Boston Blasts Baltimore, 6 to 5

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

BALTIMORE: 0 0 3 0 0 2 0 0 0 - 5 9 0

Well, it may not have been the most skillful of pitching starts (only one 1-2-3 inning out of the six innings pitched), but Boston Red Sox pitcher John Smoltz doubled his win total to two today. It was a good hitting start to this three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles with three Red Sox homeruns, but the Boston defense made two errors, one of which resulted in a Baltimore run. Boston has made errors in four out of the last five games. However, Papelbon managed not to be scary today and had a rare 1-2-3 ninth inning and obtained the save. This is Boston's second win in a row and tomorrow, in Oriole Park, they will go for the series win.

Farewell Adam LaRoche, we never really got to know you! After spending a week with the Boston Red Sox, first baseman Adam was traded today to the Atlanta Braves for first baseman Casey Kotchman. In his first appearance in his short-lived tenure with Boston, LaRoche had a homerun. Also today, Boston acquired catcher Victor Martinez from the Cleveland Indians in a trade which included a couple of minor leaguers and pitcher Justin Masterson. I can't believe that Boston gave up Justin Masterson. Trading Masterson to the Indians will come back to hurt Boston. Sorry to see you leave Justin! Both Kotchman and Martinez will join the Red Sox in Baltimore tomorrow.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: John Smoltz, Winning Pitcher: John Smoltz (2)

BALTIMORE: Starting Pitcher: Jeremy Guthrie, Losing Pitcher: Jeremy Guthrie

BOSTON: Save: Jonathan Papelbon (27)

BOSTON: Homeruns: David Ortiz (15), Jacoby Ellsbury (6), Kevin Youkilis (18)

BALTIMORE: Homeruns: Nolan Reimold, Aubrey Huff

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RED SOX: Wins: 60, Losses: 42, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Saturday 1 August 2009, 4:05 p.m. PT, Baltimore Orioles, Oriole Park, Josh Beckett

Red Sox Recap, 17 to 30 July

Between Friday 17 July and Thursday 30 July 2009, the Boston Red Sox played thirteen games. Six games on the road – three against the Toronto Blue Jays and three against the Texas Rangers. Seven games in Fenway Park – three against the Baltimore Orioles and four against the Oakland Athletics. Here are the breakdowns over the time period.

Total Each Series

Red Sox: 7 runs, 18 hits, 3 errors
Blue Jays: 10 runs, 19 hits, 0 errors
One win, two losses (won the first game)
Analysis: Red Sox had 41% of the total runs, 49% of the total hits, 100% of the total errors

Red Sox: 6 runs, 19 hits, 1 error
Rangers: 13 runs, 27 hits, 0 errors
No wins, three losses
Analysis: Red Sox had 32% of the total runs, 41% of the total hits, 100% of the total errors

Red Sox: 12 runs, 25 hits, 2 errors
Orioles: 9 runs, 27 hits, 1 error
Two wins, one loss (won the first and second games)
Analysis: Red Sox had 57% of the total runs, 48% of the total hits, 67% of the total errors

Red Sox: 30 runs, 47 hits, 5 errors
Athletics: 25 runs, 49 hits, 2 errors
Two wins, two losses (won the first and fourth games)
Analysis: Red Sox had 55% of the total runs, 49% of the total hits, 71% of the total errors

Combined Series Totals

Red Sox: 55 runs, 109 hits, 11 errors
Opponents: 57 runs, 122 hits, 3 errors
Five wins, eight losses
Analysis: Red Sox had 49% of the total runs, 47% of the total hits, 79% of the total errors

Season-To-30 July 2009

Red Sox: 520 runs, 904 hits, 62 errors
Opponents: 437 runs, 913 hits, 69 errors
Fifty-nine wins, forty-two losses
Analysis: Red Sox had 54% of the total runs, 50% of the total hits, 47% of the total errors

AL East Standings (at the start of Friday 31 July 2009)

New York 62 40 .608
Boston 59 42 .584
Tampa Bay 55 47 .539
Toronto 49 53 .480
Baltimore 44 57 .436

Red Sox Rally Athletics, 8 to 5

OAKLAND: 0 0 0 0 0 4 1 0 0 - 5 10 0

BOSTON: 0 1 0 0 0 2 3 2 x - 8 10 0

And it's a split! Yes, the Boston Red Sox has ended the four-game series against the Oakland Athletics by winning the fourth game, which goes along with their first game win. On a day which saw David Ortiz and former Red Sox leftfielder Manny Ramirez named ("leaked") as two of the one hundred four players who tested positive for performance enhancing drugs from the 2003 "anonymous" drug testing, it was Ortiz who scored what turned out to be Boston's winning run in today's game at Fenway Park. It has not been a good homestand for the Red Sox and today they head out on a nine-game road trip. Perhaps some new venues will bring together all aspects of the game for Boston.

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OAKLAND: Starting Pitcher: Gio Gonzalez, Losing Pitcher: Craig Breslow

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

BOSTON: Save: Jonathan Papelbon (26)

BOSTON: David Ortiz (14)

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RED SOX: Wins: 59, Losses: 42, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Friday 31 July 2009, 4:05 p.m. PT, Baltimore Orioles, Oriole Park, John Smoltz

Athletics Agonize Red Sox

OAKLAND: 5 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 - 8 10 2

BOSTON: 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 - 6 9 1

The outcome of this game between the Boston Red Sox and the Oakland Athletics was determined in the first inning. There was a two run differential in Oakland's favor at the end of the first, lo and behold, there was still a two run differential in Oakland's favor at the end of the ninth. Yesterday the starting pitching was good and the relief pitching was not good for Boston. Today the starting pitching was not good and the relief pitching was good for Boston. Let's hope that tomorrow, for Boston, the starting pitching is good and the relief pitching is good. The other possibility is too awful to consider. The four-game series against the Athletics ends tomorrow in Fenway Park and the Red Sox will be going for a split of the series.

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OAKLAND: Starting Pitcher: Brett Anderson, Winning Pitcher: Brett Anderson

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

OAKLAND: Save: Andrew Bailey

OAKLAND: Homeruns: Adam Kennedy, Kurt Suzuki

BOSTON: Homerun: Mike Lowell (11)

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RED SOX: Wins: 58, Losses: 42, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Thursday 30 July 2009, 10:35 a.m. PT, Oakland Athletics, Fenway Park, Jon Lester

Oakland Overcomes Boston

OAKLAND: 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 3 0 2 - 9 21 0

BOSTON: 0 0 5 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 - 8 14 3

Where do I begin? What do I write? Why did this happen? The fact: the Boston Red Sox lost the second game of the four-game series to the Oakland Athletics in extra-innings at Fenway Park today. The final score may have one think it was close throughout the game, but that would be incorrect. Boston had a three-run lead going into the ninth inning and one would think that be enough to assure a win, but that would also be incorrect. Errors (Green) and ineffective relief pitching (Delcarmen) led to a blown save (Papelbon) and a Red Sox loss. Everything broke down for Boston. How does Boston protect itself from such meltdowns? Answers have to be found.

The only happy part of the day came before the start of the game. Newly inducted Hall of Famer Jim Rice's number fourteen was retired in pre-game ceremonies, joining Bobby Doerr (1), Joe Cronin (4), Johnny Pesky (6), Carl Yastrzemski (8), Ted Williams (9), and Carlton Fisk (27). A great ending to days of celebration for the former Red Sox leftfielder. Hurrah Jim!

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OAKLAND: Starting Pitcher: Vin Mazzaro, Winning Pitcher: Craig Breslow

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Clay Buchholz, Losing Pitcher: Manny Delcarmen (2)

OAKLAND: Save: Andrew Bailey

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RED SOX: Wins: 58, Losses: 41, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Wednesday 29 July 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Oakland Athletics, Fenway Park, Brad Penny

Red Sox Attack Athletics, 8 to 3

OAKLAND: 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 - 3 9 0

BOSTON: 1 0 1 3 1 0 2 0 x - 8 14 1

The whole Boston Red Sox lineup hits today! There was a much needed display of hitting by the Red Sox today that resulted in a win against the Oakland Athletics. And, once again in Fenway Park, Beckett had a great outing and is perfect at home this season. With a combination of power hitting and exact pitching, Boston should assuredly make it to the post season. Just need to use both components every game to put together a string of wins to get back on top. And stay there. This was the first game of a four-game series against the Athletics. Tomorrow - go for win number two!

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OAKLAND: Starting Pitcher: Trevor Cahill, Losing Pitcher: Trevor Cahill

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Josh Beckett, Winning Pitcher: Josh Beckett (12)

BOSTON: Homerun: Dustin Pedroia (5)

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RED SOX: Wins: 58, Losses: 40, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Tuesday 28 July 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Oakland Athletics, Fenway Park, Clay Buchholz

James Edward Rice - Baseball Hall Of Fame

JANE FORBES CLARK: Jim, as Chairman of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, it's my great honor to welcome you into the Hall of Fame family. Thank you.

BUD SELIG: James Edward Rice, Boston American League, 1979 to 1989. With titanic strength and an innate ability to hit to all fields, batted .298 with 382 home runs, 1451 runs batted in, only player ever with three straight 35-home run, 100-RBI and 200-hit seasons, hit 20 or more home runs 11 times and totaled eight RBI seasons. The 1978 American League MVP led the league in home runs (46), runs batted in (139), hits (213) and an astonishing 406 total bases. An eight-time All-Star, led the American League in total bases four times, home runs three times and twice in RBI and slugging percentage. Congratulations, Jim.

JIM RICE: Good afternoon. Only got a couple of minutes now, guys. I'd like to start by thanking Jane Clark, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Thank you, Jane, for welcoming us into your Hall of Fame family.

Jeff Idelson, who's the President of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, thank you so much for a smooth transition into the Hall of Fame. I'd like to thank the Hall of Fame staff for their hospitality and impeccable attention to detail.

Congratulations to Rickey Henderson, Joe Gordon and my fellow Hall of Fame Inductees. Also congratulations to Tony Kubek, Nick Peters, as they receive their respective awards.

Thank you, Dick Personi, Red Sox historian, who kept my stats in the public eyes.

I am a husband called Rice. I am a father called Dad. I am a brother called Ed. I am an uncle called Uncle Ed. I am a grandfather called Papa. I am a friend that doesn't call, some of my friends know that, and sometimes best not called at all. Finally, and I do mean finally, I am Jim Rice called a baseball Hall of Famer.

You always feel that after every great once-in-a-lifetime moment, there could not be anything else to top it. You find your life-long partner, that one true love. You have your first child and you spend hours wondering at the perfection of tiny little fingers and toes. You rejoice and cry through pre-elementary, middle and high school and, if you're lucky, college graduation. You marvel at how sanity endures. Right when you thought it couldn't get any better, you have grandchildren and a new astonishing love blossoms.

And then after 15 years, you get a phone call that you thought you'd never get. Your aspiration's realized. Your tears overflow. Because you know now that the highest honor of your career means so much more than you ever thought it would mean before. Because what it feels like most is being welcomed at home plate and after hitting a walk off home run. You find yourself repeating the same phrases over and over: "We made it, we made it. We made it." And suddenly you think, "Where's my wife?" And I really don't think I would have gotten a news flash while watching my favorite soap opera, the Young and the Restless every day at 12:30. And that's what I was doing. Jeff knows when he called I was watching the Young and the Restless. To me, it doesn't matter that I got the call this year versus getting it in my first eligible year. What matters is I got it, a call that 20 years from now will make a great trivia question.

It is hard to comprehend that I am in a league of only one percent of all professional baseball players. I am in awe to be in this elite company and humbled to be accepting this honor. I am also one of the very few players that spent an entire career with the same baseball team. For that, I think thank the Boston Red Sox, a professional baseball club wherein any players would be proud to spend a career.

Of course, I have many people to thank and share this honor with. To do that, we're going to have to go back to my hometown of Anderson, South Carolina. By the time I was heading to my senior year at Westside High School, I had lettered in football, basketball and baseball. In 1970, my senior year, integration finally came to town. I went to pick up my schedule at Westside High School. I was looking forward to graduating with my Westside class in 1971.

Imagine how I felt when I was told that I had to go to T. L. Hanna High School, which had the majority of non-blacks. Integration had come to town and the lines were drawn in such a way that kept the schools as segregated as possible. I simply would not be allowed to attend my alma mater for my senior year. Evidently, the City of Anderson wanted me to attend T.L. Hanna my senior year.

I lived on Reed Street, and the integration line stopped at Murray Avenue, excluding most black students. The line was extended to my street, but my sister was allowed to go to Hanna, not me. I was forced to leave Westside High. What could have been worse? I had to leave everything that I knew, my future wife, my friends, my coaches, my everything. I showed up at Hanna to get my schedule and it was like a walk in the park. I was received with open arms, and so were my fellow Westside High transplants. I was even voted Co-class President.

Near the end of my senior year, I had some decisions to make. Nebraska was offering me a four year scholarship for football. I talked to my Dad about it. My Dad said, "I think you got a better shot at becoming a professional baseball player than a professional football player." So that was it. The life defining decision that lead me to being drafted by the Boston Red Sox at the age of 18 years old and eventually being called up to the big leagues in 1974.

In the minor leagues, I went from being Ed Rice to being Jim Rice. I was a quiet leader, not a follower. I played through the pain and I suffered. No regrets. Well, wait a minute, maybe those last few at-bats in 1989 that I saw my 300 average drop to 298, that I do regret.

Along the way, there were many people who gave me encouragement and shared their wisdom:
First and foremost, my wife who, after 37 years of marriage, still gives me relevant tips and advice, whether I want it or not.

Julie and Roger, my parents, if they were alive today, they would be so proud.

Thomas McDuffie, who treated me like his own son. Always helping me out, even giving me a Kangaroo Glove. And I think it was a Willie Mays glove at the time. I think at the time Willie Mays and Hank Aaron both had the Kangaroo gloves, but they both were great.

John Moore, my Westside High School coach from the seventh grade. John taught me things that they were teaching me in minor leagues. So I learned techniques that minor leagues coaches were teaching players when I got there.

Olin Saylors. I played American Legion ball for Post 14. He came by my house every day and picked me up. I didn't really want to play ball, but Olin was destined to make me play baseball for American League Post 14.

Mark Brown and Sam Nealy. I guess he took me up under his arm as far as being instructional League manager of mine. And I went to Florida to work on my skills. The thing I remember the most about going to instruction league were those hot woolen uniforms where you had to go down to spring training and just work every day.

Don Zimmer. He believed in me. He was my mentor. Zim was more of a manager and a father figure to me.

Johnny Pesky was my personal hitting instructor. Don Zimmer, the manager at the time, told Pesky to stay with me day and night. Pesky took me under his wing and, when I was still a kid, kept me grounded, and we could always talk. And he is still with me today.

And, of course, a good friend of mine, Cecil Cooper, my roomie, my ace, my buddy, my friend to the end.

By now, you may be wondering how did I get such a notorious reputation with the media? Well, you see, the media often asked me questions about my players. I refused to be the media's mouthpiece. Of course, my stance didn't win me any media friends. I came to Boston to play professional baseball, and that's what I did. And I did it well. Until I retired in '89. And who would ever have guessed that I'd be working at media at NESN, sitting across the desk from Tom Caron, allowing all of you to see my winning smile.

And here we are in 2009, and I'm standing amongst baseball's elite, in front of my family, friends and fans, proudly accepting baseballs pinnacle of professional achievement. I cannot think of anywhere I would rather be than to be right here, right now with you, and you. Thank you.

Baltimore Busts Boston

BALTIMORE: 1 0 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 - 6 10 1
BOSTON: 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 - 2 6 0

Another Sunday in my favorite New England sports living bar and, on the Boston Red Sox side of things, not much bang in the game against the Baltimore Orioles. In fact, the most bang for me was the Bangers and Mash entree I had in the bar while watching the game. Another Smoltz outing, another Smoltz loss. The Red Sox don't seem to be getting much bang for their bucks when it comes to the pitching of John Smoltz. But Terry is sticking with him and still believes Smoltz can make a positive contribution to the team. I'm more sceptical in my outlook when it comes to John Smoltz, but I do hope that Terry's belief in him is eventually justified. Today's win for the Orioles in Fenway Park, was the first one in this venue for Baltimore since July 2008. Despite not getting the sweep, Boston does win the series. And tomorrow the Oakland Athletics arrive for a four-game series. There was one bang of an event today for the Boston Red Sox. Former Red Sox leftfielder, Jim Ed Rice, number 14, was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame at Cooperstown. Something long overdue to cheer about on this Sunday. Congratulations Jim!
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BALTIMORE: Starting Pitcher: David Hernandez, Winning Pitcher: David Hernandez
BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: John Smoltz, Losing Pitcher: John Smoltz (4)
BALTIMORE: Homerun: Nick Markaksis
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RED SOX: Wins: 57, Losses: 40, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore
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Next game: Monday 27 July 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Oakland Athletics, Fenway Park, Josh Beckett

Red Sox Outblast Orioles, 7 to 2

BALTIMORE: 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 - 2 10 0

BOSTON: 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 x - 7 10 1

Welcome to the Boston Red Sox Adam LaRoche! Former Pittsburgh Pirate LaRoche hit his first homerun as a Red Sox and provided additional cushioning for Boston's second win in a row in Fenway Park. Boston lead all the way beginning with the first inning three-run homer from Ortiz. Lester was excellent and pitched into the eighth inning and the relief pitching was good. With today's victory, the Red Sox have won the three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles. It has been awhile, but the Red Sox will be going for a series sweep tomorrow. A new winning streak has begun.

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BALTIMORE: Starting Pitcher: Jeremy Guthrie, Losing Pitcher: Jeremy Guthrie

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Jon Lester, Winning Pitcher: Jon Lester (9)

BOSTON: Homeruns: David Ortiz (13), Adam LaRoche (13)

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RED SOX: Wins: 57, Losses: 39, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Sunday 26 July 2009, 10:35 a.m. PT, Baltimore Orioles, Fenway Park, John Smoltz

Boston Bats Baltimore, 3 to 1

BALTIMORE: 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 1 7 0

BOSTON: 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 x - 3 9 1

It was the Battle of Boston Brad versus Baltimore Brad in Fenway Park today. Yes, the Boston Red Sox are "home, hit home" and they ended their season high five-game losing streak with a win against the Baltimore Orioles. This was the first game of a seven-game homestand with three against the Orioles and four against the Oakland Athletics. Most everyone in the Boston lineup had a hit and Penny went into the seventh inning before being relieved. All around, a good return to victory. The only scary part of the game was another bases-loaded ninth inning relief outing for Papelbon. Probability is such that there will come a time when this scenario will end in tears - please just not in the postseason!!

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BALTIMORE: Starting Pitcher: Brad Bergesen, Losing Pitcher: Brad Bergesen

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Brad Penny, Winning Pitcher: Brad Penny (7)

BOSTON: Save: Jonathan Papelbon (25)

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RED SOX: Wins: 56, Losses: 39, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Saturday 25 July 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Baltimore Orioles, Fenway Park, Jon Lester

Rangers Runover Red Sox

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

TEXAS: 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 x - 3 10 0

First Inning: Red Sox: Jacoby Ellsbury (CF) strikes out looking, Dustin Pedroia (2B) grounds out to third, Kevin Youkilis (3B) strikes out swinging

Rangers: Ian Kinsler (2B) hit by a pitch, Kinsler steals second, Michael Young (3B) strikes out looking, Josh Hamilton (CF) grounds out to second, Kinsler moves to third, Marlon Byrd (LF) pops up to second

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

Second Inning: Red Sox: David Ortiz (DH) singles to center, Jason Bay (LF) lines out to second, J. D. Drew (RF) walks, Ortiz moves to second, Mark Kotsay (1B) strikes out swinging, Jason Varitek (C) flies out to left

Rangers: Hank Blalock (1B) strikes out swinging, Nelson Cruz (RF) walks, David Murphy (DH) singles to left, Cruz moves to second, Taylor Teagarden (C) strikes out swinging, Murphy steals second, Cruz steals third (double steal), Elvis Andrus (SS) grounds out to shortstop

End of second inning score: Red Sox 0, Rangers 0

Third Inning: Red Sox: Nick Green (SS) homers to center, Ellsbury grounds out to shortstop, Pedroia singles to right, Youkilis flies out to right, Ortiz singles to right, Pedroia moves to second, Bay pops up to right

Rangers: Kinsler homers to left, Young singles to center, Hamilton grounds into a fielder's choice, Young out at second, Byrd lines out to shortstop, Hamilton moves to second, Blalock grounds out to second

End of third inning score: Red Sox 1, Rangers 1

Fourth Inning: Red Sox: Drew flies out to center, Kotsay grounds out to second, Varitek strikes out looking

Rangers: Cruz singles to center, Murphy singles to right, Cruz moves to third, Murphy moves to second on the throw, Teagarden lines out to second, Cruz scores, Murphy moves to third, Andrus bunt singles to pitcher, Murphy scores, Kinsler lines out to third, Andrus moves to second, Young walks, Hamilton lines into a fielder's choice to third, Young out at second

End of fourth inning score: Red Sox 1, Rangers 3

Fifth Inning: Red Sox: Green lines out to third, Ellsbury flies out to left, Pedroia singles to left, Youkilis flies out to left

Rangers: (Boston pitcher Manny Delcarmen relieves Boston starting pitcher Clay Buchholz), Byrd singles to right, Blalock strikes out swinging, Byrd steals second, Cruz singles to shortstop, Byrd hit by batted ball out at third, Cruz steals second, Murphy pops up to third

End of fifth inning score: Red Sox 1, Rangers 3

Sixth Inning: Red Sox: Ortiz flies out to left, Bay walks, Bay moves to second on a wild pitch, Drew strikes out swinging, (Texas pitcher Doug Mathis relieves Texas starting pitcher Dustin Nippert), Kotsay strikes out swinging

Rangers: (Boston pitcher Daniel Bard relieves Boston pitcher Manny Delcarmen), Teagarden flies out to left, Andrus singles to center, Kinsler strikes out looking, Andrus steals second, Young strikes out swinging

End of sixth inning score: Red Sox 1, Rangers 3

Seventh Inning: Red Sox: Varitek singles to left, Green strikes out looking, Ellsbury grounds into fielder's choice at shortstop, Varitek out at second, Pedroia flies out to right

Rangers: (Boston pitcher Hideki Okajima relieves Boston pitcher Daniel Bard), Hamilton lines out to right, Byrd doubles to left, Blalock pops up to second, Cruz intentionally walks, Murphy flies out to center

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

Eighth Inning: Red Sox: Youkilis grounds out to third, Ortiz grounds out to first, Bay strikes out swinging

Rangers: (Boston pitcher Jonathan Papelbon relieves Boston pitcher Hideki Okajima), Teagarden strikes out swinging, Andrus lines out to third, Kinsler flies out to center

End of eighth inning score: Red Sox 1, Rangers 3

Ninth Inning: Red Sox: Drew lines out to second, Kotsay flies out to left, Varitek strike out looking

Rangers: Game over

End of game score: Red Sox 1, Rangers 3

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Clay Buchholz, Losing Pitcher: Clay Buchholz (1)

TEXAS: Starting Pitcher: Dustin Kippert, Winning Pitcher: Dustin Kippert

BOSTON: Homerun: Nick Green (5)

TEXAS: Homerun: Ian Kinsler

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RED SOX: Wins: 55, Losses: 39, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Friday 24 July 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Baltimore Orioles, Fenway Park, Brad Penny

Texas Takes Boston

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

TEXAS: 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 x - 4 7 0

It is four in a row for the Boston Red Sox - four losses that is. This half of the season has started off worse than the beginning half and it appears that frozen bats is the problem. Having frozen sticks in the summer is usually a treat (popsicles, creamsicles), but ice cold baseball bats is certainly not a treat while pursing a leadership position in the American League. Because of today's loss to the Texas Rangers, Boston does not win the series, does not have the best record in the American League and, most importantly, does not lead the AL East. The mantra is on hold. An intense and sustain hitting heat wave is needed by the Red Sox in order to regain the first position. The current road trip ends tomorrow and let's hope the Boston bats become warm enough to leave Rangers Ballpark with a decisive win. That would be a treat.

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

TEXAS: Starting Pitcher: Tommy Hunter, Winning Pitcher: Tommy Hunter

TEXAS: Save: C. J. Wilson

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RED SOX: Wins: 55, Losses: 38, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Wednesday 22 July 2009, 5:05 p.m. PT, Texas Rangers, Rangers Ballpark, Clay Buchholz

Rangers Ram Red Sox

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

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

Well, the Boston Red Sox are starting the second half of the season the same way they began the season in April - one win, then three losses in a row (if the pattern is maintained, then they'll win tomorrow). Was expecting a better start to the second half. And what about John Smoltz? He should be doing better. Going deep into a game is a rarity for him and he only has one win. Time to rethink his position? Boston will be playing two more games in Rangers Ballpark against the Texas Rangers and will attempt to leave with the series win. Because of today's loss, the Red Sox are tied for the best record in the American League and the lead in the AL East.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: John Smoltz, Losing Pitcher: John Smoltz (3)

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

TEXAS: Save: C. J. Wilson

TEXAS: Homeruns: Michael Young, David Murphy, Jarrod Saltalamacchia

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RED SOX: Wins: 55, Losses: 37, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Tuesday 21 July 2009, 5:05 p.m. PT, Texas Rangers, Rangers Ballpark, Josh Beckett

Toronto Trumps Boston

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

TORONTO: 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 x - 3 6 0

It was quiet in my favorite New England sports living bar this first Sunday after the All-Star break. Quieter than it was last Sunday. And it was also quieter for the Boston Red Sox today than a week ago. Last Sunday the Red Sox had ten hits and six runs in a shutout win over the Kansas City Royals. Today Boston had six hits and one run in a loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. The pitchers came out dueling today in Rogers Centre and despite a good outing by Lester, the one by Halladay was decidedly better. It was a complete game victory for the 2009 All-Star starting pitcher, who has recently been the subject of trade possibilities. After today's demonstration, it would be great if Boston could obtain him, but the price in personnel would probably be higher than Boston is willing to deal. Toronto is willing to trade him within the AL East division - let's hope the price for him is also too high for today's second-place team in the AL East. Perhaps it would be best if Halladay either stayed where he is or was traded out of the league all together. Although the Red Sox did not get the series win, they still have the best record in the American League and are still leading the AL East. Now Boston travels to Texas to play the Rangers for a three-game series. Let's stop being quiet and get the hitting stride again!

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

TORONTO: Starting Pitcher: Roy Halladay, Winning Pitcher: Roy Halladay

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RED SOX: Wins: 55, Losses: 36, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Monday 20 July 2009, 5:05 p.m. PT, Texas Rangers, Rangers Ballpark, John Smoltz

Blue Jays Rout Red Sox

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

TORONTO: 0 1 0 3 2 0 0 0 x - 6 8 0

Welcome to the 2009 season Jed Lowrie! His return to the Boston Red Sox was the one bright spot in a game that resulted in a loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. Although he made a non-game-deciding-error, Lowrie contributed fifty percent of the Boston runs with his solo homer in the seventh inning. Rogers Centre was not a kind ballpark for Penny today as all the Toronto runs were scored on his outing. Justin Masterson and Ramon Ramirez managed to keep the Blue Jays from scoring additional runs; however runs from the Red Sox were not forthcoming. Perhaps tomorrow? In the rubber match game tomorrow, Boston will try for the series win.

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

TORONTO: Starting Pitcher: Marc Rzepczynski, Winning Pitcher: Marc Rzepczynski

BOSTON: Homerun: Jed Lowrie (1)

TORONTO: Homerun: Adam Lind

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RED SOX: Wins: 55, Losses: 35, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Sunday 19 July 2009, 10:07 a.m. PT, Toronto Blue Jays, Rogers Centre, Jon Lester

Boston Tips Toronto, 4 to 1

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

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

On the road again. The Boston Red Sox begin the second half of the 2009 season with a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays. And graciously, Rogers Centre was very welcoming to Boston and they start off with a win. Boston starting pitcher Buchholz (making his 2009 debut) was part of player movement by the Red Sox. Also playing today for Boston was Mike Lowell, who has been taken off the disabled list. To create space on the roster for Buchholz and Lowell, first baseman Aaron Bates was sent to Pawtucket. And my question posed earlier in the season regarding Julio Lugo has been answered - he has been designated for assignment and his time with Boston is over. With Buchholz going back to Pawtucket after this game, that provides a space on the roster for shortstop Jed Lowrie to join the team tomorrow. So, the second half begins with a win and positive changes for Boston. Buchholz can pitch effectively and although Lowell did make an error, he also had a couple of hits. Will look forward to having Lowrie in the lineup. A great second half start for the Boston Red Sox on their way to the postseason!

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Clay Buchholz, Winning Pitcher: Clay Buchholz (1)

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

BOSTON: Save: Jonathan Papelbon (24)

BOSTON: Homerun: Kevin Youkilis (17)

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RED SOX: Wins: 55, Losses: 34, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Saturday 18 July 2009, 10:07 a.m. PT, Toronto Blue Jays, Rogers Centre, Brad Penny

American League Awes National League, 4 to 3

AMERICAN: 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 - 4 8 1

NATIONAL: 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 3 5 1

Once again the American League has defeated the National League in the annual All-Star game. They have now won this mid-season encounter for thirteen consecutive years. With this victory, the 2009 American League Champion will have home field advantage in the World Series. It was a fairly quick game at Busch Stadium, lasting two hours and thirty-one minutes. Curtis Granderson of the Detroit Tigers scored the game winning run on a sacrifice fly by Adam Jones of the Baltimore Orioles. The MVP was Carl Crawford of the Tampa Bay Rays who caught a potential homerun ball in the seventh inning. And three of the All-Stars from the Boston Red Sox played in the game. Jason Bay and Kevin Youkilis had one single each and Jonathan Papelbon received the win. Onto the second half of the season!

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AMERICAN LEAGUE: Starting Pitcher: Roy Halladay (TBJ), Winning Pitcher: Jonathan Papelbon (BRS) (1)

NATIONAL LEAGUE: Starting Pitcher: Tim Lincecum (SFG), Losing Pitcher: Heath Bell (SDP) (1)

AMERICAN LEAGUE: Save: Mariano Rivera (NYY) (1)

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AMERICAN LEAGUE: Wins: 38, Losses: 40, Ties: 2

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Next game: Tuesday 13 July 201o, 5:00 p.m. PT, National League versus American League, Angel Stadium

All-Star Home Run Derby 2009

Round One

American League Texas Rangers Nelson Cruz 11
National League Milwaukee Brewers Prince Fielder 11

American League Detroit Tigers Brandon Inge 0

National League San Diego Padres Adrian Gonzalez 2

American League Tampa Bay Rays Carlos Pena 5

National League Philadelphia Phillies Ryan Howard 7

American League Minnesota Twins Joe Mauer 5

National League St. Louis Cardinals Albert Pujols 5

Batoff

Carlos Pena 1

Joe Mauer 0

Albert Pujols 2

Round Two

Albert Pujols 5 + 6 = 11

Ryan Howard 7 + 8 = 15

Nelson Cruz 11 + 5 = 16

Prince Fielder 11 + 6 = 17

Final Round

Nelson Cruz 5

Prince Fielder 6

All-Star Home Run Derby Winner

Prince Fielder

Red Sox Recap, 3 to 12 July

Between Friday 3 July and Sunday 12 July 2009, the Boston Red Sox played ten games in Fenway Park – three games against the Seattle Mariners, three games against the Oakland Athletics, and four games against the Kansa City Royals. Here are the breakdowns over the time period.

Total Each Series

Red Sox: 16 runs, 24 hits, 1 error
Mariners: 14 runs, 28 hits, 1 error
One win, two losses (won the third game)
Analysis: Red Sox had 53% of the total runs, 46% of the total hits, 50% of the total errors

Red Sox; 10 runs, 18 hits, 3 errors
Athletics: 12 runs, 35 hits, 1 error
Two wins, one loss (won second and third games)
Analysis: Red Sox had 46% of the total runs, 34% of the total hits, 75% of the total errors

Red Sox: 28 runs, 35 hits, 3 errors
Royals: 17 runs, 33 hits, 5 errors
Three wins, one loss (won the second, third, and fourth games)
Analysis: Red Sox had 62% of the total runs, 52% of the total hits, 38% of the total errors

Combined Series Totals

Red Sox: 54 runs, 77 hits, 7 errors
Opponents: 43 runs, 96 hits, 7 errors
Six wins, four losses
Analysis: Red Sox had 56% of the total runs, 46% of the total hits, 50% of the total errors

Season-To-12 July 2009

Red Sox: 465 runs, 795 hits, 51 errors
Opponents: 380 runs, 791 hits, 66 errors
Fifty-four wins, thirty-four losses
Analysis: Red Sox had 55% of the total runs, 50% if the total hits, 44% of the total errors

AL East Standings (at the start of Monday 13 July 200)

Boston 54 34 .614
New York 51 37 .580
Tampa Bay 48 41 .539
Toronto 44 46 .489
Baltimore 40 49 .455

Red Sox Runover Royals, 6 to 0

KANSAS: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 3 0

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

It's Sunday and I'm watching the final Boston Red Sox game prior to the All-Star break at my favorite New England sports living bar. When I arrived, Andrew was already there and preparing the bar to be opened. After he let me in, Andrew showed me more photographs from his trip to Italy via a slideshow on his laptop. Many wonderful pictures of Umberto, Tuscany, and Rome. And today, Fenway Park was the setting of a wonderful picture of a complete game shutout against the Kansas City Royals by ace pitcher Josh Beckett. Beckett heads off to the All-Star game co-leader (with fellow teammate and All-Star Tim Wakefield) of the most wins in the American League. Today's victory was the one hundredth of Beckett's career. Congratulations Josh! Thank you Terry for allowing Josh to finish what he started! So, at the All-Star break, Boston ends with a series win over the Royals (which includes two shutouts), and they still maintain the best record in the American League and lead the AL East. The current position of the Boston Red Sox - a beautiful picture indeed!

Leaving for St. Louis today to participate in the All-Star game will be only five (Bay, Beckett, Papelbon, Youkilis, and Wakefield) members of the Boston Red Sox Six. Dustin Pedroia has decided to forgo the All-Star game to stay with his wife Kelli, who has had some complications in her pregnancy of their first child. Second baseman Pedroia has been replaced by first baseman Carlos Pena of the Tampa Bay Rays. My response at that substitution is a lifting of eyebrows. In any case, sending good thoughts to Dustin and Kelli during this time of worry.

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KANSAS: Starting Pitcher: Bruce Chen, Losing Pitcher: Bruce Chen

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Josh Beckett, Winning Pitcher, Josh Beckett (11)

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RED SOX: Wins: 54, Losses: 34, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Friday 17 July 2009, 4:07 p.m. PT, Toronto Blue Jays, Rogers Centre, Clay Buchholz

Red Sox Repel Royals, 15 to 9

KANSAS: 0 0 0 0 1 5 1 2 0 - 9 13 3

BOSTON: 3 3 1 2 0 0 3 3 x - 15 12 1

Terry, Terry, Terry! Why didn't you keep Smoltz in the game longer? He should have stayed through the seventh, then bring in the relief. Based on the first game of this series, you know that the Kansas City Royals can come back and win. If they aren't scoring on Smoltz, don't bring in a new pitcher until the late innings, if at all. Don't want a repeat of last month's Baltimore Orioles rain delayed game. Fortunately, the Boston Red Sox bats were on fire today and they slugged their way to leading the series at Fenway Park. Congratulations John Smoltz on your first win as a Red Sox pitcher! Jason's longball today tied the number of homeruns he had all last year. Boston will play their last game before the All-Star break tomorrow and hope to end with a series win against the Royals.

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KANSAS: Starting Pitcher: Gil Meche, Losing Pitcher: Gil Meche

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

KANSAS: Homeruns: Mike Jacobs, Jose Guillen

BOSTON: Homeruns: Kevin Youkilis (15, 16), Jason Varitek (13), David Ortiz (12)

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RED SOX: Wins: 53, Losses: 34, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Sunday 12 July 2009, 10:35 a.m. PT, Kansas City Royals, Fenway Park, Josh Beckett

Boston Blanks Kansas City, 1 to 0

KANSAS: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 4 1

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

There may not have been more runs, but there certainly were fewer pitchers in the game! A definite pitchers duel was played out today in Fenway Park. Fortunately, the Boston Red Sox won the showdown against the Kansas City Royals. If Ellsbury had not been called out on a close play at home in the fifth, then Boston would have doubled the final score. Jacoby protested the call and was thrown out for his helmet throwing action. Although there was some anxiety when Papelbon came in to relieve Lester, Jonathan was able to put down the Kansas City batters in 1-2-3 order. The four-game series is now tied at one win apiece. Tomorrow Boston will attempt to go ahead in the series with another win.

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KANSAS: Starting Pitcher: Brian Bannister, Losing Pitcher: Brian Bannister

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Jon Lester, Winning Pitcher: Jon Lester (8)

BOSTON: Save: Jonathann Papelbon (23)

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RED SOX: Win: 52, Losses: 34, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Saturday 11 July 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Kansas City Royals, Fenway Park, John Smoltz

Kansa City Kicks Boston

KANSAS: 0 0 0 3 0 4 0 1 0 - 8 13 1

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

Stay with the starter! Stay with the starter! The Boston Red Sox did not stick with Penny and the consequence was a loss of the first game of a four-game series against the Kansas City Royals. Fenway Park did provide a "royal" welcome to Kansas City as they broke their two game losing streak on Boston's relief pitching. I still maintain that, when the Red Sox have a small lead, not giving the opponent the possibility of being able to hit a relief pitcher is paramount. I'm sure I'll be saying that a few more times during the season. On a positive side, Ortiz hit his three hundredth career homerun tonight. Congratulations David! Because of the loss, Boston now shares the best record in the American League and the lead of the AL East with - well, you know who they are. Boston, for tomorrow, how about more runs, less pitchers?

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KANSAS: Starting Pitcher: Luke Hochevar, Winning Pitcher: Luke Hochevat

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

KANSAS: Save: Joakim Soria

KANSAS: Homerun: David DeJesus

BOSTON: Homeruns: David Ortiz (11), Dustin Pedroia (4)

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RED SOX: Wins: 51, Losses: 34, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Friday 10 July 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Kansas City Royals, Fenway Park, Jon Lester

Boston Blasts Oakland, 5 to 4

OAKLAND: 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 - 4 13 0

BOSTON: 0 0 0 0 0 4 1 0 x - 5 7 1

Yes, the mantra - "series win, best (AL) record, leading East" can be recited today! The Boston Red Sox took the third game of the three-game series against the Oakland Athletics. The game was not quite a pitcher's duel, but Wakefield did get his American League leading eleventh win in his last start before heading to the All-Star game. And there was a bit of a home derby in Fenway Park tonight thanks to Drew and (former All-Star Home Run Derby participant) Ortiz. Boston says a brief farewell to Oakland, as the Athletics will be returning to Fenway Park at the end of the month. The Red Sox will welcome the Kansas City Royals for a four-game set, their final series before the All-Star break. Let's have Boston sweep Kansas City to end the first half of the season!

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OAKLAND: Starting Pitcher: Trevor Cahill, Losing Pitcher: Trevor Cahill

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Tim Wakefield, Winning Pitcher: Tim Wakefield (11)

BOSTON: Save: Jonathan Papelbon (22)

BOSTON: Homeruns: J. D. Drew (12), David Ortiz (10)

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RED SOX: Wins: 51, Losses: 33, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Thursday 9 July 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Kansas City Royals, Fenway Park, Brad Penny

Boston Over Oakland, 5 to 2

OAKLAND: 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 - 2 7 0

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

With this win over the Oakland Athletics, which has evened the three-game series, the Boston Red Sox have become the first team in the American League to record fifty victories. Beckett had a decent outing in winning his tenth game of the season and the Boston bats returned tonight in Fenway Park. The final game of the three-game set tomorrow will be for the series win. Let's hope the mantra - "series win, best (AL) record, leading East" - will be recited on Wednesday!

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OAKLAND: Starting Pitcher: Dana Eveland, Losing Pitcher: Dana Eveland

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Josh Beckett, Winning Pitcher: Josh Beckett (10)

BOSTON: Save: Jonathan Papelbon (21)

OAKLAND: Homerun: Scott Hairston

BOSTON: Homerun: Jason Bay (20)

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RED SOX: Wins: 50, Losses: 33, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Wednesday 8 July 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Oakland Athletics, Fenway Park, Tim Wakefield

Athletics Amaze Red Sox

OAKLAND: 0 0 0 4 0 1 0 0 1 - 6 15 1

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

The Oakland Athletics stayed with their starting pitcher for the whole game and the Boston Red Sox were prevented from facing a relief pitcher who they may have been able to hit and score runs. My pitching position perfectly presented by the opposition. Fenway Park saw the return of former Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra (positively received by the fans) for the first time in five years. Also seen was the Major League debut of Aaron Bates who covered first base for Boston today after being called up from Triple-A Pawtucket. Nomar had a good return - went two for four. Aaron did not have a good debut - went zero for three. Nomar and Aaron are reflective of their respective teams' play today. Tomorrow - a reversal of play!

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OAKLAND: Starting Pitcher: Brett Anderson, Winning Pitcher: Brett Anderson

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: John Smoltz, Losing Pitcher: John Smoltz (2)

OAKLAND: Homerun: Orlando Cabrera

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RED SOX: Wins: 49, Losses: 33, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Tuesday 7 July 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Oakland Athletics, Fenway Park, Josh Beckett

Boston Stuns Seattle, 8 to 4

SEATTLE: 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 - 4 8 0

BOSTON: 2 0 0 0 0 1 5 0 x - 8 9 1

Andrew and I arrived at the New England sports living bar at the same time - he via his motor vehicle and I via public transportation. While waiting outside, until Andrew had prepared enough to let me in, I began diagramming a book I might publish. Soon I was rescued from my layout attempt and prepared to watch the Boston Red Sox in this third and final game of the series against the Seattle Mariners. The other regular on Sunday mornings, Rich, arrived and he said that his wedding gift to his son was the honeymoon trip - a cruise to Bermuda. Though I've never been on a cruise, it sounds wonderful. And wonderful today was the Red Sox not being swept away in Fenway Park. It was a strike first and rally back ballgame for Boston, not exactly smooth sailing, but they did reach their victory destination and that's what counts. Unfortunately for Lester, the Red Sox rallied in the bottom of the inning (seventh) in which he had been taken out, so no win for him. The book on the Seattle Mariners is closed for the Boston Red Sox for the rest of the regular season (and likely for the postseason). And now for another story.

In a week, Red Sox players will be taking various modes of transportation to different places. However, six players will be heading to the same place - St Louis, Missouri. These special six have been named American League All-Stars and will be participating in the Eigthieth Major League All-Star Game being held in Busch Stadium. The players are:

Jason Bay (OF) - Voted in by fans and starting (third All-Star appearance, first in AL)

Dustin Pedroia (2B) - Voted in by fans and starting (second All-Star appearance)

Josh Beckett (P) - Voted in by players (second All-Star appearance)

Jonathan Papelbon (P) - Voted in by players (fourth All-Star appearance)

Tim Wakefield (P) - Selected by AL Manager Joe Maddon (first All-Star appearance)

Kevin Youkilis (1B) - Selected by AL Manager Joe Maddon (second All-Star appearance)

The Red Sox Six are the largest group of All-Stars from any team, American League or National League. And there is such an even distribution in the three ways that they could make the AL All-Star team. Perhaps Boston is truly the current standard of baseball. Congratulations to the Red Sox and to the All-Stars of both Leagues. Looking forward to another American League victory!

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SEATTLE: Starting Pitcher: Brandon Morrow, Losing Pitcher: Miguel Batista

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

BOSTON: Homeruns: Dustin Pedroia (3), David Ortiz (9), Jacoby Ellsbury (5)

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RED SOX: Wins: 49, Losses: 32, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Monday 6 July 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Oakland Athletics, Fenway Park, John Smoltz

Mariners Maim Red Sox

SEATTLE: 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 - 3 7 1

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

There will be no series win for the Boston Red Sox against the Seattle Mariners in this three-game series at Fenway Park. The starting pitching for Boston was good, the hitting was poor. Penny's outing was fine, but not enough run support was forthcoming. Only three batters had hits for the Red Sox, while the hits for the Mariners were spread across six batters. Boston needs to get back into hitting mode tomorrow in order to salvage a win in the final game of the series. The first place Red Sox must not be swept at home.

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SEATTLE: Starting Pitcher: Garrett Olson, Winning Pitcher: Roy Corcoran

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

SEATTLE: Save: David Aardsma

BOSTON: Homerun: Jason Varitek (12)

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RED SOX: Wins: 48, Losses: 32, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Sunday 5 July 2009, 10:35 a.m. PT, Seattle Mariners, Fenway Park, Jon Lester

Seattle Sinks Boston

SEATTLE: 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 - 7 13 0

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

Try as they might, the Boston Red Sox could not make it a two in a row, extra-innings comeback game. Unlike yesterday, this time Boston was unable to recover from five consecutive scoreless innings to gain the victory. The return to Fenway Park has begun with the Seattle Mariners taking the first game of the three-game series. Tomorrow, Boston will attempt to even the series. Despite the loss, the Red Sox still have the best record in the American League and lead the AL East. With today's game, Tim Wakefield now has a record three hundred eighty-three starts for the Boston Red Sox, passing Roger "Traitor" Clemens. Congratulations Tim!

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SEATTLE: Starting Pitcher: Felix Hernandez, Winning Pitcher: Chris Jakubauskas

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

SEATTLE: Save: Mark Lowe

SEATTLE: Homeruns: Ronnu Cedeno, Jose Lopez

BOSTON: Homeruns: J. D. Drew (11), George Kottaras (1)

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RED SOX: Wins: 48, Losses: 31, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Saturday 4 July 2009, 10:05 a.m. PT, Seattle Mariners, Fenway Park, Brad Penny

Red Sox Recap, 23 June to 1 July

Between Tuesday 23 June and Wednesday 1 July 2009, the Boston Red Sox played nine games on the road - three against the Washington Nationals, three against the Atlanta Braves, and three against the Baltimore Orioles. Here are the breakdowns over the time period.

Total Each Series

Red Sox: 20 runs, 32 hits, 2 errors
Nationals: 16 runs, 27 hits, 2 errors
Two wins, one loss (won the first and second games)
Analysis: Red Sox had 56% of the total runs, 54% of the total hits, 50% of the total errors

Red Sox: 6 runs, 18 hits, 2 errors
Braves: 3 runs, 18 hits, 2 errors
Two wins, one loss (won the first and second games)
Analysis: Red Sox had 67% of the total runs, 50% of the total hits, 50% of the total errors

Red Sox; 20 runs, 37 hits, 0 errors
Orioles: 16 runs, 28 hits, 2 errors
Two wins, one loss (won the first and third games)
Analysis: Red Sox had 56% of the total runs, 57% of the total hits, 0% of the total errors

Combined Series Totals

Red Sox: 46 runs, 87 hits, 4 errors
Opponents: 35 runs, 73 hits, 6 errors
Six wins, three losses
Analysis: Red Sox had 57% of the total runs, 54% of the total hits, 40% of the total errors

Season-To-1 July 2009

Red Sox: 411 runs, 718 hits, 44 errors
Opponents: 337 runs, 695 hits, 59 errors
Forty-eight wins, thirty losses
Analysis: Red Sox had 55% of the total runs, 51% of the total hits, 40% of the total errors

AL East Standings (at the start of Thursday 2 July 2009)

Boston 48 30 .615
New York 45 32 .584
Tampa Bay 44 36 .550
Toronto 43 38 .525
Baltimore 35 43 .449

Red Sox Rally Orioles, 6 to 5

BOSTON: 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 1 - 6 10 0

BALTIMORE: 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 5 6 1

Today's game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles is a good example of my belief that, when you have a pitcher who is effectively shutting down the opponent, you keep him in the game. Of course I'm pleased that Boston won the game, but I do believe that if Bergesen had pitched in the ninth, the Red Sox would not be leaving Oriole Park with a series win. It was simply that, from the ninth inning on, Boston faced a string of Baltimore pitchers off whom they could hit and score runs. A similar result was seen on Sunday 13 May 2007 at Fenway Park, also against the Orioles. In that game, Boston came back in the ninth inning to score six runs and win the game by a score of six to five (same as today's).

It has been called the "Mother's Day Miracle", however I think that it should have been called the "Mother's Day Mistake". Starting Baltimore pitcher Jeremy Guthrie did begin the ninth inning, but manager Sam Perlozzo took him out of the game after a misplayed pop up (which would have been the second out) resulted in a Boston runner on first. That action I do not understand - it was the catcher's fielding error and having a batter pop up is desirable and indicates to me that the pitcher is still not throwing anything good to hit. So with one out and and a man on first, the Orioles bullpen proceeded to give up four runs before recording the second out and then a single scored the tying and winning runs. I will always remain baffled by why Perlozzo took the ball away from Guthrie, but will also remain grateful for that error in management.

A final note on today's game. With his twentieth save today, Jonathan Papelbon has become Boston's all-time saves leader, passing Bob Stanley. Congratulations Jonathan!

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

BALTIMORE: Starting Pitcher: Brad Bergesen, Losing Pitcher: Danys Baez

BOSTON: Save: Jonathan Papelbon (20)

BOSTON: Homerun: Kevin Youkilis (14)

BALTIMORE: Homeruns: Luke Scott, Ty Wigginton

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RED SOX: Wins: 48, Losses: 30, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Friday 3 July 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Seattle Mariners, Fenway Park, Tim Wakefield