ellsbury- 1-3 with 2 runs and a 3-run homer

David Ortiz- 2-3 with 3 runs scored

Carl Crawford- 4-5 with 2 runs and 3 RBIs, along with 2 triples

Drew Sutton- 2-5 with 2 runs and 2 RBIs

Josh Reddick- 3-5 with 2 runs and 3 RBIs

Dull Spots:

Nobody!

This was a great game for the Red Sox, every player in the lineup had at least one hit, wow!

Red Sox Explode On Indians, Talbot (27-22)

Today, well, the Red Sox edged the Indians in a very close game of 14-2 baseball. The scoring all started in the 1st inning, when Dustin Pedroia went deep, scoring Jacoby Ellsbury and making it 2-0. An RBI single by Carl Crawford and another by Jarrod Saltalamacchia to follow made it 4-0 Red Sox. Carl Crawford came in on a Mike Cameron sacrifice fly before RBI singles by Drew Sutton and Dustin Pedroia put it at 7-0, in the 1st inning. Drew Sutton came in on an Adrian Gonzalez single to make it 8-0 Red Sox. In the 4th inning, Carl Crawford homered, making it 9-0 Red Sox in the 4th inning. In the top of the 6th, David Ortiz hit a solo home run to make it 10-0 before a 3-run shot by Jarrod Saltalamacchia made it 13-0. A Jacoby Ellsbury double scoring Mike Cameron made it 14-0 and concluded the Red Sox' scoring. In the 8th inning, Adam Everett and Travis Buck came in to score on a single Shelley Duncan single to conclude the Red Sox outing at 14-2.

Even though he didn't really need to, Jon Lester (top right) dazzled, allowing 3 hits and no runs through 6 strong innings. Lester earned the win, pushing him to 7-1/3.36/70, as he has been great this year. Dan Wheeler and Scott Atchison sandwiched two runs in an inning by Franklin Morales with scoreless innings each. Jacoby Ellsbury had a very good day, going 3-4 with a run and an RBI. Dustin Pedroia went 2-6 with a homer and 3 RBI, as he is now .249/3/14 after a slow start. Adrian Gonzalez and David Ortiz each went 2-6 with a run and RBI, except Ortiz's came on a solo home run, as he is now .303/10/23. Carl Crawford (top left) went 4-4 with 3 runs scored and 2 RBI as well as a home run, as he is now .229/3/16, after a very slow start. Jarrod Saltalamacchia went 2-4 with a 3-run homer, as he is now .240/4/15. Mike Cameron had a rare good day, going 2-4 with a run scored. Drew Sutton went 3-5 with 2 runs and an RBI, as he is now .333/0/1 after coming up from the minors. Tomorrow, the Red Sox will head to Detroit, and will send Alfredo Aceves (1-0/2.42/11) against Max Scherzer (6-1/2.98/60).

Bright Spots:

Jon Lester- 3 hits and no runs in 6 scoreless innings, earning the win

Dan Wheeler- a scoreless inning of relief

Scott Atchison- a scoreless inning of relief

Jacoby Ellsbury- 3-4 with a run and an RBI

Dustin Pedroia- 2-6 with a homer and 3 RBIs

Adrian Gonzalez- 2-6 with a run and an RBI

David Ortiz- 2-6 with a solo home run

Carl Crawford- 4-4 with 3 runs, 2 RBIs, and a home run

Jarrod Saltalamacchia- 2-4 with 2 runs and a 3-run homer

Mike Cameron- 2-4 with a run and RBI

Drew Sutton- 3-5 with 2 runs and an RBI

Dull Spots:

Franklin Morales- 2 runs in an inning could have been costly on any other occasion

Well, this was a satisfying win, I'll leave it at that for the sake of Indians fans.

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.

Daniel Bard Struggles Again, As Red Sox Lose Late (25-22)

Last night, the Red Sox lost 3-2 in a heartbreaker to the Indians as Daniel Bard continued to struggle. In the top of the 3rd, the Red Sox took a lead after Carl Crawford crossed the plate on an RBI single by Dustin Pedroia to make it 1-0. It was all tied up, however, in the 4th when Asdrubal Cabrera knocked a home run to right center field to make it 1-1. In the top of the 5th, Carl Crawford gave the Sox another lead with a home run to right field, giving the Sox a 2-1 lead, which appeared to be all they would need. With a runner on 2nd and two outs in the bottom of the 8th, Michael Brantely delivered with a game-tying single that would make it 2-2. Asdrubal Cabrera then hit a double to left field, scoring Brantley and giving the Indians a 3-2 lead.

Clay Buchholz pitched another great outing, only barred by Daniel Bard (that rhymes), as he went 7 1/3 innings, allowing only 2 runs, and one was inherited. After last night's outing, he is 4-3/3.30/41. However, Daniel Bard came in and earned the loss with, ultimately, two runs scoring off him and turning a Red Sox win into a loss. Rich Hill relieved him with a scoreless 1/3 of an inning. Dustin Pedroia had a good game, going 1-3 with an RBI single and a walk. Carl Crawford had a very good game, going 2-4 with 2 runs scored and a big home run, as he is now .215/2/14. Tonight looks to be another pitching game as Josh Beckett (3-1/1.73/52) and Fausto Carmona (3-4/4.76/40) will square off.

Bright Spots:

Clay Buchholz- 2 runs, 1 inherited, in 7 1/3 innings

Dustin Pedroia- 1-3 with an RBI

Adrian Gonzalez- 1-3 with a walk

Carl Crawford- 2-4 with 2 runs scored and a home run

Dull Spots:

Daniel Bard- 1 run in 1/3 of an inning, as well as the loss

Jacoby Ellsbury- 0-3

Kevin Youkilis- 0-3 with 3 runners left on base

Jarrod Saltalamacchia- 0-3 with a strikeout

Weekly News

After last night's 5-1 win against the Cubs, the Red Sox finished the week with a 5-1 record to make them 25-21 on the season. For the first time this year, our Player of the week is Kevin Youkilis, who went .500/1/7 this week, he batted .500!!!! This week the Red Sox took one from the Orioles, took two from the Tigers, and won a series 2-1 against the Cubs. Next week, we will head to Cleveland for 3 games, then go to Detroit for 4 games. Our Pitcher of the Week is Clay Buchholz, who threw 7 shutout innings Wednesday (5/17/11) in a rainy day against the Tigers. Our Game of the Week would have to go to Monday (5/15/11) against the Orioles, as the Red Sox came back from a 6-run deficit, and terrible start by Daisuke, to win 8-7 on a walk-off double by Adrian Gonzalez. The performance of the week goes to Adrian Gonzalez on Friday (5/19/11), as he went 4-6, scoring a run, and driving in 4 runs. I am happy that the Sox had such a good week, and now sit just .5 games out of 1st place.

The Knuckleball Dances As The Cubs Dance Back Home (25-21)

Last night, the Red Sox beat the Cubs 5-1 in a game where the Red Sox just held control the entire ballgame. In the 4th inning, after loading the bases with no outs, sacrifice flies by Jed Lowrie and Mike Cameron made it 2-0 Red Sox. In the bottom of the 5th, a Jarrod Saltalamacchia home run way over the monster made it 3-0 Red Sox. in the top of the 7th, Starlin Castro came home from third on a two-out double by Jeff Baker. However, with runners on first and second with 2 outs, Kevin Youkilis came through in the clutch with a triple to the triangle in deep center field to make it 5-1 Red Sox.

Tim Wakefield (right) pitched fantastic, allowing 4 hits and just one earned run in 6 2/3 innings. He earned his first win of the year, and is now 1-1/4.50/14, only 6 wins from 200. Daniel Bard pitched a scoreless 1 1/3 inning and Jonathan Papelbon pitched a scoreless inning behind him. Dustin Pedroia had a pretty good day, going 2-4 and scoring a run. However, Adrian Gonzalez had a monster day, going 4-4 with 2 runs scored, as he is now batting .342 this year. Kevin Youkilis went 1-3, scoring a run, and hitting that big 2-run triple, as he is now .281/8/32. David Ortiz went 2-4 and Jed Lowrie went 1-2 with an RBI. Jarrod Saltalamacchia (left) went 1-4 with that solo home run, he is now .237/3/12. Tonight, the Sox will head down to Cleveland and send Clay Buchholz (4-3/3.42/37) to the hill against Justin Masterson (5-2/2.52/48).

Bright Spots:

Tim Wakefield- 1 run and 4 hits in 6 2/3 innings

Daniel Bard- 1 1/3 scoreless innings of relief

Jonathan Papelbon- a scoreless inning of relief

Dustin Pedroia- 2-4 with a run scored

Adrian Gonzalez- 4-4 with 2 runs scored

Kevin Youkilis -1-3 with 2 RBIs and a run

Jed Lowrie- 1-2 with an RBI sac fly

Jarrod Saltalamacchia- 1-4 with a huge home run

Dull Spots:

Carl Crawford- 0-3 with a strikeout

Well, after last night's win, here we stand, just .5 games out of first place and the end to a struggle back.

Red Sox Bullpen Explodes In Loss To Cubs (24-21)

Last night, the Red Sox suffered a tough loss to the Cubs. They were ahead 3-1 for much of the game, but in the 8th, they exploded and the Cubs wound up winning 9-3. In the top of the 3rd, Kosuke Fukudome scored on a double by Aramis Ramirez to give the Cubs a 1-0 lead. However, the Red Sox got it back in the 4th, on a 2-run homer by David Ortiz to make it 2-1 Sox. In the bottom of the 6th, Carl Crawford came home on a Jacoby Ellsbury single to make it 3-1 Red Sox. However, things got rough in the 8th, when the Cubs loaded the bases with no outs. Carlos Pena worked a walk, before Reed Johnson hit a huge 2-run double to give the Cubs a 4-3 lead. Alfonso Soriano then reached on a error, as Carlos Pena came in to score. An RBI double by Jeff Baker made it 6-3 Cubs. Darwin Barney flew out to right field, but Kevin Youkilis missed Drew's throw at third, and two runs came in to score and make it 8-3. A Starlin Castro double made it 9-3, and finally, the scoring was over.

Alfredo Aceves was actually very good in his spot start, allowing just 3 hits, and allowing just a run in 5 innings. Due to the bullpen, he did not earn a win, but he is now 1-0/2.42/11. Dan Wheeler and Rich Hill pitched well too, allowing no runs in 1 1/3 and 2/3 innings, respectively. Matt Albers allowed 5 earned runs without even recording an out, as he earned the loss. Franklin Morales, in his Red Sox debut, allowed 2 unearned runs in 2 innings of relief. Jacoby Ellsbury went 1-4 with an RBI single, as he is now .296/4/22. Adrian Gonzalez went 2-5, while Kevin Youkilis went 2-3 with a run scored. David Ortiz (left) only went 1-5 but he did have a big 2-run homer, and he is now .294/9/22. Tonight, in the rubber match, the Sox will trot out Tim Wakefield (0-1/5.40/11) as the Cubs will do with James Russell (1-4/6.26/13).

Bright Spots:

Alfredo Aceves- 1 run and 3 hits in 5 innings

Dan Wheeler- 1 1/3 scoreless innings

Rich Hill- 2/3 of a scoreless inning

Franklin Morales- no earned runs in 2 innings

Jacoby Ellsbury- 1-4 with an RBI

Adrian Gonzalez- 2-5

Kevin Youkilis- 2-3 with a run scored

David Ortiz- 1-5 with a big 2-run homer

Dull Spots:

Matt Albers- 5 earned runs without recording an out

Dustin Pedroia- 0-5 with a strikeout

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

Well, I am pleased with every aspect of this game, except the top of the eighth!

Red Sox Show Cubs Why They Left For 93 Years (24-20)

Last night, the Red Sox crushed the Cubs in their first trip back to Fenway since the 1918 World Series. The Red Sox took an early lead in the 1st inning, when Koyie Hill made an error trying to catch Jacoby Ellsbury stealing third, and letting him score. It became 2-0 when Dustin Pedroia scored on an Adrian Gonzalez single. An RBI double by Aramis Ramirez and an RBI groundout by Carlos Pena tied the game. A Kevin Youkilis sacrifice fly and an RBI single by Jed Lowrie gave the Red Sox a 4-2 lead. In the 4th, a 2-run single by Adrian Gonzalez and a 2-run homer by Kevin Youkilis made it 8-2. An Alfonso Soriano RBI single and a Reed Johnson 2-run double cut it to 8-5 in the 5th. A Jarrod Saltalamacchia home run and Jacoby Ellsbury scoring on a double play made it 10-5 Red Sox. In the 8th, 2-run singles by Carl Crawford and Jacoby Ellsbury, along with an RBI single by Adrian Gonzalez made it 15-5.

Jon Lester was actually not particularly sharp, allowing 5 runs in 6 innings, but his offense backed him up. He earned the win, and is now 6-1/3.68/63 on the season. Scott Atchison relieved him with 3 innings of perfect relief, no runners even got on base. Jacoby Ellsbury had a great game, going 3-6 with 2 runs and 2 RBIs, he is now .297/4/21. Dustin Pedroia had a good day as well, going 3-4 with 2 runs scored. Adrian Gonzalez was 4-6 with a run and 4 RBIs, as he is now .326/9/41. Kevin Youkilis also had a great day, going 3-5 with a 3 RBIs and a home run, as he is now .271/8/30 this year. David Ortiz went 2-5 and scored 2 runs. Carl Crawford went 1-5 with a 2-run single, as he is now .212/1/13. Jarrod Saltalamacchia went 2-3 with 3 runs scored, and a home run, as he is now .236/2/11. Tonight, Alfredo Aceves (1-0/2.60/9) will go up against Carlos Zambrano (4-2/4.89/39) as the Sox look for for an 8-game win streak.

Bright Spots:

Scott Atchison- 3 innings of scoreless relief

Jacoby Ellsbury- 3-6 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI

Dustin Pedroia- 3-4 with 2 runs

Adrian Gonzalez- 4-6 with a run and 4 RBIs

Kevin Youkilis- 3-5 with 3 RBIs and a home run

David Ortiz- 2-5 with 2 runs scored

Jed Lowrie- 2-5 with an RBI

Carl Crawford- 1-5 with a 2-run single

Jarrod Saltalamacchia- 2-3 with 3 runs scored and a home run

Dull Spots:

None!

The Red Sox had a great night last night from all aspects of the game, and it is now a 7-game win streak.

Sox, Rox Make Trade; My Blog Has Been Fulfilled

Yesterday, the Red Sox made their first trade of the 2011 season, acquiring reliever Franklin Morales from the Rockies for a player to be named. To make room on the 40-man roster, Hideki Okajima has been designated for assignment, as Morales will take over the lefty reliever role. So far this season, Morales is 0-1/3.86/11 after a 0-4/6.28/27 season in 2010. Once a top prospect, his career has declined as he has been changed from a starter into a reliever. He has good stuff, striking out 11 in 14 innings this year, as players are only batting .204 off of him so far this year. Yesterday, the Red Sox also signed Kevin Millwood to possibly help with their injuries in the pitching rotation. Well, it's always fun and excited once the mid-season hot stove begins cooking, so let's hope for some more interesting trades!

Crawford Shows Tigers His Tricks; Red Sox Make It Six (23-20)

Last night lived up to expectations as a pitcher's duel and a thriller, as the Red Sox came out on top at 4-3 with a walk off single by Carl Crawford, as he is coming around. In the second inning, with runners on first and third, rookieAndy Dirks singled in Miguel Cabrera to give the Tigers a 1-0 advantage. In the bottom of the same inning, with runners on first and third, J.D. Drew knocked Kevin Youkilis in with a sacrifice fly to left field, tying the game at 1-1. In the bottom of the fourth, J.D. Drew ripped a liner into deep right field for a home run to make it 2-1 Red Sox. In the bottom of the 7th, David Ortiz led off the inning with a home run to deep right field, giving the Sox a 3-1 lead. However, things changed in the top of the eighth, as once Daniel Bard came in, Brennan Boesch and Miguel Cabrera had back-to-back home runs off the flamethrower, to tie the game up at 3-3. In the bottom of the 9th, with 2 outs, and runners on first and second, Carl Crawford delivered, with his 3rd walk-off hit of May to win the game at 4-3.

Josh Beckett (top right) was fabulous, allowing just a run and 5 hits through 6 innings. He did not earn the win, but he did become a still great, 3-1/1.73/52, as that ERA is so low. Matt Albers and Jonathan Papelbon sandwiched Daniel Bard's two runs with a scoreless inning each. Kevin Youkilis had a pretty good day, going 1-3 and scoring a run. David Ortiz, though, had a great day, going 3-4 with that solo home run, as he is now .293/8/20. J.D. Drew went 1-2 with a walk, 2 RBIs, and a solo home run, as he is now .248/3/10. Carl Crawford (left) went 2-4 with a run and an RBI on his 3rd walk-off this month, as he is now .212/1/11. Tonight, the Cubs will travel to Fenway for the first time since the 1918 World Series, and the Sox will send Jon Lester (5-1/3.28/58) out to face Doug Davis (0-1/1.80/6).

Bright Spots:

Josh Beckett- a run in 6 innings, with 5 hits, and 3 strikeouts

Matt Albers- a scoreless inning of relief

Jonathan Papelbon- the win in a scoreless inning of relief

Kevin Youkilis- 1-3 with a run scored

David Ortiz- 3-4 with a solo home run

J.D. Drew- 1-2 with a solo home run and 2 RBIs

Carl Crawford- 2-4 with a walk-off single

Dull Spots:

Daniel Bard- 2 solo home runs to tie the game off him in the eighth

Jacoby Ellsbury- 0-4 with a strikeout

Dustin Pedroia- ditto

Adrian Gonzalez- ditto

Jed Lowrie- 0-4 with 2 strikeouts and 4 runners left on base

I am happy that the Sox won, and it is now a 6 game winning streak!

Red Sox Looking To Add Millwood To Depleted Rotation

Update: The Red Sox signed Kevin Millwood to a minor league contract.

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Today, sources show that the Red Sox have contacted free agent pitcher Kevin Millwood (right) about a contract. Earlier this year, Millwood signed with the Yankees only to option out a few weeks ago. Last season, Millwood had a rough year to say the least with the Orioles, going 4-16/5.10/132. However, just one season before, in 2009, Millwood went 13-10/3.67/123, showing that he has potential. In just two days for the Red Sox, their rotation went from fine to depleted due to the injuries of John Lackey and Daisuke Matsuzaka. This shows why they would resort to starting a player who has had an ERA over 5.00 3 of the past 4 seasons. For Theo Epstein and the Red Sox, this would be the kind of move that the Boston Celtics make a lot. They sign a veteran to a small contract and see how it goes, if he does badly, they release him, if he does well, it's a steal.

Red Sox Make A Splash Of Salty Rain (22-20)

Last night, the Red Sox just paced the Tigers with a huge offensive outburst from both sides. Just kidding, in a rain drenched game, the final score was 1-0, in the Red Sox' favor. The only score of the entire night was an RBI double by Jarrod Saltalamacchia, scoring Carl Crawford, off the deepest part of the green monster. Each side pitched extremely well as both Clay Buchholz (right) and Phil Coke tossed 7 innings of shutout ball, but both sides' great outings were wasted by a rain delay in the top of the 8th inning.

Clay Buchholz was fantastic, going 7 innings, allowing 4 hits, and striking out 7. He did not earn the win, and he is now 4-3/3.42/37 this year, as after a few bad starts, he's been great. Daniel Bard earned the win with a scoreless inning, while Jonathan Papelbon earned the save. The Red Sox only had 4 hits on the entire night, belonging to Dustin Pedroia (1-4), Kevin Youkilis (1-2), Jed Lowrie (1-3), and Jarrod Saltalamacchia. After that huge RBI double, Salty is now .221/1/10, as he is improving after a very rough start, like most players on the Red Sox. Tonight will be a marquee pitching matchup as Josh Beckett (3-1/1.75/49) and Justin Verlander (4-3/2.91/62) will take the hill.

Bright Spots:

Clay Buchholz- 7 strikeouts and 4 hits through 7 shutout innings

Daniel Bard- earned the win and the hold with a shutout inning

Jonathan Papelbon- earned his 8th save of the year with a shutout inning

Kevin Youkilis- 1-2 with a walk

Jed Lowrie- 1-3

Jarrod Saltalamacchia- 1-3 with a key hit in that RBI double

Dull Spots:

Jacoby Ellsbury- 0-3 with a strikeout

Adrian Gonzalez- 0-3

David Ortiz- 0-3

Mike Cameron- 0-3 with 2 strikeouts

Well, the Red Sox hit.... wait that's not right, pitched like champions, and I'm happy about that.

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!

Weekly News

After wrapping up a three game sweep of the New York Yankees last night, the Red Sox concluded a 4-2 week. This week included a win against the Twins, two losses against the Blue Jays, and three wins against the Yankees. Our Player of the Week is Adrian Gonzalez, who is now this year's leader with three consecutive. Gonzo batted .346 with 5 home runs and 10 RBIs this week to raise him to .319/9/34 on the season. Gonzalez also hit home runs in 4 straight ballgames, a streak that ended yesterday. Our Pitcher of the Week is Josh Beckett who pitched 7 shutout innings against Minnesota and 6 shutout against the Yankees, for a great week, as he is now a fantastic 3-1/1.75/49. Our game of the week goes to last night (5/15/11), as the Sox came back from an early deficit to beat the Yankees 7-5. The performance of the week is Tuesday (5/10/11) against the Blue Jays by Adrian Gonzalez, who went 3-6 with 2 home runs and 3 RBIs. In the upcoming week, the Sox will play two against the Orioles at home, two against the Tigers, and three against the Cubs in their first trip to Fenway since 1918.

Red Sox Sweep Yankees; Strike .500 (20-20)

Last night, the Red Sox swept the Yankees in a 7-5 win where they reached .500 at 20-20 as well! In the first inning, the Yankees took an early lead as Mark Teixeira knocked in Derek Jeter with a single. However, the Red Sox got it right back int he top of the second, as Jed Lowrie hit a deep sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Kevin Youkilis. In the bottom of the second, however, two home runs: a solo shot by Andruw Jones and a 2-run shot by Curtis Granderson gave the Yankees a 4-1 lead. However, in the top of the third, the Red Sox put runners at 1st and 2nd with just an out. Kevin Youkilis stood at the plate, with a 1-2 count, through great patience, he worked the count full, then delivered, crushing a 3-run homer to left field to tie the game! The Red Sox took a lead in the fifth, after David Ortiz hit a home run around the right field pole to make it 5-4. In the top of the 7th, Dustin Pedroia scored on an Alex Rodriguez error to make it 6-4. The Yankees got a run back when A-Rod redeemed himself with an RBI double to left. However, the Red Sox got it right back on a solo home run by Jarrod Saltalamacchia to make it 7-5.

Jon Lester (top right) pitched pretty well after the first 2 innings, pitching 4 shutout innings after that so his day looked like 4 runs in 6 innings. He earned the win, and is now very good at 5-1/3.28/58. Alfredo Aceves allowed a run in 2/3 of an inning before Daniel Bard pitched a scoreless 1 1/3 and Jonathan Papelbon pitched a scoreless one. Kevin Youkilis (left) had a great game, going 2-5 with that big three-run homer, as he is now .246/7/25 this year, as other than the batting average he's been pretty good. David Ortiz went 3-5 with a solo home run, as he is now .295/7/19 as he has gotten off to a good start. Jarrod Saltalamacchia went 2-4 with a solo home run, as he is now .217/1/9. Tonight, the Sox will head back home to face the Orioles, and will send Daisuke Matsuzaka (3-3/4.64/24) against Chris Tillman (2-3/6.15/24).

Bright Spots:

Daniel Bard- 1 1/3 scoreless innings

Jonathan Papelbon- a scoreless inning

Kevin Youkilis- 2-5 with a 3-run homer

David Ortiz- 3-5 with a solo shot

Jarrod Saltalamacchia- 2-4 with a solo homer

Dull Spots:

Alfredo Aceves- a run in 2/3 innings

Carl Crawford- 0-4

I am so happy that the Sox are at .500, and more importantly, swept the Yankees to get there!

Beckett Shuts Down Yankees... Again (19-20)

Last night, the Red Sox dominated the Yankees by a score of 6-0, when the Red Sox just killed them. For the first four innings, this game was a duel between Josh Beckett (right) and C.C. Sabathia, before the Sox got to Sabathia. In the 5th inning, the Red Sox loaded the bases with one out, before Jacoby Ellsbury doubled to left center field, scoring two runs. After Mike Cameron got to second to start the 7th inning, Jason Varitek hit a single to right field that Nick Swisher bobbled, allowing Cameron to score and make it 3-0 Red Sox. After Dustin Pedroia reached base later in the inning, Adrian Gonzalez hit a shot to right field. A three-run homer for Adrian Gonzalez! I was grinning ear to ear on that one, as it made it 6-0 Red Sox!

Josh Beckett (top right) shut down the Yankees last night, pitching 6 scoreless innings, allowing just 4 hits and striking out 9. It's funny how both of Beckett's best starts this year have been against the Yankees, as he moves to 3-1/1.75/49 this year, as he has been fantastic. The bullpen was pretty good too, as Matt Albers pitched 2 scoreless innings and Rich Hill had one. Jacoby Ellsbury had a good game, going 2-4 with a double and 2 RBI, as he is now .301/4/19. Dustin Pedroia went 3-4 with a run scored, as he moved that batting average up to a miserable .253. Adrian Gonzalez (left) only went 1-5, but his one hit was huge, as he has now hit 7 homers in the last 7 games. Jed Lowrie (1-4), Mike Cameron (1-3), Carl Crawford (1-4), and Jason Varitek (1-3) each scored a run as well. Tonight, Jon Lester (4-1/2.96/51) and Freddy Garcia (2-2/2.61/26) will square off as the Sox will look for the .500 mark again.

Bright Spots:

Josh Beckett- 6 shutout innings, with 4 hits and 9 strikeouts

Matt Albers- 2 scoreless innings of relief

Rich Hill- a scoreless inning of relief

Jacoby Ellsbury- 2-4 with a 2-run double

Dustin Pedroia- 3-4 with a run scored

Adrian Gonzalez- 1-5 with a 3-run homer

Mike Cameron- 1-3 with a run

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

Dull Spots:

David Ortiz- 0-4 with 2 strikeouts

Well, last night was satisfying. How could it not be? But we really need to reach .500 in the next game!

Red Sox Edge Yankees After Late Rally (18-20)

Last night, the Red Sox played a great game against the Yankees, edging them out 5-4, in a very close game. After a pitcher's duel through the first 3 innings, in the 4th, the Red Sox got going with an Adrian Gonzalez bomb to right field, as he crushed it. After the Red Sox loaded the bases with 1 out later in the inning, Carl Crawford grounded to first to make it 2-0 Sox. It stayed like this when Russell Martin hit a home run just over Jacoby Ellsbury's glove to score Jorge Posada, making the score 2-2. With runners on first and third with 1 out in the 7th inning, Adrian Gonzalez hit a sacrifice fly to make it 3-2 Red Sox. However, in the next at-bat, Kevin Youkilis hit a home run to right-center field that just made it over the wall to make it 5-2. In the bottom of the 8th, after a Curtis Granderson triple, he came back home on a wild pitch by Daniel Bard to cut it to 5-3. Curtis Granderson singled in Derek Jeter in the 9th inning to make it 5-4, but that's how it stayed.

Clay Buchholz (right) pitched very well, allowing 2 runs in 7 innings, striking out 7, and only allowing 5 hits. He earned the win, and is now 4-3/3.94/30, as he has been really good since a bad starter. Daniel Bard and Jonathan each allowed a run in an inning, earning a hold and a save, respectively. Jacoby Ellsbury went 2-5 and scored a run, while Dustin Pedroia went 1-3 while scoring a run. Adrian Gonzalez (left) went 1-3 with a home run, and 2 RBIs. Kevin Youkilis only wet 1-5, but he scored 2 runs, and had 2 RBIs on a big home run. Tonight, Josh Beckett (2-1/1.99/40) and C.C. Sabathia (3-2/2.89/44) will go up in a tough matchup.

Bright Spots:

Clay Buchholz- 2 runs in 7 innings with 7 strikeouts

Jacoby Ellsbury- 2-5 with a run scored

Dustin Pedroia 1-3 with a run

Adrian Gonzalez- 1-3 with a home run and 2 RBIs

Kevin Youkilis- 1-5 with a home run, 2 runs, and 2 RBIs

David Ortiz 1-3

Dull Spots:

Carl Crawford- 0-4, breaking his 11-game hit-streak

I am really happy that the Sox won, and now are just 2 games under .500.

Lackey Strikes Again, Red Sox Swept (17-20)

Last night was a tough loss for the Red Sox, largely because John Lackey is not worth the $17 million he is earning. In the first inning, the Red Sox took an early lead on an RBI single by Kevin Youkilis. In the bottom of the 3rd, an RBI single by Corey Patterson and an RBI groundout by Aaron Hill made it 2-1 Blue Jays. In the 4th, a home run by John McDonald, and a sacrifice fly by Yunel Escobar made it 4-1 Blue Jays. In the top of the 6th, solo home runs by Adrian Gonzalez and David Ortiz made it 4-3 Blue Jays. However, in the bottom of the 7th, all hell broke loose. John Lackey walked a run in with the bases loaded to make it 5-3 before a 2-run double by John McDonald and an 2-run single by Rajai Davis made it 9-3, where it stayed.

John Lackey was not sharp, in fact he was really bad... again, as he moved to 2-5/8.01/19 after allowing 9 runs in 6 2/3 innings. Tim Wakefield threw 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief after him but it was not nearly enough. Adrian Gonzalez had a good day, going 2-4 with 2 runs and a home run, as he is now .329/7/29 this year. Kevin Youkilis went 1-3 with an RBI single. David Ortiz went 1-4 with a solo home run, as he is now .281/6/18. J.D. Drew went 1-2 with 2 walks, and Carl Crawford went 2-4. Jacoby Ellsbury went 0-4 to end his hitting streak at 19 games. The Red Sox have a day off tonight, but on Friday, Clay Buchholz (3-3/4.19/23) and the Red Sox will go to New York to face the Yankees and Bartolo Colon (2-1/3.86/37).

Bright Spots:

Tim Wakefield- 1 1/3 scoreless innings out of the bullpen

Adrian Gonzalez- 2-4 with 2 runs and a home run

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

David Ortiz- 1-4 with a home run

Carl Crawford- 2-4

Dull Spots:

John Lackey- 9 runs in 6 2/3 innings, earning the loss

Jacoby Ellsbury- 0-4, ending the hit streak at 19 games

Dustin Pedroia- 0-4 with 2 strikeouts

Jarrod Saltalamacchia- 0-3

Jose Iglesias- 0-3 in his first MLB start

This was a really disappointing game and series for me, as the Red Sox did not play well.

Red Sox Remain Below .500 In Extras (17-19)

Last night, the Red Sox lost 7-6 to the Blue Jays in a very close game in which the Jays walked off in the 10th inning. In the first inning, after a hit and 2 walks loaded the bases with no outs, Edwin Encarnacion walked to drive in a run. On two force outs, the Blue Jays scored two more, making it 3-0 Blue Jays. An RBI single by Carl Crawford made it 3-1 in the second inning. In the top of the 4th, David Ortiz homered to dead center field to make it 3-2 Jays. After Dustin Pedroia reached base to start the 5th inning, Adrian Gonzalez homered to left field, giving the Sox a 4-3 lead. However, it didn't last, as in the bottom half of the inning, Jose Bautista hit a shot to right to tie it at 4-4. In the bottom of the 6th inning, J.P. Arencibia crushed a ball to left field to make it 5-4 Blue Jays. After a Jed Lowrie double in the 8th, Jarrod Saltalamacchia singled him in, making it 5-5. In the bottom of the 8th, David Cooper it his first MLB home run, to make it 6-5 Blue Jays. Adrian Gonzalez proceeded to hit his 2nd home run of the game, to tie it up at 6-6. However, Rajai Davis came across the plate on a sacrifice fly by David Cooper as the Red Sox lost 7-6.

Jon Lester was not very sharp, as if he was better the Sox would have won. He allowed 5 runs in 5+ innings, earning a no-decision and making him 4-1/2.96/51 this year. Rich Hill threw a scoreless 1 1/3 of an inning, and Alfredo Aceves threw a scoreless 1/3 of an inning before Daniel Bard and Matt Albers each allowed runs in their 1 inning and 1 2/3 innings, respectively. Jacoby Ellsbury had a great game, going 3-6 out of the leadoff spot. Dustin Pedroia went 2-4 and scored a run as he may be breaking out of that slump. Adrian Gonzalez went 3-6 with 2 home runs and 3 RBIs. David Ortiz (left) went 3-5 with a home run and 2 runs scored. J.D. Drew went 2-5 with a walk. Carl Crawford and Jarrod Saltalamacchia each had an RBI, and went 1-5 and 1-3, respectively. Tonight, John Lackey (2-4/7.16/18) and Jesse Litsch (3-2/4.04/31) will go in the final game of this short 2-game series.

Bright Spots:

Rich Hill- 1 1/3 scoreless innings

Jacoby Ellsbury- 3-6

Dustin Pedroia- 2-4 with a run scored

Adrian Gonzalez- 3-6 with 2 home runs and 3 RBIs

David Ortiz- 3-5 with 2 runs and a home run

J.D. Drew- 2-5

Carl Crawford- 1-5 with an RBI

Jarrod Saltalamacchia- 1-3 with an RBI

Dull Spots:

Jon Lester- 5 runs in 5+ innings, not a good start

Daniel Bard- 1 run in 1 inning

Matt Albers- 1 run, the winning run, in 1 2/3 innings

Kevin Youkilis- 0-5 with 2 strikeouts

I am pleased with the offensive performance, but not the pitching, in last night's game.

Red Sox Walk Off In 11 Vs. Twins (17-18)

Last night the Red Sox beat the Twins 2-1 in a very low-scoring affair, where the Red Sox walked off in eleven innings to secure a series win, and stand just 1 game under .500. The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the 5th inning, when Jason Varitek doubled to lead off the inning. After two groundouts advanced him to 3rd base with two outs, Adrian Gonzalez delivered with a slap single to left to make it 1-0 Red Sox. It stayed a 1-0 until the top of the 8th inning, when after Denard Span reached 1st, he got to second on a balk, with two outs. Jason Kubel delivered, singling up the middle to tie the game up at 1-1. In the bottom of the 11th inning, with 1 out, Jed Lowrie walked. To give Lowrie a break, they put in Jose Iglesias as a pinch-runner, a movethat probably worked well for them as Carl Crawford doubled off the green monster to win it at 2-1.

Josh Beckett (top right) pitched very well, allowing no runs and 6 hits through 7 strong innings, lowering his ERA to a remarkable 1.99. After Alfredo Aceves allowed 1 run in 2/3 of an inning, Jonathan Papelbon pitched a scoreless 1 1/3 innings. Hideki Okajima then came on and allowed no runs and 2 hits in 2 innings, earning the win, and making him 1-0/4.32/6 this year. Adrian Gonzalez went 2-5 with 1 RBI today, making him now .317/4/25 this year. Carl Crawford (left) only went 1-5 but he did have the walk-off double, and is now .211/1/8 on the season. Jason Varitek had a rare good game, going 2-4 and scoring a run.

Tonight, the Sox head to Toronto and will send Jon Lester (4-1/2.33/46) against Kyle Drabek (2-2/4.50/28).

Bright Spots:

Josh Beckett- 7 shutout innings, with 6 hits

Hideki Okajima- the win with 2 shutout innings of relief

Adrian Gonzalez- 2-5 with an RBI

Carl Crawford- 1-5 with the walk-off double

Jason Varitek- 2-4 with a run scored

Dull Spots:

Alfredo Aceves- 1 run in 2/3 of an inning

Kevin Youkilis- 0-3 with 2 strikeouts

David Ortiz- 0-5 with 4 runners left on base

I am glad that the Red Sox won, and how they won, and that they are 1 game from .500!

Weekly News

After today's 9-5 win over the Twins, the Red Sox concluded this week at 4-3, and 16-18 on the season. Our Player of the Week, for the second week in a row, is Adrian Gonzalez, who batted at .333 with 3 home runs and 9 RBIs, he is now .314/4/24 this season, as I've been very impressed. The Red Sox tied 2-2 in a 4 game series against the Angels, and are currently ahead 2-1 in a 4 game series against the Twins, the final game of the series being tomorrow. Next week, they will play the Twins tomorrow, then head to Toronto for 3 games, and head to New York for 3 games. The pitcher of the week goes to Clay Buchholz, who allowed 2 runs over 11 2/3 innings, and is now 3-3/4.19/23. The game of the week was Monday night's game against the Angels, where the Red Sox battled against undefeated Jered Weaver to win 9-5. The performance of the week was Adrian Gonzalez today, as he went 3-5 with 2 RBIs, 2 runs, and a home run. I am excited for the upcoming week, as the Sox will look, once again, to break the .500 mark.

Red Sox Come From Behind To Beat Up On Twins (16-18)

Today the Red Sox beat the Twins 9-5 to a game where they just dominated despite falling behind early. The Twins got off to a good start off Daisuke Matsuzaka (right), scoring three times on a 2-run double by Jason Kubel and an RBI single by Danny Valencia. The Red Sox got one back on an RBI groundout by J.D. Drew in the 2nd inning, scoring Kevin Youkilis. Another RBI groundout, this one by Jason Varitek, made it 3-2 Twins before a rally by the Sox. RBI singles by AdrianGonzalez and J.D. Drew, along with an RBI fielder's choice by Kevin Youkilis gave the Sox a 5-3 lead. In the 4th inning, the Twins cut it close on a high home run over the monster by Danny Valencia. An Adrian Gonzalez home run and Kevin Youkilis scoring on an error made it 7-4 Red Sox. Then, in the 7th inning, a monster double, off the monster, plated Adrian Gonzalez and Kevin Youkilis, and made it 9-4 Red Sox. In the top of the 8th, Jason Kubel knocked in Trevor Plouffe with a single to make it 9-5.

Daisuke Matsuzaka's stats may not have been the best in this game, but after a 3-run 1st inning, he pitched very well, allowing just a run through the last 5 innings that he pitched. However, ultimately, he allowed 4 runs in 6 innings, earning the win and becoming 3-3/4.64/24 this season. Matt Albers allowed a run in 2 innings of relief, and Daniel Bard pitched a scoreless inning. Jacoby Ellsbury had a great game from the leadoff spot, going 3-5 and pushing his average to .295 on the year. Adrian Gonzalez (left) went 3-5 with 2 runs, 2 RBIs, and a home run over the green monster, he is now .314/4/24 this year. Kevin Youkilis went 2-4 with an RBI and a remarkable 4 runs scored. David Ortiz went 2-4 out of the #5 hole in the order, pushing his average to .292. J.D. Drew and Jed Lowrie each went 1-4 with 2 RBIs as they are now .227/2/8 and .333/3/16, respectively. Tomorrow night, the Twins will stay in Boston for one more, as Josh Beckett (2-1/2.35/35) will take the hill against Nick Blackburn (2-4/4.41/15).

Bright Spots:

Daisuke Matsuzaka- Daisuke pitched very well after the 1st inning, allowing just 2 hits

Daniel Bard- a scoreless inning of relief

Jacoby Ellsbury- 3-5 with a run scored

Asrian Gonzalez- 3-5 with a homer, 2 runs, and 2 RBIs

Kevin Youkilis- 2-4 with an RBI and 4 runs scored

David Ortiz- 2-4

J.D. Drew- 1-4 with 2 RBIs

Jed Lowrie- 1-4 with 2 RBIs on a massive double

Dull Spots:

Nobody!

I am so happy that we had no dull spots, this is exactly what we were expecting with the 2011 Red Sox!

Will We See Jose Iglesias? Today?

Injuries do happen in the major leagues, and we currently have Marco Scutaro heading down to the DL. Scutaro hurt his left side, and is going to be examined today, he is probable for the DL. The most likely replacement under normal circumstances for the call up would be Yamaico Navarro, but yesterday he left a game in Pawtcuket after hurting his back. In AAA Pawtucket this year, Navarro is batting .329/4/12 in 23 games. Iglesias, meanwhile, is hitting .253/0/4 in 24 games with Pawtucket. Last season, in 57 games with AA Portland, Iglesias hit .285/0/13. However, his main claim to fame is his defense, as he is a spectacular defender and always has been. Most Red Sox fans got to see Iglesias this spring, but I, living in Virginia, did not, as I don't have NESN. I would be very happy to see Iglesias, but I am not glad that Scutaro got injured.

Rain Washes Off Buchholz's Rust In Shutout Of Twins (15-18)

Today, the Red Sox beat the Twins 4-0 in a game where the Red Sox had absolute control, despite a 2 hour rain delay. The Red Sox got off early, putting runners at first and second to start the first. They then pulled a double steal, before an RBI single by Jed Lowrie scored Jacoby Ellsbury and made it 1-0 Red Sox. After an Adrian Gonzalez double with one out in the 3rd inning, Kevin Youkilis (right) singled him in to make it 2-0. The Red Sox loaded the bases with 2 outs in the 8th inning, setting it up for Jacoby Ellsbury. Ellsbury promptly lined a single up the middle, scoring two runs and setting the score at 4-0 Red Sox.

Clay Buchholz was very sharp in today's game, allowing just 2 hits through 5 shutout innings. He earned the win, and is now 3-3/4.19/23 as he is coming back along after a rough start to the season. Rich Hill, Matt Albers, Daniel Bard, and Jonathan Papelbon each threw a scoreless inning of relief, Albers being the only one who allowed a hit. Jacoby Ellsbury had a good game, going 2-5 with 2 RBIs and a run scored, he is now .282/4/17 this year. Kevin Youkilis went 2-4 with an RBI in a good day for him, as he is now .247/5/18. Jed Lowrie went1-3 with an RBI, as he is now .337/3/14. Jarrod Saltalamacchia went 1-4 with a run scored, and Carl Crawford went 2-4 with a run scored. Marco Scutaro went 2-3, pushing his batting averageto .226. Tomorrow, Daisuke Matsuzaka (2-3/4.33/20) will go up against Carl Pavano (2-3/5.84/17).

Bright Spots:

Clay Buchholz- 5 shutout innings, and the win, in a good day

Rich Hill, Matt Albers, Daniel Bard, and Jonathan Papelbon- a scoreless inning of relief each

Jacoby Ellsbury- 2-5 with a run and 2 RBIs

Kevin Youkilis- 2-4 with an RBI

Jed Lowrie- 1-3 with an RBI

Carl Crawford- 2-4 with a run scored

Marco Scutaro- 2-3

Dull Spots:

Mike Cameron- 0-4 with 4 runners left on base

I am glad that the Sox had such a dominant victory, and they will go for a winning week tomorrow.

A Few Bad Calls, A Few Twins' Rallies, Extend Losing Streak to Three (14-18)

Je"You've got to be kidding me" (right) was the line of this game, as the Sox went down 9-2 to the Twins. In the top of the 1st, Trevor Plouffe knocked a Tim Wakefield knuckler over the green monster to make it 1-0 Twins. A 2-run single in the the top of the second made it 3-0, before something weird happened. So, Umpire Angel Hernandez (right) called a balk on Tim Wakefield, as he easily picked Denard Span off of first base for the final out of the inning. Normally in a balk, the runners advance one base, which is in the rulebook, but Hernandez let Ben Revere score from second, also, if the ball is put in play, as it was, the balk doesn't count, basically, Angel Hernandez should be the umpire for middle school baseball. A homer by J.D. Drew in the 2nd and by Adrian Gonzalez in the 4th made it 4-2 Twins. However, in the top of the fifth, a 2-run double by Danny Valencia, and a very costly error by Jed Lowrie pushed the score to 8-2 Twins. In the top of the 6th, another Jed Lowrie error pushed it to 9-2 Twins.

This was a very hard game for the Red Sox, Tim Wakefield allowed 8 runs, 6 earned in 4 1/3 innings. However, Alfredo Aceves did a great job in relief, allowing just a run through 4 2/3 innings, as he pitched longer than Wakefield. Jacoby Ellsbury had a pretty good game, going 2-4. Adrian Gonzalez went 1-4 with a home run, as he is now .305/3/22, as he is doing very well this year. Kevin Youkilis went 1-3 with a walk, pushing that batting average up to a marvelous .237. J.D. Drew went 1-4 with a home run, as he is now .226/2/6, as he has not been so good this year. Carl Crawford and Jarrod Saltalamacchia each went 1-3 with 2 strikeouts, putting each of their batting averages flat at .200. Today, at 1:10, Clay Buchholz (2-3/4.81/17) will go up against Brian Duensing (2-1/2.91/23) and the Twins.

Bright Spots:

Alfredo Aceves- 1 run in 4 2/3 innings, as he pitched very well out of the bullpen

Jacoby Ellsbury- 2-4

Adrian Gonzalez- 1-4 with a home run

Kevin Youkilis- 1-3 with a walk

J.D. Drew- 1-4 with a homer

Dull Spots:

Tim Wakefield- 8 runs, 6 earned in 4 1/3 innings

Dustin Pedroia- 0-3 with 2 strikeouts

David Ortiz- 0-4

Jed Lowrie- 0-3 with 2 very costly errors

I am very unhappy with this game, and with the umpiring crew.

Lackey Lacking As Sox Split Series With Angels (14-17)

Today, the Red Sox got crushed 11-0 by the Angels in a very rough game where the Sox never really had a chance. In the 3rd inning, an RBI groundout by Howie Kendrick and a 2-run double by Alberto Callaspo made it 3-0 Angels. In the top of the 4th, RBI singles by Howie Kendrick, Bobby Abreu, and Torii Hunter pushed it to 6-0 Angels. In the 5th, a 2-run homer by Mark Trumbo and an RBI single by Erick Aybar made it 9-0 Angels, as they were just teeing off. In the 7th inning, a 2-run double by Bobby Abreu made it 11-0, and need I really say anything else?

Ok probably so. John Lackey (right) pitched very badly, allowing 8 runs in 4+ innings, earning the loss, and making him 2-4/7.16/18 on the year. Scott Atchison allowed 3 runs in 3 2/3 innings following Lackey out of the bullpen and Rich Hill pitched a scoreless 1 1/3 innings. David Ortiz was really the only Red Sox batter who I can honestly say had a really good game, as he went 3-3 with a walk today, reaching base all 4 plate appearances. The other hits belonged to Jacoby Ellsbury (1-3), Dustin Pedroia (1-3), Jed Lowrie (1-4), and Marco Scutaro (1-2). Tomorrow, the Twins come to town and will send Scott Baker (1-2/3.16/26) against fan favorite Tim Wakefield (0-0/4.08/7) in his first "non-spot" start.

Bright Spots:

Rich Hill- 1 1/3 scoreless innings of relief

David Ortiz- 3-3 with a walk

Dull Spots:

John Lackey- 8 runs in 4 innings, enough said

Scott Atchison- 3 runs in 3 2/3 innings, ouch

Kevin Youkilis- 0-4 with a strikeout and 4 runners left on base

Adrian Gonzalez- 0-4 with a strikeout and 3 runners left on base

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

I am very disappointed in the Red Sox' performance in today's game, and I hope they do well against Minnesota.

Red Sox Lose A Weird Game To Angels (14-16)

Last night, the Red Sox lost a 13 inning game 5-3 to the Angels in a very strange game that was about 7 1/2 hours total, as it had a rain delay in the middle. The scoring started late, as the first runs of the game were scored in the 7th inning on a 2-run homer by Vernon Wells. In the bottom of the 8th, Jason Varitek crossed the plate on a single by Adrian Gonzalez to make it 2-1 Angels. The Angels padded their lead on a sacrifice fly by Erick Aybar in the 9th inning, making it 3-1 Angels. However, in the bottom of the 9th, Fernando Rodney threw a wild pitch, that made it a one-run game as Jed Lowrie scored. Then the Sox tied it, as Jacoby Ellsbury whacked a single to right field. With two outs in the top of the 13th, however, Bobby Abreu lined a ball up the middle, scoring two runs and making it 5-3 Angels, as the winning runs scored.

Josh Beckett, the starter, did very well before he was taken out in the rain delay, allowing 1 hit and no runs through 4 1/3 innings. Matt Albers, Daniel Bard, and Jonathan Papelbon each threw at least one scoreless inning of relief. Daisuke Matsuzaka, pitching in relief, however, got the loss, allowing 2 runs in an inning, he is now 2-3/4.33/20. Jacoby Ellsbury did not have a good game, but he singled in the winning run, so he went 1-6 with an RBI. Adrian Gonzalez went 1-3 with an RBI. Kevin Youkilis went 2-4 with a near home run that almost won the game. Jed Lowrie went 2-5 with a run scored, as he had a pretty good day. Carl Crawford went 1-6 with a run scored and Jason Varitek went 1-4 with a run scored. Today at 1:35, John Lackey (2-3/5.65/17) will go up against Joel Piniero (0-0/1.29/3) as the Sox will look for a series win.

Bright Spots:

Josh Beckett- Beckett was very sharp before the rain delay

Matt Albers- 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief

Jonathan Papelbon- a scoreless inning of relief

Daniel Bard- 2 scoreless innings of relief

Jacoby Ellsbury- a very clutch RBI single

Adrian Gonzalez- 1-3 with an RBI

Kevin Youkilis- 2-4 with almost the walk-off RBI

Jed Lowrie- 2-5 with a run scored

Dull Spots:

Dan Wheeler- 2 runs in 1/3 of an inning

Daisuke Matsuzaka- 2 runs in 1 inning

Dustin Pedroia- 0-6 with 4 strikeouts

David Ortiz- 0-4 with 3 strikeouts and 4 runners left on base

The Red Sox lost, but they put up a fight, and I hope they can still be one within .500 after a win today?