Orioles Overcome Red Sox

BOSTON: 2 2 0 5 0 0 1 0 0 - 10 16 0

BALTIMORE: 0 0 1 0 0 0 5 5 x - 11 16 1

There was a seventy-one minute rain delay in the middle of the fifth inning and unfortunately Smoltz did not return to pitch in the bottom of the fifth. In his second outing for the Boston Red Sox, Smoltz was outstanding and had plenty of run support at the time of the delay. It is a real shame that he was not allowed to return to the game against the Baltimore Orioles. What is the pitching theory for not letting him back in? How could the last place Orioles have a record setting comeback against the first place Red Sox?? Why did the Boston bullpen fall apart??? Will the Red Sox redeem themselves in Oriole Park tomorrow afternoon? Does anyone have any answers?

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: John Smoltz, Losing Pitcher: Takashi Saito (1)

BALTIMORE: Starting Pitcher: Rich Hill, Winning Pitcher: Mark Hendrickson

BALTIMORE: Save: George Sherrill

BOSTON: Homeruns: Kevin Youkilis (13), Jacoby Ellsbury (4)

BALTIMORE: Homerun: Oscar Salazar

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RED SOX: Wins: 47, Losses: 30, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Wednesday 1 July 2009, 10:35 a.m. PT, Baltimore Orioles, Oriole Park, Josh Beckett

Boston Bursts Baltimore, 4 to 0

BOSTON: 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 - 4 11 0

BALTIMORE: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 6 0

Pitching and hitting worked together for the Boston Red Sox tonight in Oriole Park. Keeping the Baltimore Orioles scoreless and getting double digit hits again is a great start to this three-game series. Lester had another good outing and Drew was a double short of the cycle. Great combination! The game was the fourth shutout by the Red Sox this month. Excellent!

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Jon Lester, Winning Pitcher: Jon Lester (7)

BALTIMORE: Starting Pitcher: Jason Berken, Losing Pitcher: Jason Berken

BOSTON: Save: Jonathan Papelbon (19)

BOSTON: Homerun: J. D. Drew (10)

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RED SOX: Wins: 47, Losses: 29, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Tuesday 30 June 2009, 4:05 p.m. PT, Baltimore Orioles, Oriole Park, John Smoltz

Atlanta Blasts Boston

BOSTON: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 - 1 5 1

ATLANTA: 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 x - 2 6 2

Outside my favorite New England sports living bar, I did a crossword puzzle while waiting for Andrew to arrive and open up the bar. It was a movie-themed puzzle. Films are another of my great interests, but that's for a different blog. Running late, Andrew arrived and I helped take down a few chairs from the tables. Also, Rich has returned from back East where he had been vacationing and attending his son's wedding. Rain was the theme of his visit. As for the Boston Red Sox - no sweep on Sunday was their theme. It was another pitching duel with the Atlanta Braves and unfortunately for Boston, Atlanta prevailed in this game. The series finale at Turner Field was won on homeruns by the Braves and insufficient hitting by the Red Sox. There was a bases-loaded opportunity in the fourth that didn't produce any runs. Boston hasn't hit in double digits since Tuesday's game against Washington. Time for more bat contact. This was the last game of Interleague play for Boston and they ended up winning eleven and losing seven Interleageue games. Now it's back to American League teams and the Red Sox head to Baltimore for the first time this season. Going into the three-game series with the Orioles, Boston will be coming off a series win, holding the best record in the American League, and leading the AL East. I know it's repetitive, but a mantra can be good for the soul and can be every Red Sox fan's theme going forward - "series win, best record, leading East" - repeat as needed!

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

ATLANTA: Starting Pitcher: Tommy Hanson, Winning Pitcher: Tommy Hanson

ATLANTA: Save: Mike Gonzalez

ATLANTA: Homeruns: Chipper Jones, Garret Anderson

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RED SOX: Wins: 46, Losses: 29, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Monday 29 June 2009, 4:05 p.m. PT, Baltimore Orioles, Oriole Park, Jon Lester

Red Sox Blank Braves, 1 to 0

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

ATLANTA: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 4 0

Deja vu. Another Saturday. Another pitching duel. Another shutout of the Atlanta Braves. Now if only all the Saturday games the Boston Red Sox played had the same result. Or all the days even. Jason Bay had a rest day and Julio Lugo went into play. Although I prefer a hitting game, I do appreciate the elegance of a matchup between pitchers and keeping batters off base. Fortunately, Boston had sufficient hitting in Turner Field today to get one batter all the way around the bases. Tomorrow Boston goes for the sweep and the Red Sox usual standings remain the same - series win, best AL record, lead over Yankees in East. And finally, here is my haiku celebrating the shutouts:

Saturday shutouts.

Young ace Beck plus old ace Wake,

Pitch summer glory.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Tim Wakefield, Winning Pitcher: Tim Wakefield (10)

ATLANTA: Starting Pitcher: Javier Vazquez, Losing Pitcher: Javier Vazquez

BOSTON: Save: Jonathan Papelbon (18)

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RED SOX: Wins: 46, Losses: 28, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Sunday 28 June 2009, 10:30 a.m. PT, Atlanta Braves, Turner Field, Brad Penny

Red Sox Bust Braves, 4 to 1

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

ATLANTA: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 - 1 8 0

Oh Terry, why didn't you let Beckett stay in the game so that he could have another complete game shutout against the Atlanta Braves, as he did on Saturday? Complete games are good. Anyway, congrats on your eight hundredth managerial win! To continue, the Boston Red Sox have started well at Turner Field in this three-game series against the Braves. Would have preferred that a homerun was not given up to the Braves in the ninth inning. Let's hope the Red Sox improve over the last Boston and Atlanta series and they leave on Sunday with a sweep.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Josh Beckett, Winning Pitcher: Josh Beckett (9)

ATLANTA: Starting Pitcher: Jair Jurrjens, Losing Pitcher: Jair Jurrjens

BOSTON: Homerun: David Ortiz (8)

ATLANTA: Homerun: David Ross

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RED SOX: Wins: 45, Losses: 28, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Saturday 27 June 2009, 1:00 p.m. PT, Atlanta Braves, Turner Field, Tim Wakefield

Washington Wacks Boston

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

WASHINGTON: 4 0 1 0 0 2 2 0 x - 9 11 1

No sweep by the Boston Red Sox of the Washington Nationals. John Smoltz's Red Sox debut in Nationals Park did not have the desired outcome. Boston was not able to come back and produce enough runs to win the game and have the sweep. The Red Sox leave the Capital and head to Atlanta to continue with Interleague play on the road. At the end of the day, Boston still has the series win over the Nationals, the best record in the American League and a four-game lead over the Yankees in the AL East.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: John Smoltz, Losing Pitcher: John Smoltz (1)

WASHINGTON: Starting Pitcher: Jordan Zimmermann, Winning Pitcher: Jordan Zimmermann

BOSTON: Homerun: Rocco Baldelli (4)

WASHINGTON: Homerun: Willie Harris

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RED SOX: Wins: 44, Losses: 28, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Friday 26 June 2009, 4:30 p.m. PT, Atlanta Braves, Turner Field, Josh Beckett

Happy 24th Birthday Daniel Paul Bard!!!

Daniel Bard is a right-handed batting and throwing pitcher. He is a relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. Daniel signed with the Boston Red Sox on Monday 4 September 2006 when he was twenty-one years, two months, and ten days old. Daniel made his Major League debut with the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday 13 May 2009 when he was twenty-three years, ten months, and eighteen days old. The Red Sox played the Los Angeles Angels in Angel Stadium that day and Daniel pitched two innings of no earned runs relief in the eight to four loss. Daniel wears number sixty.

Red Sox Nick Nationals, 6 to 4

BOSTON: 0 0 0 3 1 2 0 0 0 - 6 7 0

WASHINGTON: 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 - 4 8 0

Another game win, another series win for the Boston Red Sox. A much quieter game for Boston against the Washington Nationals than yesterday's slugfest, though with the same outcome. Ortiz's three-run homer (his first homerun outside of Fenway Park this season) put him over one thousand RBIs. Congrats! And Lester had a good outing and this win evens his record. Tomorrow a record begins with the Red Sox debut of starting pitcher John Smoltz in Nationals Park. He has replaced Matsuzaka in the rotation while Dice-K is on the disabled list. Looking forward to Smoltz and a sweep.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Jon Lester, Winning Pitcher: Jon Lester (6)

WASHINGTON: Starting Pitcher: Craig Stammen, Losing Pitcher: Craig Stammen

BOSTON: Save: Jonathan Papelbon (17)

BOSTON: Homeruns: David Ortiz (7), Jason Varitek (11)

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RED SOX: Wins: 44, Losses: 27, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Thursday 25 June 2009, 4:05 p.m. PT, Washington Nationals, Nationals Park, John Smoltz

Boston Whips Washington, 11 to 3

BOSTON: 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 6 1 - 11 17 0

WASHINGTON: 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 - 3 8 1

Interleague play continues on the road for the Boston Red Sox. Boston heads south and opens the road trip with a three-game series against the Washington Nationals. Even though it was a slow, back-and-forth start to the scoring, the Red Sox turned it into a hit fest at Nationals Park in the eighth inning. It was the Jay and Jacoby show tonight which included one homerun and two triples between them. For the first time in almost four decades, Boston played in Washington, D.C. and the beginning of the renewed experience is a good one. And mentioning "first", the Red Sox still lead the American League and are five games ahead of the Yankees and Blue Jays in the Al East.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Brad Penny, Winning Pitcher: Manny Delcarmen (2)

WASHINGTON: Starting Pitcher: John Lannan, Losing Pitcher: Julian Tavarez

BOSTON: Homerun: Jason Bay (19)

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RED SOX: Wins: 43, Losses: 27, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Wednesday 24 June 2009, 4:05 p.m. PT, Washington Nationals, Nationals Park, Jon Lester

Red Sox Recap, 12 to 21 June

Between Friday 12 June and Sunday 21 June 2009, the Boston Red Sox played nine games – three on the road – three against the Philadelphia Phillies and six games in Fenway Park – three against the Florida Marlins and three against the Atlanta Braves. Here are the breakdowns over the time period.

Total Each Series

Red Sox: 22 runs, 35 hits, 2 errors
Phillies: 19 runs, 32 hits, 5 errors
Two wins, one loss (won the first and second games)
Analysis: Red Sox had 54% of the total runs, 52% of the total hits, 29% of the total errors

Red Sox: 15 runs, 23 hits, 1 error
Marlins: 5 runs, 21 hits, 2 errors
Two wins, one loss (won the first and second games)
Analysis: Red Sox had 75% of the total runs, 52% of the total hits, 33% of the total errors

Red Sox: 11 runs, 19 hits, 1 error
Braves; 13 runs, 30 hits, 3 errors
Two wins, one loss (won the second and third games)
Analysis: Red Sox had 46% of the total runs, 39% of the total hits, 25% of the total errors

Combined Series Totals

Red Sox: 48 runs, 77 hits, 4 errors
Opponents: 37 runs, 83 hits, 10 errors
Six wins, three losses
Analysis: Red Sox had 57% of the total runs, 48% of the total hits, 29% of the total errors

Season-To-21 June 2009

Red Sox: 365 runs, 631 hits, 40 errors
Opponents: 302 runs, 622 hits, 53 errors
Forty-two wins, twenty-seven losses
Analysis: Red Sox had 55% of the total runs, 51% of the total hits, 43% of the total errors

AL East Standings (at the start of Monday 22 June 2009)

Boston 42 27 .609
New York 38 31 .551
Toronto 38 33 .535
Tampa Bay 37 34 .521
Baltimore 32 37 .464

Red Sox Bomb Braves, 6 to 5

ATLANTA: 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 - 5 14 1

BOSTON: 3 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 - 6 10 0

It's Sunday, the Summer Solstice, and I'm at my favorite New England sports living bar watching the rubber match of the Interleague series between the Boston Red Sox and the Atlanta Braves. As usual, Andrew opened the bar and the bar's owner, Jim, made a brief pre-game appearance. There was some drama at Fenway Park on this first day of Summer. Almost half the total runs in the game were scored in the first inning. In different innings in the game, both teams had the bases-loaded, but it was Boston that capitalized on the opportunity. Three members of the Braves were ejected in the bottom of the seventh inning. They argued with the home plate umpire over a called ball that kept J. D. Drew at bat; who promptly got a single and another Red Sox run scored. The best drama of the day was the two homeruns - Ortiz's two-run blast which put the Red Sox ahead and Green's solo walk-off which, by definition, gave Boston the win. The Red Sox win the series, have the best record in the American League, and have a four game lead over the Yankees. Yes, summer has arrived with a bang. Happy Summer Solstice!

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ATLANTA: Starting Pitcher: Jair Jurrjens, Losing Pitcher: Jeff Bennett

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Tim Wakefield, Winning Pitcher: Jonathan Papelbon (1)

BOSTON: Homeruns: David Ortiz (6), Nick Green (4, walk-off)

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RED SOX: Wins: 42, Losses: 27, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Tuesday 23 June 2009, 4:05 p.m. PT, Washington Nationals, National Park, Brad Penny

Boston Red Sox logo is from the website mlb.com

Boston Blanks Atlanta, 3 to 0

ATLANTA: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 5 1

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

Starting pitcher Josh Beckett of the Boston Red Sox throws a complete game shutout against the Atlanta Braves. Thank you Terry for letting Beckett take the game to the end and make it his own! Former Red Sox pitcher Derek Lowe started for the Atlanta Braves and was warmly greeted by the fans in Fenway Park. Memory is long in Boston and appreciation for the past remains. On the subject of pitchers, Daisuke Matsuzaka has officially been pulled from the rotation and a medial evaluation of the starter will take place. No six-man rotation for the time being. Tomorrow knuckleballer Tim Wakefield will start for the Red Sox. This Interleague series is tied at one game apiece and Boston goes for the series win.

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ATLANTA: Starting Pitcher: Derek Lowe, Losing Pitcher: Derek Lowe

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Josh Beckett, Winning Pitcher: Josh Beckett (8)

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RED SOX: Wins: 41, Losses: 27, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Sunday 21 June 2009, 10:35 a.m. PT, Atlanta Braves, Fenway Park, Tim Wakefield

Atlanta Attacks Boston

ATLANTA: 2 0 0 2 2 0 1 0 1 - 8 11 1

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

Either the Boston Red Sox have forgotten how to hit or they have encountered exceptional opponent pitching during the past two days. Although Boston has had only three hits and three runs in these last two games, I'll go with the later option. If so, then the corollary is that the Boston pitching has not been exceptional, in a positive sense. Interleague play continued today against a new opponent - the Atlanta Braves. The usually friendly Fenway Park has not been such for the Red Sox at the end of the last series and at the beginning of this three-game series. Also Boston will have to make a decision regarding Dice-K, whose next turn in the rotation (Thursday 25 June) has been scheduled to go to John Smoltz - have a six-man rotation, move to the bullpen, or have a minor league assignment? Answers should be forthcoming next week.

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ATLANTA: Starting Pitcher: Kenshin Kawakami, Winning Pitcher: Kenshin Kawakami

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Daisuke Matsuzaka, Losing Pitcher: Daisuke Matsuzaka (5)

ATLANTA: Homerun: Nate McLouth

BOSTON: Homerun: Jason Bay (18)

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RED SOX: Wins: 40, Losses: 27, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Saturday 20 June 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Atlanta Braves, Fenway Park, Josh Beckett

Florida Fells Boston

FLORIDA: 0 2 0 0 0 - 2 8 1

BOSTON: 1 0 0 0 0 - 1 1 0

Rain was the downfall for the Boston Red Sox not sweeping the Florida Marlins in tonight's weather-shortened game. All the runs scored in Fenway Park were longballs and the Marlins had one more of them than the Red Sox. However, there is some sunshine for Boston. They did win the three-game series, still have the best record in the American League and have a three game lead over the New York Yankees in the AL East. The Yankees were beaten twice in their three-game series against the Washington Nationals (who have the worst record in the Major Leagues). Yes, despite the prevailing weather, the sun does reign for Boston.

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FLORIDA: Starting Pitcher: Ricky Nolasco, Winning Pitcher: Ricky Nolasco

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Jon Lester, Losing Pitcher: Jon Lester (6)

FLORIDA: Homerun: Dan Uggla, Ronny Paulino

BOSTON: Homerun: Kevin Youkilis (12)

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RED SOX: Wins: 40, Losses: 26, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Friday 19 June 2009, 4:1o p.m. PT, Atlanta Braves, Fenway Park, Daisuke Matsuzaka

Red Sox Mash Marlins, 6 to 1

FLORIDA: 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 1 6 0

BOSTON: 0 2 0 2 0 0 1 1 x - 6 9 1

Streaks and milestones were the underlying themes of today's Boston Red Sox game against the Florida Marlins. Jacoby Ellsbury's Major League career errorless streak ended in the first inning out of two hundred thirty-two games with five hundred fifty-four chances. The milestone at Fenway Park was the five hundredth straight regular season home sellout - a new Major League record and the soldout streak will continue. Brad Penny recorded his one hundredth career win and Boston has a two-game winning streak. Outside of this game, Ivan Rodriguez of the Houston Astros passed former Red Sox Carlton Fisk's Major League record for games caught with his two thousand two hundred twenty-seventh game today. At the end of the day, the Red Sox maintain the best record in the American League and they go for the sweep against the Marlins tomorrow. More streaks and milestones to come.

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FLORIDA: Starting Pitcher: Andrew Miller, Losing Pitcher: Andrew Miller

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Brad Penny, Winning Pitcher: Brad Penny (6)

BOSTON: Homerun: Jacoby Ellsbury (3)

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RED SOX: Wins: 40, Losses: 25, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Thursday 18 June 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Florida Marlins, Fenway Park, Jon Lester

Boston Fries Florida, 8 to 2

FLORIDA: 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 - 2 7 1

BOSTON: 0 1 1 6 0 0 0 0 x - 8 13 0

The Boston Red Sox highlights of this Interleague game against the Florida Marlins were the two-run pitching of Tim Wakefield, the fifth homerun of the season by David Ortiz to start off the batting around, six-run scoring fourth inning, and the no runs allowed relief pitching. I guess the highlights for the Marlins would be the fact that they did have some hits and a couple of runs. The Red Sox are back at Fenway Park and start off, where they ended at the ball field on Thursday, with a win. Boston plays the second game of this three-game series tomorrow and will be trying for the series win.

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FLORIDA: Starting Pitcher: Chris Volstad, Losing Pitcher: Chris Volstad

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Tim Wakefield, Winning Pitcher: Tim Wakefield (9)

BOSTON: Homerun: David Ortiz (5)

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RED SOX: Wins: 39, Losses: 25, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Wednesday 17 June 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Florida Marlins, Fenway Park, Brad Penny

Philadelphia Pounds Boston

BOSTON: 0 4 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 - 6 11 2

PHILADELPHIA: 1 0 0 0 4 0 6 0 x - 11 14 2

Sunday has come again and Andrew has returned from his trip to Italy. So today in the New England sports living bar, before the start of the Boston Red Sox game, I showed Andrew some of my photos of Rome from a trip I made over ten years ago. And he showed me some of his photos of the trip to Umbria and Rome, with more to come later. That sharing of photos was the highlight of my time in the bar today. The Philadelphia Phillies took the final game of the three-game series by the exact score as Boston's win yesterday. Although Josh Beckett helped his own cause by providing one of the three Boston homeruns, the Phillies managed the comeback today and stopped Boston's winning streak. However, the Red Sox do leave Citizens Bank Park with the series win and their best record in the American League still intact. They return to Fenway Park and continue Interleague play with the Florida Marlins on Tuesday. Looking forward to sharing highlights from the first game of the three-game Marlins series. Photos not included.

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

PHILADELPHIA: Starting Pitcher: J. A. Happ, Winning Pitcher: Chan Ho Park

BOSTON: Homeruns: Rocco Baldelli (3), Nick Green (3), Josh Beckett (1)

PHILADELPHIA: Homerun: Jimmy Rollins
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RED SOX: Wins: 38, Losses: 25, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Tuesday 16 June 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Florida Marlins, Fenway Park, Tim Wakefield

Red Sox Pounce Phillies, 11 to 6

BOSTON: 5 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 1 - 11 13 0

PHILADELPHIA: 0 0 1 3 1 0 1 0 0 - 6 13 3

It is indeed fortunate that the Boston Red Sox scored as many runs as they did in the first inning (per my hope in yesterday's post) and those runs were certainly the difference in the score. The Philadelphia Phillies made a gallant struggle to come back after the long rain delay (one hour, thirty-five minutes), but Boston kept the lead throughout the game. Good hitting. With a four-run lead, Ramon Ramirez made an appearance and did not give up a hit and had a 1-2-3 eighth inning! Right situation. Right result. Matsuzaka still has only one win this season and although that is worrisome, there are pitchers waiting in the wings (Smoltz, Buchholz) that can be added to Boston's pitching depth. Tomorrow the Red Sox go for the sweep at Citizens Bank Park and to continue their winning streak and first place position.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Daisuke Matsuzaka, Winning Pitcher: Hideki Okajima (3)

PHILADELPHIA: Starting Pitcher: Antonio Bastardo, Losing Pitcher: Antonio Bastardo

BOSTON: Homeruns: Jason Bay (17), Jacoby Ellsbury (2)

PHILADELPHIA: Homeruns: Raul Ibanez, Pedro Feliz, Jayson Werth

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RED SOX: Wins: 38, Losses: 24, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Sunday 14 June 2009, 10:35 a.m. PT, Philadelphia Phillies, Citizens Bank Park, Josh Beckett

Red Sox Pass Phillies, 5 to 2

BOSTON: 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 - 5 11 0

PHILADELPHIA: 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 - 2 5 0

Glad that the Boston Red Sox won tonight and that they have the best record in the American League. However, it is a shame that Jon Lester did not receive the win against the Philadelphia Phillies. I think that in situations where the Red Sox pitcher is being effective (1-2-3 innings) and the team has only a one or two run lead, Terry should let the starting pitcher stay in the game. The Boston bullpen is tops, but there have been similar situations as tonight's where they gave up runs in close games. Ramon Ramirez has been giving up homeruns recently. Perhaps he should come in when the team has a larger lead. Sometime it is just a change in pitchers that can turn a game around for the opponent. I know that complete games is not now the fashion in the Majors, but something can be said for sticking with the person who is effectively preserving the lead. The Red Sox will face the Phillies again in Citizens Bank Park tomorrow. Let's hope for a number of Boston runs early in the game and a different game situation.

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

PHILADELPHIA: Starting Pitcher: Joe Blanton, Losing Pitcher: Kyle Kendrick

BOSTON: Save: Daniel Bard (1)

BOSTON: Homeruns: Kevin Youkilis (11), J. D. Drew (9)

PHILADELPHIA: Homerun: Ryan Howard

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RED SOX: Wins: 37, Losses: 24, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Saturday 13 June 2009, 4:05 p.m. PT, Philadelphia Phillies, Citizens Bank Park, Daisuke Matsuzaka

Red Sox Recap, 29 May to 11 June

Between Friday 29 May and Thursday 11 June 2009, the Boston Red Sox played twelve games – six on the road – three against the Toronto Blue Jays and three against the Detroit Tigers and six games at Fenway Park – three against the Texas Rangers and three against the New York Yankees. Here are the breakdowns over the time period.

Total Each Series

Red Sox: 14 runs, 26 hits, 2 errors
Blue Jays: 13 runs, 29 hits, 0 errors
One win, two losses (won the third game)
Analysis: Red Sox had 52% of the total runs, 47% of the total hits, 100& of the total errors

Red Sox; 21 runs, 28 hits, 3 errors
Tigers: 9 runs, 21 hits, 3 errors
Three wins, no losses (sweep)
Analysis: Red Sox had 70% of the total runs, 57% of the total hits, 50% of the total errors

Red Sox: 12 runs, 20 hits, 0 errors
Rangers: 12 runs, 22 hits, 3 errors
One win, two losses (won the second game)
Analysis: Red Sox had 50% of the total runs, 48% of the total hits, 0% of the total errors

Red Sox: 17 runs, 26 hits, 0 errors
Yankees: 8 runs, 23 hits, 2 errors
Three wins, no losses (sweep)
Analysis: Red Sox had 68% of the total runs, 53% of the total hits, 0% of the total errors

Combined Series Totals

Red Sox: 64 runs, 100 hits, 5 errors
Opponents: 42 runs, 95 hits, 8 errors
Eight wins, fours losses
Analysis: Red Sox had 60% of the total runs, 51% of the total hits, 39% of the total errors

Season-To-11 June 2009

Red Sox: 317 runs, 554 hits, 36 errors
Opponents: 265 runs, 539 hits, 43 errors
Thirty-six wins, twenty-four losses
Analysis: Red Sox 55% of the total runs, 51% of the total hits, 46% of the total errors

AL East Standings (at the start of Friday 12 June 2009)

Boston 36 24 .600
New York 34 26 .567
Toronto 34 28 .548
Tampa Bay 31 31 .500
Baltimore 25 35 .417

Red Sox Reduce Yankees, 4 to 3

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

BOSTON: 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 x - 4 8 0

First Inning: Yankees: Derek Jeter (SS) singles into center, Jeter steals second, Johnny Damon (LF) grounds out to first, Mark Teixeira (1B) grounds out to second, Jeter moves to third, Alex Rodriguez (3B) hit by a pitch, Rodriguez steals second, Robinson Cano (2B) flies out to left

Red Sox: Dustin Pedroia (2B) flies out to left, J. D. Drew (RF) doubles into left, Kevin Youkilis (1B) walks, Jason Bay (LF) grounds into a fielder's choice at third, Drew out at third, Youkilis moves to second, Mike Lowell (3B) flies out to right

End of first inning score: Red Sox 0, Yankees 0

Second Inning: Yankees: Nick Swisher (RF) doubles to left, Hideki Matsui (DH) walks, Melky Cabrera (CF) strikes out looking, Francisco Cervelli (C) flies out to left, Swisher out at second

Red Sox: David Ortiz (DH) homers, Jason Varitek (C) flies out to right, Rocco Baldelli (CF) flies out to right, Nick Green (SS) strikes out swinging

End of second inning score: Red Sox 1, Yankees 0

Third Inning: Yankees: Jeter singles to left, Damon strikes out swinging, Teixeira flies out to center, Rodriguez strikes out looking

Red Sox: Pedroia flies out to shortstop, Drew strikes out looking, Youkilis strikes out looking

End of third inning score: Red Sox 1, Yankees 0

Fourth Inning: Yankees: Cano flies out to right, Swisher strikes out swinging, Matsui singles to second, Cabrera singles to shortstop, Matsui moves to second, Cervelli grounds into a fielder's choice at third, Matsui out at third

Red Sox: Bay grounds out to second, Lowell strikes out swinging, Ortiz safe at first on error by left fielder, Varitek grounds out to third

End of fourth inning score: Red Sox 1, Yankees 0

Fifth Inning: Yankees: Jeter grounds out to second, Damon grounds out to second, Teixeira flies out to center

Red Sox: Baldelli singles to left, Green grounds into double play, Baldelli out at second, Pedroia strikes out looking

End of fifth inning score: Red Sox 1, Yankees 0

Sixth Inning: Yankees: Rodriguez grounds out to third, Cano singles to center, Swisher grounds out to first, Cano moves to second, Matsui strikes out looking

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

End of sixth inning score: Red Sox 1, Yankees 0

Seventh Inning: Yankees: (Boston pitcher Manny Delcarmen relieves Boston starting pitcher Brad Penny), Cabrera singles to left, Cervelli doubles to left, Cabrera scores, Jeter grounds out to pitcher, Damon walks, Teixeira flies out to center, Cervelli moves to third, Rodriguez doubles to center, Cervelli scores, Damon scores (Boston pitcher Takashi Saito relieves Boston pitcher Manny Delcarmen), Cano flies out to left

Red Sox: Lowell flies out to right, Ortiz singles to center, Varitek flies out to right, Baldelli strikes out swinging

End of seventh inning score: Red Sox 1, Yankees 3

Eighth Inning: Yankees: Swisher strikes out looking, Matsui singles to left, Cabrera flies out to center, Cervelli strikes out swinging

Red Sox: Green singles to left, Pedroia walks, Green moves to second, Drew singles to center, Green scores, Pedroia moves to second, (New York Pitcher Alfredo Aceves relieves New York starting Pitcher C. C. Sabathia), Youkilis singles to right, Pedroia moves to third, Drew moves to second, (bases-loaded, no outs), Jason Bay singles, Pedroia scores, Drew moves to third, Youkilis moves to second, (bases-loaded, no outs), Lowell flies out to center, Drew scores, (New York Pitcher Phil Coke relives New York pitcher Alfredo Aceves), Ortiz walks, Youkilis moves to third, Bay moves to second, (bases-loaded, one out), Varitek fouls out to first, (bases-loaded, two outs), Baldelli strikes out swinging

End of eighth inning score: Red Sox 4, Yankees 3

Ninth Inning: Yankees: (Boston pitcher Jonathan Papelbon relieves Boston pitcher Takashi Saito), Jeter grounds out to shortstop, Damon flies out to left, Teixeira lines out to first

Red Sox: Game over

End of game score: Red Sox 4, Yankees 3

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NY YANKEES: Starting Pitcher: C. C. Sabathia, Losing Pitcher: C. C. Sabathia

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Brad Penny, Winning Pitcher: Takashi Saito (1)

BOSTON: Save: Jonathan Papelbon (16)

BOSTON: Homerun: David Ortiz (4)

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RED SOX: Wins: 36, Losses: 24, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Friday 12 June 2009, 4:05 p.m. PT, Philadelphia Phillies, Citizens Bank Park, Jon Lester

Red Sox Ride Yankees, 6 to 5

NY YANKEES: 0 1 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 - 5 11 0

BOSTON: 1 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 x - 6 9 0

And the streak goes on! Yes, despite a couple of unexpected homeruns by the New York Yankees off reliever Ramon Ramirez, the Boston Red Sox hang on to make it seven straight wins against the Yankees in 2009. Tomorrow, Boston has the opportunity to have another sweep at Fenway Park and to continue their dominance over New York. This series has certainly showed the depth and quality of Boston's pitching staff compared to New York's. And it will only become better for the Red Sox. First place - all alone.

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NY YANKEES: Starting Pitcher: Chien-Ming Wang, Losing Pitcher: Chien-Ming Wang

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Tim Wakefield, Winning Pitcher: Tim Wakefield (8)

BOSTON: Save: Jonathan Papelbon (15)

NY YANKEES: Homeruns: Jorge Posada, Johnny Damon, Mark Teixeira

BOSTON: Homeruns: Mike Lowell (10), Kevin Youkilis (10)

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RED SOX: Wins: 35, Losses: 24, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Thursday 11 June 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, New York Yankees, Fenway Park, Brad Penny

Red Sox Romp Yankees, 7 to 0

NY YANKEES: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 2 1

BOSTON: 0 4 1 1 0 0 1 0 x - 7 9 0

Shades of the past - David Ortiz Hits Game Winning Homerun!! Okay it was in the second inning and additional Boston Red Sox runs were scored in later innings, but since the New York Yankees did not score any runs, the exclamatory phrase is oh so correct. This game in Fenway Park was the sixth straight win Boston has had this season against New York. A great streak and first place again! Another wonderful outing from Josh Beckett backed up with good hitting and base running. The Red Sox are certainly doing it right against the Yankees. Keep it up!

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NY YANKEES: Starting Pitcher: A. J. Burnett, Losing Pitcher: A. J. Burnett

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Josh Beckett, Winning Pitcher: Josh Beckett (7)

BOSTON: Homerun: David Ortiz (3), Nick Green (2)

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RED SOX: Wins: 34, Losses: 24, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Wednesday 10 June 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, New York Yankees, Fenway Park, Tim Wakefield

Solutions: Name Game Fame

No answers for yesterday's anagram game were submitted, so here are the solutions for the four anagrams. Try again next time!!

1. Oily vine due skim dunk

Person: Kevin Edmund Youkilis


2. Stunt sails enjoin dream

Person: Justin Daniel Masterson


3. Events and I work ajar

Person: Jason Andrew Varitek


4. Snow jar lode relic

Person: Jed Carlson Lowrie

Name Game Fame

Here is a word game on this day off for the Boston Red Sox. Below are four rather nonsensical sentences that are anagrams of Red Sox people. The sentences do not reflect or relate to the person and each person has been mentioned in Red Sox Box. So, rearrange the letters and solve the anagrams. You can send your answers via the comment link at the end of the post. No prizes for the correct answers - just a bit of fun for the day. The solutions will be posted tomorrow, as well as acknowledgement of anyone who sends in the correct answers. Have fun!

1. Oily vine due skim dunk


2. Stunt sails enjoin dream


3. Events and I work ajar


4. Snow jar lode relic

Texas Takes Boston

TEXAS: 1 1 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 - 6 12 1

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

The party's over. Yes, another Sunday at the New England sports living bar, but no celebration to be had. Mike had a late start today, but fortunately, the cook was able to let me and the other Sunday morning regular, Rich, into the building in time to see the start of the game and Michael Young's homerun. Not a good sign. And as it turned out, the Boston Red Sox were not able to win the rubber game and thus the series against the Texas Rangers. Well I suppose there was some celebrating in Fenway Park, just not by the Red Sox. Maybe the starting rotation could use some new life, in the form of John Smoltz. Should be seeing that happen sometime this month. After the game, I went and reduced my sorrow by attending a wine festival. It's wonderful how red wine is able to put the Red Sox in perspective. On Tuesday, Boston has the chance to continue their winning streak against the New York Yankees. Now Boston is second in the AL East. Thought I'd mention that as well.

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TEXAS: Starting Pitcher: Vicente Padillo, Winning Pitcher: Vicente Padillo

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Daisuke Matsuzaka, Losing Pitcher: Daisuke Matsuzaka (4)

TEXAS: Save: C. J. Wilson

TEXAS: Homeruns: Michael Young, Nelson Cruz

BOSTON: Homerun: Mark Kotsay (1)

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RED SOX: Wins: 33, Losses: 24, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Tuesday 9 June 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, New York Yankees, Fenway Park, Josh Beckett

Red Sox Rampage Rangers, 8 to 1

TEXAS: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 - 1 2 1

BOSTON: 0 1 0 0 3 4 0 0 x - 8 9 0

One day later, a true welcome home for the Boston Red Sox! The team made plenty of noise tonight and not only were the Red Sox the life of the party in Fenway Park, they were the only life at the party. The Texas Rangers were virtually quiet today. Sounds from the Rangers were barely audible - a couple of hits and one run. Boston had homeruns (Lowell's with a video interlude and Ortiz's second), plenty of run-producing hits, and Lester took a perfect game/no-hitter into the seventh and ended up with his first complete game of the season (thank you Terry!). On Thursday 3 June 2009 against Detroit, Beckett also took a no-hitter into the seventh. Looks like the Boston starting pitchers have found their rhythm and one of them is surely going to get past the seventh inning stumble and have a no-hitter this year. How about a perfect game? Will enjoy writing about either scenario! And by the way, Boston is back atop the AL East. Just thought I'd mention it.

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TEXAS: Starting Pitcher: Derek Holland, Losing Pitcher: Derek Holland

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

BOSTON: Homerun: Mike Lowell (9), David Ortiz (2)

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RED SOX: Wins: 33, Losses: 23, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Sunday 7 June 2009, 10:35 a.m. PT, Texas Rangers, Fenway Park, Daisuke Matsuzaka

Texas Bashes Boston

TEXAS: 0 0 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 - 5 8 1

BOSTON: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 - 1 7 0

Not a welcoming home coming for the Boston Red Sox. They opened the three-game series against the Texas Rangers with a loss. All was quiet on the Fenway Park front for about half the game, then the Rangers made some noise and the Red Sox were not able to contribute any decibels to the festivities. Let's hope that tomorrow Boston is in better mood to become the life of the party. After all, they are home and need to celebrate being on familiar ground (and perhaps making ground out plays). No further comment for the moment - just an observation.

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TEXAS: Starting Pitcher: Kevin Millwood, Winning Pitcher: Kevin Millwood

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

TEXAS: Homerun: Ian Kinsler

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RED SOX: Wins: 32, Losses: 23, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Saturday 6 June 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Texas Rangers, Fenway Park, Jon Lester

Boston Downs Detroit, 6 to 3

BOSTON: 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 6 6 0

DETROIT: 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 3 10 0

The Boston Red Sox end their road trip with a sweep of the Detroit Tigers. Although the Red Sox did not have as many hits today as in the previous two games, the runs scored were enough for the third game win. And it was another good outing for the Boston pitching staff. Best of all - no errors! Boston leaves Comerica Park and heads to Fenway Park for a six-game homestand against the Texas Rangers and the New York Yankees. They remain tied for first in the American League East. For the time being it will be a neck-and-neck race to lead the East. Making it more interesting and nerve-wracking.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Tim Wakefield, Winning Pitcher: Tim Wakefield (7)

DETROIT: Starting Pitcher: Dontrelle Willis, Losing Pitcher: Dontrelle Willis

BOSTON: Save: Jonathan Papelbon (14)

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RED SOX: Wins: 32, Losses: 22, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Friday 5 June 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Texas Rangers, Fenway Park, Brad Penny

Boston Bests Detroit, 10 to 5

BOSTON: 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 6 0 - 10 13 3

DETROIT: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 - 5 3 1

Three-hit pitching and aggressive base-running by the Boston Red Sox gave them the second and series win against the Detroit Tigers. Everyone in the Boston starting lineup had a hit and the team batting around in the six-run eighth inning at Comerica Park. But they also had much trouble in the Tiger half of the eighth with an injury, three errors and five Tiger runs. This game should have been a shutout. So the question for today is, what will the Red Sox do about the shortstop position? If this is not adequately addressed, then this lack of a good defensive player will truly hurt the Red Sox down the stretch. Beckett was excellent - he is definitely back!

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Josh Beckett, Winning Pitcher: Josh Beckett (6)

DETROIT: Starting Pitcher: Armando Galarraga, Losing Pitcher: Armando Galarraga

BOSTON: Homerun: J. D. Drew (8)

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RED SOX: Wins: 31, Losses: 22, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Next game: Thursday 4 June 2009, 10:05 a.m. PT, Detroit Tigers, Comerica Park, Tim Wakefield

Red Sox Tame Tigers, 5 to 1

BOSTON: 1 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 - 5 9 0

DETROIT: 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 1 9 2

The current road trip for the Boston Red Sox winds down in a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers. Continuing from their win on Sunday against Toronto in Rogers Centre, the Red Sox have started off with a win in Comerica Park. Although Boston only had one homerun this game, they were able to score runs by getting hits and by getting hit. However, Papelbon will surely give me and others physical distress this season - ninth inning, three on, tying run at the plate, no outs and the next three batters all go down swinging!! Unbelievable! Had imagined a different outcome to this game, which was realistic given Papelbon's recent closings in which homeruns occurred. Glad my imagination did not turn into reality. And congratulations to Terry Francona on his five hundredth win as Manager of the Boston Red Sox. Now on to the next championship!

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Daisuke Matsuzaka, Winning Pitcher: Daisuke Matsuzaka (1)

DETROIT: Starting Pitcher: Rick Porcello, Losing Pitcher: Rick Porcello

BOSTON: Homerun: Jason Bay (16)

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RED SOX: Wins: 30, Losses: 22, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Baltimore

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Nest game: Wednesday 3 June 2009, 4:05 p.m. PT, Detroit Tigers, Comerica Park, Josh Beckett