Boston Barrages Toronto, 8 to 2

BOSTON: 1 0 0 3 1 0 0 3 0 - 8 11 0

TORONTO: 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 - 2 5 0

It's Sunday and I watched the Boston Red Sox win the final game of this three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays in my favorite New England sports living bar. Andrew is in Italy on vacation, so today Mike opened the bar. In the background, during the pregame and the first few innings, Mike played Beatles music. He called it having "Breakfast with the Beatles". It was a positive mixture of baseball sounds and Beatles songs. And the Red Sox did not miss a beat with their four longballs, Lester's personal record setting twelve strikeouts, and their eight (barrier breaking) runs. Although the Beatles songs may not have been playing on shuffle mode, Terry Francona used that method in the lineup today - Pedroia, Drew, Youkilis, Bay, Lowell, Ortiz, Varitek, Ellsbury, Green. Everyone got on base and eight of the players had hits - a significantly higher percentage than yesterday. Boston leaves the confines of the Rogers Centre on a winning note and continues on the "Long And Winding Road" to Detroit. Beatles and Boston!

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Jon Lester, Winning Pitcher: Jon Lester (4)

TORONTO: Starting Pitcher: Ricky Romero, Losing Pitcher: Ricky Romero

BOSTON: Homeruns: Kevin Youkilis (8, 9), Dustin Pedroia (2), Jason Bay (15)

TORONTO: Homerun: Alex Rios

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RED SOX: Wins: 29, Losses: 22, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Tuesday 2 June 2009, 4:05 p.m. PT, Detroit Tigers, Comerica Park, Daisuke Matsuzaka

Blue Jays Batter Red Sox

BOSTON: 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 3 4 1

TORONTO: 1 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 x - 5 14 0

There was a theme to this second game of the three-game series. It was a number theme and the number was three. The Boston Red Sox have hit another run production wall. They have scored exactly three runs in each of their last three games. Three Red Sox batters (one-third of the lineup) were responsible for all the Boston hits today. And the Toronto Blue Jays had over three times as many hits as did the Red Sox in this game at Rogers Centre. Let's hope that three is the charm for the Red Sox tomorrow and that they salvage a win against the Blue Jays.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Brad Penny, Losing Pitcher: Ramon Ramirez (2)

TORONTO: Starting Pitcher: Brian Tallet, Winning Pitcher: Brian Tallet

TORONTO: Save: Scott Downs

BOSTON: Homerun: Rocco Baldelli (2)

TORONTO: Homerun: Adam Lind

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RED SOX: Wins: 28, Losses: 22, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Sunday 31 May 2009, 10:07 a.m. PT, Toronto Blue Jays, Rogers Centre, Jon Lester

Toronto Trounces Boston

BOSTON: 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 - 3 11 1

TORONTO: 0 0 1 0 5 0 0 0 x - 6 10 0

It is one of the wonders of life how one's place in the world can change in a course of a few hours. The Boston Red Sox came into this first of a three-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays leading the American League East. The Red Sox leave Rogers Centre in second place in the AL East and the not-to-be-named team (see standings below) in first place. Of course this will change, but it is annoying never-the-less. A five-run fifth inning by the Blue Jays was all that was needed to change the baseball world order. There was one major Boston opportunity missed (first inning, bases-loaded, two outs, David Ortiz flied out to center instead of hitting a grand slam). And if all the subsequent run production remained the same, Boston would have won the game. I don't know what the answer is regarding Big Papi (do the Red Sox?) - I have to believe that he will come out of this horror of a slump and be the major positive difference we have known for years. In any case, others were hitting and Jacoby Ellsbury started a new hitting streak today. The bullpen (Bard, Saito) was effective in not allowing any additional runs. And tomorrow, perhaps an upward change in Boston's place in the world.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Tim Wakefield, Losing Pitcher: Tim Wakefield (3)

TORONTO: Starting Pitcher: Casey Janssen, Winning Pitcher: Casey Janssen

TORONTO: Save: Scott Downs

BOSTON: Homerun: J. D. Drew (7)

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RED SOX: Wins: 28, Losses: 21, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Saturday 30 May 2009, 10:07 a.m. PT, Toronto Blue Jays, Rogers Centre, Brad Penny

Red Sox Recap, 19 to 28 May

Between Tuesday 19 May 2009 and Thursday 28 May 2009 the Boston Red Sox played ten games – six at Fenway Park – three against the Toronto Blue Jays and three against the New York Mets and four games on the road – four against the Minnesota Twins. Here are the breakdowns over the time period.

Total Each Series

Red Sox: 15 runs, 28 hits, 1 error
Blue Jays: 5 runs, 30 hits, 2 errors
Three wins, no losses (sweep)
Analysis: Red Sox had 75% of the total runs, 48% of the total hits, 33% of the total errors

Red Sox: 17 runs, 28 hits, 2 errors
Mets: 13 runs, 22 hits, 3 errors
One win, two losses (won the third game)
Analysis: Red Sox had 57% of the total runs, 56% of the total hits, 40% of the total errors

Red Sox: 13 runs, 37 hits, 2 errors
Twins: 15 runs, 33 hits, 2 errors
Two wins, two losses (won the first and fourth games)
Analysis: Red Sox had 46% of the total runs, 53% of the total hits, 50% of the total errors

Combined Series Totals

Red Sox; 45 runs, 93 hits, 5 errors
Opponents: 33 runs, 85 hits, 7 errors
Six wins, four losses
Analysis: Red Sox had 58% of the total runs, 52% of the total hits, 42% of the total errors

Season-To-28 May 2009

Red Sox: 253 runs, 454 hits, 31 errors
Opponents: 223 runs, 444 hits, 35 errors
Twenty-eight wins, twenty losses
Analysis: Red Sox had 53% of the total runs, 51% of the total hits, 46% of the total errors

AL East Standings (at the start of Friday 29 May 2009)

Boston 28 20 .583
New York 27 20 .574
Toronto 27 23 .540
Tampa Bay 23 27 .460
Baltimore 22 26 .458

Red Sox Tag Twins, 3 to 1

BOSTON: 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 - 3 6 0

MINNESOTA: 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 1 5 0

Well, today did turn out to be a different sort of wild game between the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins than yesterday's. Homeruns were flying and managers and catchers were ejecting (courtesy of the home plate umpire). And the Red Sox were winning. The game was won in the sizzling seventh - second homerun of the day for Jason Varitek and both starting catchers and teams' managers were tossed by Todd Tichenor in their respective defensive half of the inning. In the end, Boston splits the series with Minnesota. This is the last visit to the Metrodome for the Red Sox this regular season. Boston continues on the road to the Toronto Blue Jays.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Josh Beckett, Winning Pitcher: Josh Beckett (5)

MINNESOTA: Starting Pitcher: Anthony Swarzak, Losing Pitcher: Anthony Swarzak

BOSTON: Save: Jonathan Papelbon (13)

BOSTON: Homeruns: Jason Varitek (9, 10)

MINNESOTA: Homerun: Joe Crede

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RED SOX: Wins: 28, Losses: 20, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Friday 29 May 2009, 4:07 p.m. PT, Toronto Blue Jays, Roger Centre, Tim Wakefield

Twins Take Red Sox

BOSTON: 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 - 2 6 1

MINNESOTA: 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 x - 4 13 1

It was a wild, wild night in the Midwest. The Boston Red Sox were a wild team today in terms of the pitches thrown. Six of them were official wild pitches (a record was tied) and I suppose a hit batter and a throwing error could also indicate a type of wildness in the game. It was against the Minnesota Twins that the wildness occurred and they were able to capitalize on it and win this third game. Tomorrow the fourth game of this four-game series will be held and the Red Sox hope to come out of the Metrodome with a tie in the series. A wild day of another sort is needed by Boston.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Daisuke Matsuzaka, Losing Pitcher: Daisuke Matsuzaka (3)

MINNESOTA: Starting Pitcher: Kevin Slowey, Winning Pitcher: Kevin Slowey

MINNESOTA: Save: Joe Nathan

BOSTON: Homerun: Jason Bay (14)

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RED SOX: Wins: 27, Losses: 20, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Thursday 28 May 2009, 10:10 a.m. PT, Minnesota Twins, Metrodome, Josh Beckett

Minnesota Mashes Boston

BOSTON: 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 - 2 9 0

MINNESOTA: 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 x - 5 7 1

Jacoby Ellsbury's bases-stealing, runs-scoring and ball-catching actions were not enough for the Boston Red Sox in the second game of this four-game series against the Minnesota Twins. the Twins scored the same number of runs today as they did yesterday, but today's outcome was a better one for them. David Ortiz was in the lineup today, though he batted in the sixth position instead of his customary third. He had a double and a walk. The series at the Metrodome is tied at one game apiece and will resume tomorrow with the Red Sox attempting to take the series lead.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Jon Lester, Losing Pitcher: Jon Lester (5)

MINNESOTA: Starting Pitcher: Nick Blackburn, Winning Pitcher: Nick Blackburn

MINNESOTA: Save: Joe Nathan

MINNESOTA: Homerun: Justin Morneau

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RED SOX: Wins: 27, Losses: 19, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Wednesday 27 May 2009, 5:10 p.m. PT, Minnesota Twins, Metrodome, Daisuke Matsuzaka

Red Sox Thwart Twins, 6 to 5

BOSTON: 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 1 0 - 6 16 1

MINNESOTA: 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 - 5 8 0

The Minnesota Twins produced two homeruns in this first of a four-game series against the Boston Red Sox. But it was Boston's one homerun that made the difference and the eventual victory for the Red Sox. Even though Jonathan Papelbon gave up his second homerun in a row in two save attempts, the resulting Twins longball did not cost Papelbon a save or Boston a win. This was Boston's first visit to the Metrodome this season and it was a good start to the series and to the road trip.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Brad Penny, Winning Pitcher: Brad Penny (5)

MINNESOTA: Starting Pitcher: Francisco Liriano, Losing Pitcher: Francisco Liriano

BOSTON: Save: Jonathan Papelbon (12)

BOSTON: Homerun: Jeff Bailey (3)

MINNESOTA: Homeruns: Michael Cuddyer, Joe Mauer

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RED SOX: Wins: 27, Losses: 18, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Tuesday 26 May 2009, 5:10 p.m. PT, Minnesota Twins, Metrodome, Jon Lester

Red Sox Rampage Mets, 12 to 5

NY METS: 0 1 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 - 5 8 0

BOSTON: 0 3 0 0 3 2 4 0 x - 12 16 0

It came a day later, but came it did - The Boston Red Sox win their first game in Interleague play against the New York Mets and take sole possession of first place in the American League East. There was happiness in the New England sports living bar where I watched this victory. Yesterday and today in Fenway Park there were video reviews of questionable homeruns - yesterday's ruling went in favor of the Mets and today's ruling went against the Red Sox. However, Kevin Youkilis made up for the ruling against his "homerun" in the fifth, by belting one over the Monster seats in the seventh inning. A nice comeback. Boston heads out on the road having won four out of the six games in this homestand. They take this last game's momentum with them to the Minnesota Twins where they will play a four-game series. With a smile, I left the New England sports living bar to enjoy the warmth of the day. It is Sunday after all.

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NY METS: Starting Pitcher: Tim Redding, Losing Pitcher: Tim Redding

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Tim Wakefield, Winning Pitcher: Tim Wakefield (6)

NY METS: Homerun: Ramon Castro

BOSTON: Homeruns: Mike Lowell (8), Kevin Youkilis (7)

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RED SOX: Wins: 26, Losses: 18 AL East Standing: Boston, Toronto, New York, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Monday 25 May 2009, 11:10 a.m. PT, Minnesota Twins, Metrodome, Brad Penny

Happy 31st Birthday Bradley Wayne Penny!!!

Brad Penny is a right-handed batting and throwing pitcher. He is a starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. Brad made his Major League debut with the Florida Marlins on Friday 7 April 2000 when he was twenty-one years, ten months, and fourteen days old. The Marlins played the Colorado Rockies that day and Brad won his ML debut with the Marlins winning four to three. Brad was traded by the Marlins to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday 30 July 2004. He made his Los Angeles Dodgers debut on Tuesday 3 August 2004 when he was twenty-six years, two months, and ten days old. The Dodgers played the Pittsburgh Pirates that day and Brad pitched a two-hit game and he won his Los Angeles debut with the Dodgers winning three to two. Brad signed a one year contract with the Boston Red Sox on Friday 9 January 2009. He made his Boston Red Sox debut on Saturday 11 April 2009 when he was thirty years, ten months, and eighteen days old. The Red Sox played the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim that day and Brad won his Boston debut with the Red Sox winning five to four. Brad has been a two-time member of the National League All-Star team in 2006 and 2007. He has a World Series ring for the 2003 Florida Marlins Championship. Brad wears number thirty-six.

Mets Maim Red Sox

NY METS: 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 - 3 6 0

BOSTON: 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 2 6 1

First Inning: Mets: Daniel Murphy flies out to right, Angel Pagan grounds out to second, Carlos Beltran singles to left, Beltran to second on throwing error by pitcher, Gary Sheffield singles to left, Beltran scores, David Wright lines out to first

Red Sox: Jacoby Ellsbury singles to right, Dustin Pedroia singles to shortstop, Ellsbury moves to second, David Ortiz strikes out swinging, Ellsbury steals third, Pedroia steals second (double steal), Kevin Youkilis singles to left, Ellsbury scores, Pedroia scores, Jason Bay strikes out swinging, J. D. Drew grounds out to second

End of first inning score: Red Sox 2, Mets 1

Second Inning: Mets: Jeremy Reed flies out to left, Omir Santos grounds out to shortstop, Ramon Martinez pops out to pitcher

Red Sox: Mike Lowell grounds out to third, Jason Varitek singles to center, Nick Green grounds into double play, Varitek out at second

End of second inning score: Red Sox 2, Mets 1

Third Inning: Mets: Luis Castillo grounds out to third, Murphy lines out to shortstop, Pagan strikes out lookin

Red Sox: Ellsbury grounds out to second, Pedroia strikes out swinging, Ortiz walks, Youkilis flies out to center

End of third inning score: Red Sox 2, Mets 1

Fourth Inning: Mets: Beltran flies out to right, Sheffield grounds out to third, Wright strikes out swinging

Red Sox: Bay grounds out to shortstop, Drew strikes out looking, Lowell grounds out to shortstop

End of fourth inning score: Red Sox 2, Mets 1

Fifth Inning: Mets: Reed grounds out to first, Santos flies out to right, Martinez singles to center, Martinez steals second, Castillo walks, Murphy flies out to shortstop

Red Sox: Varitek strikes out swinging, Green singles to center, Ellsbury grounds into fielder's choice, Green out at second, Pedroia singles to shortstop, Ellsbury moves to second, Ortiz flies out to second

End of fifth inning score Red Sox 2, Mets 1

Sixth Inning: Mets: Pagan flies out to left, Beltran flies out to left, Sheffield flies out to center

Red Sox: Youkilis flies out to left, Bay grounds out to second, Drew grounds out to second

End of sixth inning score: Red Sox 2, Mets 1

Seventh Inning: Mets: Wright grounds out to third, Reed singles to second, Santos singles to center, Reed moves to third, Martinez strikes out swinging, Castillo flies out to center

Red Sox: Lowell grounds out to shortstop, Varitek strikes out swinging, Green flies out to right

End of seventh inning score: Red Sox 2, Mets 1

Eighth Inning: Mets: Murphy flies out to shortstop, Pagan strikes out looking, Beltran strikes out swinging

Red Sox: (Mets pitcher Pedro Feliciano relieves Mets starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey), Ellsbury grounds out to shortstop, Pedroia fouls out to first, Ortiz strikes out looking

End of eighth inning score: Red Sox 2, Mets 1

Ninth Inning: Mets: (Boston pitcher Jonathan Papelbon relieves Boston starting pitcher Josh Beckett), Sheffield walks, Wright strikes out swinging, Reed strikes out swinging, Santos homers, Sheffield scores, Martinez flies out to third

Red Sox: (Mets pitcher J. J. Putz relieves Mets pitcher Pedro Feliciano), Youkilis walks, Bay grounds into fielder's choice, Youkilis out at second, Drew flies out to right, Lowell grounds out to shortstop

End of game score: Red Sox 2, Mets 3

Next play-by-play game: either Wednesday 10 June 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, New York Yankees, Fenway Park or Thursday 11 June 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, New York Yankees, Fenway Park

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NY METS: Starting Pitcher: Mike Pelfrey, Winning Pitcher: Pedro Feliciano

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Josh Beckett, Losing Pitcher: Jonathan Papelbon (1)

NY METS: Save: J. J. Putz

NY METS: Homerun: Omir Santos

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RED SOX: Wins: 25, Losses: 18, AL East Standings: Toronto, Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Sunday 24 May 2009, 10:35 a.m. PT, New York Mets, Fenway Park, Tim Wakefield

Mets Mess Red Sox

NY METS: 0 1 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 - 5 8 3

BOSTON: 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 - 3 6 1

Good-bye sweep, hello going for two out of three. Yes, the Boston Red Sox ended their sweep streak to the New York Mets today in Fenway Park. In this first Interleague game, Boston blew chances and New York overcame their three errors. Varitek's homerun was the one bright spot in the game for the Red Sox. The top three teams in the AL East lost their Interleague opening games, while the bottom two teams won theirs. Interesting.

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NY METS: Starting Pitcher: Johan Santana, Winning Pitcher: Johan Santana

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Daisuke Matsuzaka, Losing Pitcher: Diasuke Matsuzaka (2)

NY METS: Save: Francisco Rodriguez

NY METS: Homerun: Gary Sheffield

BOSTON: Homerun: Jason Varitek (8)

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RED SOX: Wins: 25, Losses: 17, AL East Standings: Toronto, Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Saturday 23 May 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, New York Mets, Fenway Park, Josh Beckett

Red Sox Reduce Blue Jays, 5 to 1

TORONTO: 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 - 1 11 1

BOSTON: 3 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 x - 5 7 0

Like yesterday, the Toronto Blue Jays scored their first run in the seventh inning, but unlike yesterday, it would be their only run in this final game of the three-game series. The Boston Red Sox may have had fewer hits than the Blue Jays, but they were able to convert them into runs, thereby sweeping Toronto at Fenway Park. It was Boston's fourth sweep at home this season, having previously done so against the Baltimore Orioles, Minnesota Twins and the New York Yankees in April. Boston will attempt to keep the sweep streak going when their first Interleague opponent, the New York Mets arrive tomorrow. And a franchise record was set today by Jason Bay. His homerun was the eleventh consecutive multi-run homerun in team history. Congratulations Jason on establishing a new record and for leading the Red Sox in homeruns!

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TORONTO: Starting Pitcher: Robert Ray, Losing Pitcher: Robert Ray

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Jon Lester, Winning Pitcher: Jon Lester (3)

BOSTON: Homerun: Jason Bay (13)

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RED SOX: Wins: 25, Losses: 16, AL East Standing: Toronto, Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Friday 22 May 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, New York Mets, Fenway Park, Daisuke Matsuzaka

Boston Taters Toronto, 8 to 3

TORONTO: 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 - 3 14 0

BOSTON: 0 0 2 0 6 0 0 0 x - 8 15 0

David Ortiz homers!!! It was homerun derby night at Fenway Park for the Boston Red Sox and none more welcomed than Papi's first longball of the season. His homerun drought streak is finally over - the first one since Thursday 16 October 2008. Five hits went yard, with four of them in the fifth inning. Two homeruns for Jason Varitek. No errors! The second win in a row against the leading Toronto Blue Jays and a good run producing outing for the Red Sox. Looking for the sweep tomorrow. And defensively, Jacoby Ellsbury tied a Major League record with twelve putouts in center field. The last one to do that was Lyman Bostock with the 1977 Minnesota Twins.

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TORONTO: Starting Pitcher: Brett Cecil, Losing Pitcher: Brett Cecil

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Brad Penny, Winning Pitcher: Brad Penny (4)

BOSTON: Homeruns: Jason Varitek (6, 7), David Ortiz (1), Jason Bay (12), Mike Lowell (7)

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RED SOX: Wins: 24, Losses: 16, AL East Standings: Toronto, Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Thursday 21 May 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Toronto Blue Jays, Fenway Park, Jon Lester

Red Sox Batter Blue Jays, 2 to 1

TORONTO: 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 - 1 5 1

BOSTON: 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 x - 2 6 1

Home again! The Boston Red Sox are back in Fenway Park and start their three-game series against the AL East leading Toronto Blue Jays with a win. An uncharacteristically low-scoring game, but enough for a good welcome home. Also, it was the first game after the weekend rest for David Ortiz and, for now, the last game for Jeff Bailey, as Kevin Youkilis returns to the lineup tomorrow. Unfortunately, Ortiz did not have a hit, but Bailey did hit a single, driving in the first run of the game. Another shortstop error - help!!! Although he now plays for the Blue Jays, I was glad that Kevin Millar had a longball tonight. Have always enjoyed Millar's enthusiasm for baseball and he did reach first base in the 2004 ALCS game four, which allowed Dave Roberts to pinch run for him. And we all know how that ended!

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TORONTO: Starting Pitcher: Brian Tallet, Losing Pitcher: Brian Tallet

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Tim Wakefield, Winning Pitcher: Tim Wakefield (5)

BOSTON: Save: Jonathan Papelbon (11)

TORONTO: Homerun: Kevin Millar

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RED SOX: Wins: 23, Losses: 16, AL East Standings: Toronto, Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Wednesday 20 May 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Toronto Blue Jays, Fenway Park, Brad Penny

Red Sox Recap, 6 to 17 May

Between Wednesday 6 May 2009 and Sunday 17 May 2009, the Boston Red Sox played eleven games – five at Fenway Park – two against the Cleveland Indians and three against the Tampa Bay Rays and six games on the road – three against the Los Angeles Angels and three against the Seattle Mariners. Here are the breakdowns over this time period.

Total Each Series

Red Sox; 15 runs, 21 hits, 0 errors
Cleveland: 12 runs, 20 hits, 0 errors
One win, one loss (won the second game)
Analysis: Red Sox had 56% of the total runs, 51% of the total hits, 0% of the total errors

Red Sox: 16 runs, 34 hits, 3 errors
Tampa Bay: 20 runs, 33 hits, 2 errors
Two wins, one loss (won the first and third games)
Analysis: Red Sox had 44% of the total runs, 51% of the total hits, 60% of the total errors

Red Sox: 12 runs, 28 hits, 2 errors
Angels: 16 runs, 31 hits, 0 errors
One win, two losses (won the first game)
Analysis: Red Sox had 43% of the total runs, 48% of the total hits, 100% of the total errors

Red Sox: 11 runs, 22 hits, 3 errors
Mariners: 11 runs, 28 hits, 3 errors
One win, two losses (won the second game)
Analysis: Red Sox had 50% of the total runs, 44% of the total hits, 50% of the total errors

Combined Series Totals

Red Sox: 54 runs, 105 hits, 8 errors
Opponents: 59 runs, 112 hits, 5 errors
Five wins, six losses
Analysis: Red Sox had 48% of the total runs, 48% of the total hits, 62% of the total errors

Season-To-17 May 2009

Red Sox: 208 runs, 361 hits, 26 errors
Opponents: 190 runs, 359 hits, 28 errors
Twenty-two wins, sixteen losses
Analysis: Red Sox had 52% of the total runs, 50% of the total hits, 48% of the total errors

.

AL East Standings (at the start of Monday 18 May 2009)

Toronto 26 14 .650
Boston 22 16 .578
New York 20 17 .541
Tampa Bay 19 20 .487
Baltimore 16 22 .421

Seattle Settles Boston

BOSTON: 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 - 2 8 2

SEATTLE: 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 - 3 11 1

Where to begin?? First, the Boston Red Sox had bases-loaded twice - once with one out, one run scored and once with no outs, no runs scored. Since the Red Sox manage to get bases-loaded fairly regularly, they have to learn how to produce runs from that situation - it's simple and obvious - more runs = more wins. Calculated and aggressive baserunning needs to become part of the game plan. Boston can get on the bases, they need get off them via home base not double plays. If additional runs could have been produced from the bases-loaded opportunities, then the Red Sox would have been ahead and the second (see next paragraph) thing would not have resulted in a win for the Seattle Mariners.

Second, this was the second bottom of the ninth inning Boston error this season, in a tie game that led to the opponent winning, when the game should have continued into extra innings (first time was Tuesday 28 April against the Cleveland Indians in Progressive Field). The other team should have to earn the win, not have it given to them by the Red Sox on errors.

Third, I know that shortstop Jed Lowrie will not be returning when I originally thought he would. But I'm up and down with both Julio Lugo and Nick Green. Need consistency on offense and defense. Ramon Ramirez does not deserve to get the loss.

The Red Sox leave Safeco Field with one win and two losses and head home to Fenway Park. There they will meet the AL East leading Toronto Blue Jays in a three-game series, beginning on Tuesday, for the first time this season.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Justin Masterson, Losing Pitcher: Ramon Ramirez (1)

SEATTLE: Starting Pitcher: Jason Vargas, Winning Pitcher: David Aardsma

BOSTON: Homerun: J. D. Drew (6)

SEATTLE: Homerun: Russell Branyan

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RED SOX: Wins: 22, Losses: 16, AL East Standings: Toronto, Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Tuesday 19 May 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Toronto Blue Jays, Fenway Park, Tim Wakefield

Red Sox Maul Mariners, 5 to 3

BOSTON: 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 - 5 6 1

SEATTLE: 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 - 3 6 0

The Boston Red Sox four-run barrier has been broken (by one run and without Youkilis)! With the same lineup as yesterday, it was a Red Sox homerun feast in Safeco Field against the Seattle Mariners. All of Boston's runs were scored on three longballs. The last time Boston had three homeruns in a game was precisely three weeks ago on Saturday 25 April at Fenway Park against the New York Yankees in a sixteen to eleven Red Sox win. Boston will play tomorrow in the rubber game of the three-game series and will look to leave Seattle with the series win. A rare event occurred today - all five teams in the AL East won their games. And even though the standings remain the same, congratulations to all members of this strong division!

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Josh Beckett, Winning Pitcher: Josh Beckett (4)

SEATTLE: Starting Pitcher: Garrett Olson, Losing Pitcher: Garrett Olson

BOSTON: Save: Jonathan Papelbon (10)

BOSTON: Homeruns: Jason Bay (11), Jason Varitek (5), Jeff Bailey (2)

SEATTLE: Homerun: Yuniesky Betancourt

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RED SOX: Wins: 22, Losses: 15, AL East Standings: Toronto, Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Sunday 17 May 2009, 1:10 p.m. PT, Seattle Mariners, Safeco Field, Justin Masterson

Mariners Manage Red Sox

BOSTON: 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 4 8 0

SEATTLE: 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 0 x - 5 11 2

Well, Terry Francona answered my question from yesterday, regarding David Ortiz, by taking him out of the Boston Red Sox lineup today. J. D. Drew is batting in Ortiz's third spot and Rocco Baldelli is the Designated Hitter and he is batting sixth. This is Boston's first series against the Seattle Mariners this season and it is a three-game set. Drew had three hits, but the Red Sox weren't able to garner a win at Safeco Field. It is Boston's third loss in a row. Additionally, this is the fifth straight game in which the team scored exactly four runs. Why are the Red Sox experiencing a four-run barrier? Very strange. The runs have been scored in different ways and in different innings. Only two of these five games have been won by Boston. And Kevin Youkilis has been on the disabled list for the last four games. Aha! The power Youk is needed.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Jon Lester, Losing Pitcher: Jon Lester (4)

SEATTLE: Starting Pitcher: Chris Jakubaukas, Winning Pitcher: Chris Jakubaukas

SEATTLE: Save: David Aardsma

SEATTLE: Homeruns: Ichiro Suzuki (two in the game)

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 21, Losses: 15, AL East Standings: Toronto, Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Saturday 16 May 2009, 7:10 p.m. PT, Seattle Mariners, Safeco Field, Josh Beckett

Happy 29th Birthday Joshua Patrick Beckett!!!

Josh Beckett is a right-handed batting and throwing pitcher. He is the ace starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. Josh made his Major League debut with the Florida Marlins on Tuesday 4 September 2001 when he was twenty-one years, three months, and twenty days old. The Marlins played the Chicago Cubs that day and Josh had a one-hit game and he won his ML debut with the Marlins winning eight to one. Josh was traded to the Red Sox by the Marlins on Thursday 24 November 2005. He made his Boston Red Sox debut on Wednesday 5 April 2006 when he was twenty-five years, ten months, and twenty-one days old. The Red Sox played the Texas Rangers in Arlington that day and Josh pitched a one run game and he won his Boston debut with the Red Sox winning two to one. Josh has been honored by being named or winning the following: Florida Marlins Rookie of the Year 2001, World Series Most Valuable Player 2003, American League All-Star Team 2007, and American League Championship Series Most Valuable Player 2007. He has World Series rings for the 2003 Florida Marlins Championship and the 2007 Boston Red Sox Championship. Josh wears number nineteen.

Happy 42nd Birthday John Andrew Smoltz!!!

John Smoltz is a right-handed batting and throwing pitcher. John made his Major League debut with the Atlanta Braves on Saturday 23 July 1988 when he was twenty-one years, two months, and eight days old. He had two wins and seven losses with an ERA of 5.48 in 1988. John signed a one year contract with the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday 13 January 2009. Due to shoulder surgery, John is on a rehab program and his Boston Red Sox debut is anticipated to be sometime in June 2009. John has been honored by being named or winning the following: National League All-Star Team 1989, 1992, 1993, 1996, 2002, 2003, 2005; National League Championship Series Most Valuable Player 1992; National League Cy Young 1996; National League Relief Man Award 2002; National League Player of the Week 1 August 2004 and 26 June 2005; Roberto Clemente Award 2005. He has a World Series ring for the 1995 Atlanta Braves Championship. John wears number twenty-nine.

Angels Above Red Sox

BOSTON: 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 - 4 15 0

LA ANGELS: 1 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 - 5 11 0

The Boston Red Sox did not win the extra-innings, rubber game of the three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels and they would not have deserved to win. How do you leave seventeen men on base and not score? And only score three runs with twenty-three runners in scoring position? I know the defense was excellent for both teams, but Boston had many more scoring opportunities than Los Angeles (twice the bases were loaded). David Ortiz made the last out in both bases-loaded situations. Perhaps it truly is time to reassess his placement in the lineup - a lower position in the batting order may be necessary or not in the lineup at all. What do you say Terry? As for Francona, he was tossed out of the game (the first time this season) in the tenth inning for questioning a three and one strike call on Julio Lugo by umpire Bill Miller. There were many called third strikes against Boston in this game by Miller. The Red Sox fly to Seattle tonight and will not be back in Angel Stadium again this regular season. However, if past events are repeated, then Boston will be back at Angel Stadium in the post-season and will win that series. The Red Sox may not win the most games against the Angels during the regular season, but they do know how to beat them in the playoffs!

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Series observation: The Red Sox scored exactly four runs in each of the three games. First game: Boston won by one run, Second game: Boston lost by four runs, Third game: Boston lost by one run. A sort of symmetry.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Brad Penny, Losing Pitcher: Manny Delcarmen (1)

LA ANGELS: Starting Pitcher: Ervin Santana, Winning Pitcher: Jason Bulger

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RED SOX: Wins: 21, Losses: 14, AL East Standings: Toronto, Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Friday 15 May 2009, 7:10 p.m. PT, Seattle Mariners, Safeco Field, Jon Lester

Angels Agitate Red Sox

BOSTON: 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 4 5 0

LA ANGELS: 0 0 5 1 1 1 0 0 x - 8 14 0

Starting out well but ending up badly, the Boston Red Sox dropped the second game of the three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels. The knuckleball did not work well in Angel Stadium today for Tim Wakefield. The Angel bats were able to find a way to hit against that pitch and the Red Sox bats were silent after the second inning. Tomorrow offers Boston a chance for retribution against Los Angeles in the rubber match of the series.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Tim Wakefield, Losing Pitcher: Tim Wakefield (2)

LA ANGELS: Starting Pitcher: Matt Palmer, Winning Pitcher: Matt Palmer

BOSTON: Homerun: Jason Bay (10)

LA ANGELS: Homeruns: Mike Napoli, Torii Hunter

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RED SOX: Wins: 21, Losses: 13, AL East Standings: Toronto, Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Thursday 14 May 2009, 12:35 p.m. PT, Los Angeles Angels, Angel Stadium, Brad Penny

Red Sox Rally Angels, 4 to 3

BOSTON: 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 - 4 8 2

LA ANGELS: 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 - 3 6 0

First inning: Red Sox: Jacoby Ellsbury pops out to second, Julio Lugo walks, David Ortiz lines out to center, Jason Bay flies out to center

Angels: Chone Figgins grounds out to second, Maicer Izturis singles to left, Bobby Abreu walks, Izturis moves to second, Torii Hunter walks, Izturis moves to third, Abreu moves to second,(bases-loaded), Kendry Morales flies out to left, Izturis scores, Mike Napoli grounds into fielder's choice, Abreu out at third

End of inning: Red Sox 0, Angels 1

Second inning: Red Sox: Mike Lowell flies out to center, J. D. Drew homers to center, Jeff Bailey flies out to center, Jason Varitek singles to left, Nick Green strikes out swinging

Angels: Juan Rivera strikes out swinging, Howie Kendrick walks, Jeff Mathis singles into left, Kendrick moves to second, Figgins pops up to center, Izturis hit by a pitch, Kenrick moves to third, Mathis moves to second, (bases-loaded), Abreu fouls out to left

End of inning: Red Sox 1, Angels 1

Third inning: Red Sox: Ellsbury grounds out to shortstop, Lugo pops out to shortstop, Ortiz strikes out swinging

Angels: Hunter grounds out to shortstop, Morales grounds out to shortstop, Napoli singles to second, Rivera pops up to right

End of inning: Red Sox 1, Angels 1

Fourth inning: Red Sox: Bay strikes out swinging, Lowell pops out to center, Drew pops out to second

Angels: Kendrick walks, Mathis singles to right, Kendrick moves to second, Figgins grounds out to pitcher, Kendrick moves to third, Mathis moves to second, Izturis flies out to right, Kenrick scores, Mathis moves to third, Abreu flies out to left

End of inning: Red Sox 1, Angels 2

Fifth inning: Red Sox: Bailey flies out to center, Varitek strikes out swinging, Green pops out to right

Angels: Hunter singles to left, Hunter out attempting to steal second, Morales strikes out swinging, Napoli lines out to left

End of inning: Red Sox 1, Angels 2

Sixth inning: Red Sox: Ellsbury bunt single to third, Ellsbury steals second, Lugo flies out to right, Ellsbury moves to third, Ortiz flies out to left, Ellsbury out at home

Angels: Rivera grounds out to third, Kendrick grounds out to third, Mathis strikes out swinging End of inning: Red Sox 1, Angels 2

Seventh inning: Red Sox: Bay pops out to shortstop, Lowell singles to center, Drew flies out to right, Bailey fouls out to first

Angels: (Red Sox pitcher Manny Delcarmen relieves Red Sox starting pitcher Justin Masterson), Figgins on first due to third base throwing error, Izturis grounds out to second, Figgins moves to second, Abreu flies out to center, Hunter singles to center, Figgins scores, Morales grounds out to second

End of inning: Red Sox 1, Angels 3

Eighth inning: Red Sox: (Angels pitcher Jose Arredondo relieves Angels starting pitcher Jered Weaver), Varitek pops up to shortstop, Green singles to right, Ellsbury singles to right, Green moves to third, Lugo walks, Ellsbury moves to second, (bases-loaded), (Angels pitcher Darren Oliver relieves Angels pitcher Jose Arrendondo), Ortiz hit by pitch, Green scores, Ellsbury moves to third, Lugo moves to second, (Angels pitcher Scot Shields relieves Angels pitcher Darren Oliver), Bay grounds out to right, Ellsbury scores, Lugo moves to third, Ortiz moves to second, Lowell grounds out to third

Angels: (Red Sox pitcher Ramon Ramirez relieves Red Sox pitcher Manny Delcarmen), Napoli on first due to error by shortstop, Reggie Willits (hits for Rivera) out on bunt to first, Napoli moves to second, Kendrick flies out to center, Mathis strikes out swinging

End of inning: Red Sox 3, Angels 3

Ninth inning: Red Sox: Drew singles to center, Bailey flies out to center, Varitek doubles to center, Drew scores, (Angels pitcher Jason Bulger relieves Angels pitcher Scot Shields), Varitek moves to third on wild pitch, Green walks, Ellsbury fouls out to third, Lugo grounds out to pitcher

Angels: (Boston pitcher Jonathan Papelbon relieves Boston pitcher Ramon Ramirez), Figgins flies out to center, Izturis grounds out to first, Abreu walks, Abreu steals second, Hunter strikes out swinging

End of game: Red Sox 4, Angels 3

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Justin Masterson, Winning Pitcher: Ramon Ramirez (4)

LA ANGELS: Starting Pitcher: Jered Weaver, Losing Pitcher: Scot Shields

BOSTON: Save: Jonathan Papelbon (9)

BOSTON: Homerun: J. D. Drew (5)

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RED SOX: Wins: 21, Losses: 12, AL East Standings: Toronto, Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Wednesday 13 May 2009, 7:05 p.m. PT, Los Angeles Angels, Angel Stadium, Tim Wakefield

Red Sox Rub Rays, 4 to 3

TAMPA BAY: 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 - 3 7 0

BOSTON: 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 1 x - 4 9 2

It was close, but the Boston Red Sox take the third game against the Tampa Bay Rays and win this series two games to one game. Fortunately Boston has some breathing room from Tampa Bay, who they don't meet again until August. The Green Monster in Fenway Park made the difference in the game with two doubles in a row off the wall in the eighth inning by David Ortiz and Jason Bay, with Ortiz scoring the winning run. The Red Sox leave for the West Coast and three-game series with the Los Angeles Angels and the Seattle Mariners.

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TAMPA BAY: Starting Pitcher: Matt Garza, Losing Pitcher: Brian Shouse

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Josh Beckett, Winning Pitcher: Ramon Ramirez (3)

BOSTON: Save: Jonathan Papelbon (8)

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RED SOX: Wins: 20, Losses: 12, AL East Standings: Toronto, Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Tuesday 12 May 2009, 7:05 p.m. PT, Los Angeles Angels, Angel Stadium, Justin Masterson

Happy 26th Birthday George Kottaras!!!

George Kottaras is a left-handed batting and right-handed throwing catcher. He is the backup catcher for the Boston Red Sox and is the personal catcher for knuckleballer Tim Wakefield. George made his Major League debut with the Boston Red Sox on Saturday 13 September 2008 when he was twenty-five years, four months, and three days old. The Red Sox played the Toronto Blue Jays in Fenway Park that day and George scored the team’s single run in the eight to one loss. George made his starting debut on Friday 10 April 2009 when he was twenty-five years and eleven months old. Boston played the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim that day and George had a single in the fifth inning and Boston went on to lose six to three. George wears number sixteen.

Tampa Bay Topples Boston

TAMPA BAY: 2 0 0 0 6 5 1 0 0 - 14 17 2

BOSTON: 0 1 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 - 5 10 1

No super run producing sixth inning today for the Boston Red Sox. Although the Red Sox managed to launch twice as many long balls in Fenway Park as the Tampa Bay Rays, it was the shorter hits that did the job for Tampa Bay. The Rays are the recurring pain that every time you think it has been cured, it comes back again just as strong and annoying. Boston's winning streak ends at two and their errorless games ends at three. Let's start new streaks in the rubber match tomorrow.

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TAMPA BAY: Starting Pitcher: Scott Kazmir, Winning Pitcher: Scott Kazmir

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Jon Lester, Losing Pitcher: Jon Lester (3)

TAMPA BAY: Save: Lance Cormier

TAMPA BAY: Homerun: Evan Longoria

BOSTON: Homeruns: Rocco Baldelli (1), Julio Lugo (1)

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RED SOX: Wins: 19, Losses: 12, AL East Standings: Toronto, Boston, Tampa Bay, New York, Baltimore

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Next game: Sunday 10 May 2009, 5:05 p.m. PT, Tampa Bay Rays, Fenway Park, Josh Beckett

Red Sox Sink Rays, 7 to 3

TAMPA BAY: 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 - 3 9 0

BOSTON: 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 2 x - 7 15 0

For the second night in a row, the sixth inning was the turning point in the game for the Boston Red Sox and their win over the Tampa Bay Rays. With two victories, a new winning streak has begun at Fenway Park. Boston has also played three games in a row without committing an error.

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TAMPA BAY: Starting Pitcher: James Shields, Losing Pitcher: James Shields

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Brad Penny, Winning Pitcher: Brad Penny (3)

BOSTON: Homeruns: Jason Bay (9), J. D. Drew (4)

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RED SOX: Wins: 19, Losses: 11, AL East Standings: Boston, Toronto, New York, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Saturday 9 May 2009, 12:40 p.m. PT, Tampa Bay Rays, Fenway Park, Jon Lester

Boston Batters Cleveland,13 to 3

CLEVELAND: 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 - 3 7 0

BOSTON: 1 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 x - 13 13 0

Well, the absent bats of Jacoby Ellsbury, David Ortiz, and Kevin Youkilis were not needed in Fenway Park today. The Boston Red Sox scored twelve runs in the sixth - the most runs they scored in one inning this season and in so doing, established a new American League record by scoring those runs before an out was recorded. Boston broke the record of the Detroit Tigers who, on Wednesday 17 June 1925, scored eleven runs in the sixth inning before making an out against the New York Yankees. This Red Sox short series ends in a split with the Cleveland Indians. It is encouraging to see run production throughout the lineup. Run production will be required against the Tampa Bay Rays tomorrow.

Okay, my input regarding Los Angeles Dodger Leftfielder Manny Ramirez's (formerly of the Boston Red Sox) fifty game suspension for testing positive for a performance enhancing drug. I applaud Manny for taking responsibility for his actions (or non-action for not determining the legality of the medication). However, it is another strike against the game of baseball and brings into question who to believe in, who to cheer for, who to trust. Is the quest for winning so all encompassing that players willing risk their health and the esteem of their fans and baseball fraternity? Yes, I want my team to win, but I also want them to play fair and to naturally develop their talent. Manny will serve his suspension (even if the PED was accidentally taken), the games will go on, and surely this topic will rise again.

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CLEVELAND: Starting Pitcher: Jeremy Sowers, Losing Pitcher: Jeremy Sowers

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Tim Wakefield, Winning Pitcher: Tim Wakefield (4)

BOSTON: Homerun: Jason Bay (8)

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RED SOX: Wins: 18, Losses: 11, AL East Standings: Toronto, Boston, Tampa Bay, New York, Baltimore

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Next game: Friday 8 May 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Tampa Bay Rays, Fenway Park, Brady Penny

Cleveland Clobbers Boston

CLEVELAND: 0 0 1 0 3 0 3 0 2 - 9 13 0

BOSTON: 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 2 8 0

No sweep of the Fenway Park homestand this time. The Boston Red Sox scored early but not often in this first game of the two-game series against the Cleveland Indians. The Red Sox lineup surely missed the power of Jacoby Ellsbury and Kevin Youkilis today. Weather permitting, Boston will be looking for a split of the series tomorrow. Let's hope Ellsbury and/or Youkilis will be back to lend a hand - with a bat.

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CLEVELAND: Starting Pitcher: Carl Pavano, Winning Pitcher: Carl Pavano

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Justin Masterson, Losing Pitcher: Justin Masterson (2)

CLEVELAND: Save: Aaron Laffey

CLEVELAND: Homeruns: Mark DeRosa, Victor Martinez

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RED SOX: Wins: 17, Losses: 11, AL East Standings: Toronto, Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Thursday 7 May 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Cleveland Indians, Fenway Park, Tim Wakefield

Red Sox Recap, 27 April to 5 May

Between Monday 27 April 2009 and Tuesday 5 May 2009, the Boston Red Sox played nine games on the road - three games against the Cleveland Indians, four against the Tampa Bay Rays, and two against the New York Yankees. Here are the breakdowns over this time period.

Totals Each Series

Red Sox: 17 runs, 32 hits, 4 errors

Indians: 15 runs, 25 hits, 2 errors

Two wins, one loss (won the first and third games)

Analysis: Red Sox had 53% of the total runs, 56% of the total hits, 66% of the total errors

Red Sox: 15 runs, 31 hits, 2 errors

Rays: 30 runs, 46 hits, 2 errors

One win, three losses (won the third game)

Analysis: Red Sox had 33% of the total runs, 40% of the total hits, 50% of the total errors

Red Sox: 13 runs, 19 hits, 1 error

Yankees: 7 runs, 19 hits, 3 errors

Two wins, zero losses (sweep)

Analysis: Red Sox had 65% of the total runs, 50% of the total hits, 25% of the total errors

Combined Series Totals

Red Sox: 45 runs, 82 hits, 7 errors

Opponents: 52 runs, 90 hits, 7 errors

Five wins, four losses

Analysis: Red Sox had 46% of the total runs, 48% of the total hits, 50% of the total errors

Season-To-5 May 2009

Red Sox: 154 runs, 256 hits, 18 errors

Opponents: 131 runs, 247 hits, 23 errors

Seventeen wins, ten losses

Analysis: Red Sox had 54% of the total runs, 51% of the total hits, 44% of the total errors

AL East Standings (at the start of Wednesday 6 May 2009)

Toronto 19 10 .655

Boston 17 10 .630

New York 13 13 .500

Tampa Bay 12 16 .429

Baltimore 10 17 .370

Red Sox Yoke Yankees, 7 to 3

BOSTON: 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 - 7 8 1

NY YANKEES: 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 3 10 1

The Boston Red Sox were extremely efficient tonight by scoring all the runs they would need to win in the first inning. The runs in the last two innings were the ice cream on top of a humble pie served to the New York Yankees. Both starting pitchers had hiccups but each settled down nicely after them. Ultimately, the relief pitching for Boston (gave up zero runs) proved to be more effective than the New York (gave up three runs) bullpen. The Red Sox leave Yankee Stadium with a five-game winning streak over the Yankees. Boston heads home after having five wins and four losses on this road trip; which is a vast improvement over their last trip (two wins and four losses). Their five-game homestand begins tomorrow against the Cleveland Indians and will end on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Rays.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Josh Beckett, Winning Pitcher: Josh Beckett (3)

NY YANKEES: Starting Pitcher: Joba Chamberlain, Losing Pitcher: Joba Chamberlain

BOSTON: Homerun: Jason Bay (7)

NY YANKEES: Homerun: Johnny Damon

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RED SOX: Wins: 17, Losses: 10, AL East Standings: Toronto, Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Wednesday 6 May 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Cleveland Indians, Fenway Park, Justin Masterson

Red Sox Run-Over Yankees, 6 to 4

BOSTON: 1 1 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 - 6 11 0

NY YANKEES: 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 - 4 9 2

Rain delay? What rain delay? The rain may have been pouring during the two hour plus delay, but the runs came slowly and steadily for the Boston Red Sox in the game. Result - Boston's first win in their first visit to the new Yankee Stadium. They did leave the bases-loaded in the ninth without scoring a run - always a frustrating and annoying event. It was another Red Sox / Yankees endurance test and happily the Boston Red Sox 2009 winning streak against the New York Yankees continues. Lester had a striking outing and David Ortiz had a couple of doubles. Is Ortiz truly about to break out of his struggles?

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Jon Lester, Winning Pitcher: Jon Lester (2)

NY YANKEES: Starting Pitcher: Phil Hughes, Losing Pitcher: Phil Hughes

BOSTON: Save: Jonathan Papelbon (7)

BOSTON: Homeruns: Mike Lowell (6), Jason Bay (6)

NY YANKEES: Homeruns: Johnny Damon, Mark Teixeira (two in the game)

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RED SOX: Wins: 16, Losses: 10, AL East Standings: Toronto, Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Tuesday 5 May 2009, 4:05 p.m. PT, New York Yankees, Yankee Stadium, Josh Beckett

Tampa Bay Takes Boston

BOSTON: 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 - 3 8 1

TAMPA BAY: 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 x - 5 10 0

Watched the road series loss for the Boston Red Sox at my favorite New England sports living bar in Southern California. The bar was already open when I arrived and before the game talked to Andrew about Italy, basketball, and movies. I was the only patron at the start of the game, but soon familiar (Rich) and new faces arrived. From this game with the Tampa Bay Rays, the Red Sox will now have to learn how to prevent stolen bases, as the Ray's Carl Crawford tied the Major League record for steals in one game - six. There is so much that Boston needs to execute well when playing Tampa Bay and they often come up short. The Red Sox will soon have another chance to see if they can win against the Rays later this week in Fenway Park. Boston won't have to play in Tropicana Field again until August.

Personal Note: I found out early this morning that a woman, who had also patronized this New England bar and with whom I had watched a number of Red Sox games over the past five years, had unexpectedly died on Wednesday. The sorrow of this tragic end to Nora's life is felt by all who knew her in this place. May Nora's soul find rest and peace.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Brad Penny, Losing Pitcher: Brad Penny (1)

TAMPA BAY: Starting Pitcher: James Shields, Winning Pitcher: James Shields

TAMPA BAY: Save: Troy Percival

BOSTON: Homerun: Kevin Youkilis (6)

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RED SOX: Wins: 15, Losses: 10, AL East Standings: Toronto, Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Monday 4 May 2009, 4:05 p.m. PT, New York Yankees, Yankee Stadium, Jon Lester

Boston Blasts Tampa Bay, 10 to 6

BOSTON: 2 3 1 0 0 2 2 0 0 - 10 13 1

TAMPA BAY: 1 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 1 - 6 11 2

The Boston Red Sox demonstrated their run producing ability tonight, which had been exceedingly suppressed in the past two games against the Tampa Bay Rays. I was apprehensive when Wakefield was taken out in the sixth (thought he should have stayed to at least the seventh), but the bullpen came through and did a great job in not allowing the Rays any additional runs until the ninth. Now if the Red Sox can win the fourth game tomorrow in Tropicana Field, that would give them a split of the series and positive momentum heading into the games with the Yankees. And just maybe they would have learned how to win against Tampa Bay.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Tim Wakefield, Winning Pitcher: Tim Wakefield (3)

TAMPA BAY: Starting Pitcher: Jeff Niemann, Losing Pitcher: Jeff Niemann

BOSTON: Homerun: Mike Lowell (5)

TAMPA BAY: Homerun: Carlos Pena

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RED SOX: Wins: 15, Losses: 9, AL East Standings: Toronto, Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Sunday 3 May 2009, 10:38 a.m. PT, Tampa Bay Rays, Tropicana Field, Brad Penny

Tampa Bay Tanks Boston

BOSTON: 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 - 2 9 0

TAMPA BAY: 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 x - 6 7 0

Not sure why the Boston Red Sox have such a hard time with the Tampa Bay Rays, but they need to find a way to win against them. Yesterday's shutout was the first one against the Red Sox since 22 April 1993 by Chris Bosio of the Seattle Mariners in Seattle. At least in this loss the Rays scored half as many runs as in yesterday's game and the Red Sox did put two runs on the board today. The trend is a positive one. Now if Boston can salvage the next two games and come away from Tropicana Field with a split of the four-game series, I would consider it an unequivocal victory.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Justin Masterson, Losing Pitcher: Justin Masterson (1)

TAMPA BAY: Starting Pitcher: Andy Sonnanstine, Winning Pitcher: Andy Sonnanstine

TAMPA BAY: Homeruns: Evan Longoria (grand slam), Carlos Pena

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RED SOX: Wins: 14, Losses: 9, AL East Standings: Toronto, Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Saturday 2 May 2009, 4:08 p.m. PT, Tampa Bay Rays, Tropicana Field, Tim Wakefield