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!