Happy 28th Birthday Ramon Santo Ramirez!!!

Ramon Ramirez is a right-handed batting and throwing pitcher. He is a relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. Ramon made his Major League debut with the Colorado Rockies on Friday 14 April 2006 when he was twenty-four years, seven months, and fourteen days old. The Rockies played the Philadelphia Phillies that day and Ramon pitched two scoreless innings and had two strikeouts. Ramon was traded to the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday 26 March 2008 when he was twenty-six years, six months, and twenty-six days old. On Wednesday 19 November 2008, Ramon was traded to the Boston Red Sox when was twenty-seven years, two months, and nineteen days old. Ramon wears number fifty-six.

Red Sox Recap, 21 to 30 August

Between Friday 21 August and Sunday 30 August 2009, the Boston Red Sox played ten games at home – three against the New York Yankees, four against the Chicago White Sox, and three against the Toronto Blue Jays. Here are the breakdowns over the time period.

Total Each Series

Red Sox: 29 runs, 35 hits, 1 error
Yankees: 29 runs, 45 hits, 3 errors
One win, two losses (won the second game)
Analysis: Red Sox had 50% of the total runs, 44% of the total hits, 25% of the total errors

Red Sox: 26 runs, 40 hits, 4 errors
White Sox: 22 runs, 37 hits, 3 errors
Three wins, one loss (won the first, second, and third games)
Analysis: Red Sox had 54% of the total runs, 52% of the total hits, 57% of the total errors

Red Sox: 16 runs, 30 hits, 0 errors
Blue Jays: 7 runs, 20 hits, 2 errors
Three wins, no losses (sweep)
Analysis: Red Sox had 70% of the total runs, 60% of the total hits, 0% of the total errors

Combined Series Totals

Red Sox: 71 runs, 105 hits, 5 errors
Opponents: 58 runs, 102 hits, 8 errors
Seven wins, 3 losses
Analysis: Red Sox had 55% of the total runs, 51% of the total hits, 39% of the total errors

Season-To-30 August 2009

Red Sox: 691 runs, 1188 hits, 74 errors
Opponents: 585 runs, 1187 hits, 91 errors
Seventy-six wins, fifty-four losses
Analysis: Red Sox had 54% of the total runs, 50% of the total hits, 45% of the total errors

AL East Standings (at the start of Monday 31 August 2009)

New York 82 48 .631
Boston 76 54 .585
Tampa Bay 70 59 .543
Toronto 58 70 .453
Baltimore 54 77 .412

Boston Brushes Toronto, 7 to 0

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

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

It is a day of hellos and good-byes as I watched the Boston Red Sox in my favorite New England sports living bar. An unexpected hello to Mike when I arrived (he's subbing for Andrew who had a surfing mishap yesterday and needed to have stitches in his foot). Good to see Mike and get healed soon Andrew! Before the start of the game against the Toronto Blue Jays, the usual hello to fellow Sunday morning regular Rich. He mentioned that he saw "Still, We Believe" on HBO the other night. And this morning Rich checked the film's poster, which hangs in the bar, to see if Jim (owner of the bar and participant in the film) was pictured on the poster - he's not. A long-distance and overdue hello to Jerry Remy, who is back on NESN covering Red Sox games, although just from Fenway Park for the time being. Wonderful to see you and hear your voice again - you were missed!

Red Sox Nation said an official hello to pitchers Paul Byrd and Billy Wagner, both of whom made their season debut with the team today as starter and reliever, respectively. Based on the quality of his start, Paul was able to give Byrd bye-byes to the Blue Jays. And the bullpen wonderfully kept up the bye-bying. Yes, a happy good-bye to Toronto, see you next month!

Finally, a sad good-bye. Yesterday, longtime Red Sox supporter and Massachusetts Senior Senator, Edward Moore Kennedy, was laid to rest in Arlington Cemetery near his brothers Jack and Bobby. It is miraculous that Teddy was able to have a substantial life and to leave behind many accomplishments. Thank you for your care of and care for the Commonwealth. Farewell Teddy, farewell. You are missed.

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TORONTO: Starting Pitcher: Roy Halladay, Losing Pitcher: Roy Halladay

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Paul Byrd, Winning Pitcher: Paul Byrd (1)

BOSTON: Homerun: Rocco Baldelli (6)

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RED SOX: Wins: 76, Losses: 54, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Tuesday 1 September 2009, 4:08 p.m. PT, Tampa Bay Rays, Tropicana Field, Jon Lester

Boston Bests Toronto, 3 to 2

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

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

A game was won and a shutout was lost. The Boston Red Sox won the game against the Toronto Blue Jays and the Boston Red Sox lost the shutout against the Toronto Blue Jays. Buchholz had a shutout going into the ninth inning and after getting an out, Clay was taken out of the game. Another opportunity for a complete game and shutout gone. Why, Terry, why? Stay with the starter - reduce the possibility of runs off a new pitcher. It would have been awful if Clay's wonderful outing had been in vain. Complete games please! The Red Sox will be going for the sweep in Fenway Park tomorrow. Boston still leads the AL Wild Card.

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

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Clay Buchholz, Winning Pitcher: Clay Buchholz (3)

BOSTON: Save: Jonathan Papelbon (32)

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RED SOX: Wins: 75, Losses: 54, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Sunday 30 August 2009, 10:35 a.m. PT, Toronto Blue Jays, Fenway Park, Paul Byrd

Boston Trumps Toronto, 6 to 5

TORONTO: 0 3 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 - 5 10 0

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

Papelbon was scary (bases-loaded, one out) today, but he came through and kept the win for the Boston Red Sox against the Toronto Blue Jays. However, Beckett may actually be scarier with the number of homeruns he has been giving up in his recent starts. Whatever the problem is, he has to make the adjustment to regain his effectiveness - he is needed to get the Red Sox to the postseason. Fortunately Boston is still hitting well and this three-game series has started on a good note. In Fenway Park tomorrow (no rain please!), the Red Sox will go for the series win.

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

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

BOSTON: Save: Jonathan Papelbon (31)

TORONTO: Homeruns: Aaron Hill, Rod Barajas

BOSTON: Homerun: Jason Bay (29)

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RED SOX: Wins: 74, Losses: 54, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game (weather permitting): Saturday 29 August 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Toronto Blue Jays, Fenway Park, Clay Buchholz

White Sox Rip Red Sox

CHI. WHITE SOX: 0 4 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 - 9 14 0

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

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Junichi Tazawa had the first bad outing of his major league career in this loss to the Chicago White Sox. Tazawa still has much to learn about pitching effectively in the majors, but there will be better games. There was a relief pitching surprise in Fenway Park today. Making his Major League pitching debut in the eighth inning, and continuing into the ninth, was Red Sox shortstop Nick Green who gave up three walks, no hits, no runs and has an ERA of 0.00! Way to go Nick!! Good to know that pitching help can come from any player. And it's an interesting maneuver to save the bullpen for the weekend. Okay Terry. Boston's attempted comeback fell a grand slam short, but the Red Sox were able to score runs on the White Sox relievers, just not enough. Despite the loss, Boston won the four-game series and still maintains their AL Wild Card lead.

In other pitching developments, Brad Penny has been granted his requested release from the Red Sox and newly acquired Bill Wagner (from the Mets) will make his Red Sox debut during the upcoming three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays. Even though Wagner's role is different (coming from the bullpen, not starting), the question for Boston is will this new acquisition from the National League have a better stay in the American League than John Smoltz? The answer will be forthcoming shortly, let's hope it's a positive one.

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CHI. WHITE SOX: Starting Pitcher: John Danks, Winning Pitcher: John Danks

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Junichi Tazawa, Losing Pitcher: Junichi Tazawa (2)

CHI. WHITE SOX: Homerun: Carlos Quentin

BOSTON: Homeruns: J. D. Drew (17, 18), Alex Gonzalez (6)

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RED SOX: Wins: 73, Losses: 54, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Friday 28 August 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Toronto Blue Jays, Fenway Park, Josh Beckett

Red Sox Walkoff White Sox, 3 to 2

CHI. WHITE SOX: 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 - 2 7 0

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

Welcome back Tim Wakefield! Tim had a very good return, but unfortunately the Boston Red Sox starting pitcher did not receive the win due to the eighth inning pinch hit homerun given up by reliever Ramon Ramirez that tied the game. With such a small lead, I still advocate leaving the starting pitcher in the game to prevent exactly what occurred. Do not present the Chicago White Sox with someone they can hit - plain and simple. In any case, the Red Sox did win their third game in a row on David Ortiz's tenth career walkoff homerun! Boston goes for the series sweep tomorrow in Fenway Park.

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CHI. WHITE SOX: Starting Pitcher: Gavin Floyd, Losing Pitcher: Tony Pena

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Tim Wakefield, Winning Pitcher: Daniel Bard (1)

CHI. WHITE SOX: Homerun: Scott Podsednik

BOSTON: Homeruns: Davis Ortiz (21, 22), Alex Gonzalez (5)

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RED SOX: Wins: 73, Losses: 53, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Thursday 27 August 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Chicago White Sox, Fenway Park, Junichi Tazawa

Red Sox Wack White Sox, 6 to 3

CHI. WHITE SOX: 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 - 3 8 1

BOSTON: 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 3 x - 6 11 1

Although the Boston Red Sox only scored half the number of runs today than they did yesterday, the runs were more than enough to record another victory against the Chicago White Sox. Solo jacks for Jayson (White Sox) and Jason (Red Sox), but Bay's proved to be the game winner. Boston has now won the first two games in this series with Chicago. Red Sox are still leading the AL Wild Card. Congratulations Jacoby Ellsbury! Fans in Fenway Park saw Jacoby steal his fifty-fifth base of the season, which made him the all-time leader in single season stolen bases in Boston Red Sox history. Keep stealing bases Ellsbury!!

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CHI. WHITE SOX: Starting Pitcher: Freddy Garcia, Losing Pitcher: Scott Linebrink

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

BOSTON: Save: Jonathan Papelbon (30)

CHI. WHITE SOX: Homerun: Jayson Nix

BOSTON: Homerun: Jason Bay (28)

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RED SOX: Wins: 72, Losses: 53, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Wednesday 26 August 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Chicago White Sox, Fenway Park, Tim Wakefield

Red Sox Whip White Sox, 12 to 8

CHI. WHITE SOX: 0 2 2 0 3 0 0 1 0 - 8 8 2

BOSTON: 0 1 6 2 0 0 3 0 x - 12 13 1

The Boston Red Sox welcomed the Chicago White Sox to Fenway Park for the first time this season and promptly beat up their guests. Yes, Boston was hitting and scoring against Chicago and a White Sox error gave the Red Sox the opportunity to have a six-run third inning with two outs. And perhaps this is the start of another Boston multi-homerun streak. The hitting on both teams was such that both pitchers left early, though Contreras was run from the game before Buchholz. A good beginning to this four-game series. In the AL Wild Card race, the Red Sox maintain their first place position.

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CHI. WHITE SOX: Starting Pitcher: Jose Contreras, Losing Pitcher: Jose Contreras

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Clay Buchholz, Winning Pitcher: Ramon Ramirez (7)

CHI. WHITE SOX: Homeruns: Gordon Beckham, Paul Konerko

BOSTON: Homeruns: Mike Lowell (16), J. D. Drew (16)

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RED SOX: Wins: 71, Losses: 53, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Tuesday 25 August 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Chicago White Sox, Fenway Park, Jon Lester

Yankees Repel Red Sox

NY YANKEES: 1 1 2 1 2 0 0 1 0 - 8 10 2

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

First Inning: Yankees: Derek Jeter (SS) homers to right (on first pitch of the game), Johnny Damon (LF) grounds out to first, Mark Teixeira (1B) strikes out swinging, Alex Rodriguez (3B) grounds out to third

Red Sox: Jacoby Ellsbury (CF) safe at first on error by second baseman, Ellsbury out attempting to steal second, Dustin Pedroia (2B) strikes out looking, Victor Martinez (1B) grounds out to shortstop

End of first inning score: Red Sox 0 Yankees 1

Second Inning: Yankees: Hideki Matsui (DH) homers to right, Nick Swisher (RF) grounds out to shortstop, Robinson Cano (2B) flies out to left, Melky Cabrera (CF) flies out to left

Red Sox: Kevin Youkilis (3B) strikes out looking, Jason Bay (LF) strikes out swinging, Mike Lowell (DH) doubles to left, Rocco Baldelli (RF) singles to left, Lowell scores, Jason Varitek (C) doubles to right, Baldelli scores, Alex Gonzalez (SS) flies out to center

End of second inning score: Red Sox 2, Yankees 2

Third Inning: Yankees: Jose Molina (C) grounds out to third, Jeter singles to center, Damon singles to left, Jeter moves to second, Teixeira singles to right, advances to second on the play, Jeter scores, Damon moves to third, Rodriguez grounds out to shortstop, Damon scores, Matsui grounds out to right

Red Sox: Ellsbury strikes out looking, Pedroia singles to right (first career hit off Sabathia), Martinez singles to left, Pedroia moves to second, Youkilis grounds into double play, Martinez out at second

End of third inning score: Red Sox 2, Yankees 4

Fourth Inning: Yankees: Swisher grounds out to second, Cano homers to right, Cabrera grounds out to second, Molina grounds out to third

Red Sox: Bay singles to right, Lowell strikes out looking, Baldelli lines out to third, Varitek safe at second on error by second baseman, Bay scores, Gonzalez flies out to second

End of fourth inning score: Red Sox 3, Yankees 5

Fifth Inning: Yankees: Jeter grounds out to second, Damon singles to center, Teixeira strikes out swinging, Rodriguez homers to left, Damon scores, Matsui strikes out looking

Red Sox: Ellsbury grounds out to shortstop, Pedroia flies out to center, Martinez strikes out swinging

End of fifth inning score: Red Sox 3, Yankees 7

Sixth Inning: Yankees: Swisher grounds out to first, Cano lines out to left, Cabrera grounds out to second

Red Sox: Youkilis doubles to left, Bay strikes out looking, Lowell singles to left, Youkilis moves to third, Baldelli flies out to right, Youkilis scores, Varitek flies out to right

End of sixth inning score: Red Sox 4, Yankees 7

Seventh Inning: Yankees: Molina strikes out looking, Jeter grounds out to shortstop, Damon grounds out to shortstop

Red Sox: Gonzalez grounds out to pitcher, Ellsbury strikes out swinging, (New York pitcher Phil Hughes relieves New York starting pitcher C. C. Sabathia), Pedroia flies out to right

End of seventh inning score: Red Sox 4, Yankees 7

Eighth Inning: Yankees: Teixeira pops up to third, Rodriguez strikes out looking, Matsui homers to right, Swisher flies out to right

Red Sox: Martinez singles to right, Youkilis flies out to center, Bay strikes out swinging, Lowell grounds out to right

End of eighth inning score: Red Sox 4, Yankees 8

Ninth Inning: Yankees: (Boston pitcher Takashi Saito relieves Boston starting pitcher Josh Beckett), Cano strikes out swinging, Cabrera strikes out swinging, Molina singles to right, Jeter grounds into fielder's choice, Molina out at second

Red Sox: (New York pitcher Mariano Rivera relieves New York pitcher Phil Hughes), J. D Drew (pinch hits for Baldelli) walks, Drew to second on fielder's indifference, Varitek strikes out looking, Casey Kotchman (pinch hits for Gonzalez) grounds out to first, Drew moves to third, Ellsbury strikes out swinging

End of game score: Red Sox 4, Yankees 8

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

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

NY YANKEES: Homeruns: Derek Jeter, Hideki Matsui (two), Robinson Cano, Alex Rodriguez

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RED SOX: Wins: 70, Losses: 53, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Monday 24 August 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Chicago White Sox, Fenway Park, Clay Buchholz

Red Sox Rumble Yankees, 14 to 1

NY YANKEES: 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 - 1 12 0

BOSTON: 3 4 0 0 2 3 0 2 x - 14 15 0

Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful!!! I am without words. What words can I write that will describe the joy of this game? It was in Fenway Park that the Boston Red Sox decisively defeated the New York Yankees. Half of the Boston runs were scored by Pedroia and Martinez - extremely well getting on base today. And in his first start against the Yankees, Tazawa kept them scoreless for the six innings of his outing. Excellent! This win keeps Boston atop the AL Wild Card. Tomorrow the Red Sox will be going for the both the current series win and the season series win. Yes!

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

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Junichi Tazawa, Winning Pitcher: Junichi Tazawa (2)

NY YANKEES: Homerun: Nick Swisher

BOSTON: Homeruns: Alex Gonzalez (4), Kevin Youkilis (21, 22), David Ortiz (20)

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RED SOX: Wins: 70, Losses: 52, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Sunday 23 August 2009, 5:05 p.m. PT, New York Yankees, Fenway Park, Josh Beckett

Yankees Runover Red Sox

NY YANKEES: 2 4 0 0 6 3 1 0 4 - 20 23 1

BOSTON: 1 0 0 0 3 3 0 0 4 - 11 12 1

Ugly, Ugly, Ugly!!! I am wordless. What words can I write that will reflect the horror of this game? Boston Red Sox return to Fenway Park and are utterly defeated by the New York Yankees. The Red Sox valiantly tried to overcome the multi-run deficient, but were woefully unable to complete the task. They can only play better tomorrow. One celebratory note - Jacoby Ellsbury stole his fifty-fourth base and is tied with Tommy Harper for the most steals in a season for the Boston franchise. And despite this loss, Boston is still in first place in the AL Wild Card race.

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NY YANKEES: Starting Pitcher: Andy Pettitte, Winning Pitcher: Andy Pettitte

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Brad Penny, Losing Pitcher: Brad Penny (8)

NY YANKEES: Homeruns: Hideki Matsui (two)

BOSTON: Homeruns: Jason Varitek (14), Mike Lowell (15)

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RED SOX: Wins: 69, Losses: 52, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Saturday 22 August 2009, 1:10 p.m. PT, New York Yankees, Fenway Park, Junichi Tazawa

Red Sox Recap, 10 to 20 August

Between Monday 10 August and Thursday 20 August 2009, the Boston Red Sox played ten games – four at home against the Detroit Tigers – and six on the road – three against the Texas Rangers and three against the Toronto Blue Jays. Here are the breakdowns over the time period.

Total Each Series

Red Sox: 21 runs, 34 hits, 2 errors
Tigers: 14 runs, 25 hits, 2 errors
Three wins, one loss (won the first, second, and third games)
Analysis: Red Sox had 60% of the total runs, 58% of the total hits, 50% of the total errors

Red Sox: 13 runs, 27 hits, 0 errors
Rangers: 15 runs, 31 hits, 1 error
One win, two losses (won the first game)
Analysis: Red Sox had 46% of the total runs, 47% of the total hits, 0% of the total errors

Red Sox: 24 runs, 32 hits, 0 errors
Blue Jays: 11 runs, 22 hits, 7 errors
Three wins, no losses (sweep)
Analysis: Red Sox had 69% of the total runs, 59% of the total hits, 0% of the total errors

Combined Series Totals

Red Sox: 58 runs, 93 hits, 2 errors
Opponents: 40 runs, 78 hits, 10 errors
Seven wins, three losses
Analysis: Red Sox had 59% of the total runs, 54% of the total hits, 17% of the total errors

Season-To-20 August 2009

Red Sox: 620 runs, 1083 hits, 69 errors
Opponents: 527 runs, 1085 hits, 83 errors
Sixty-nine wins, fifty-one 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 21 August 2009)

New York 76 45 .628
Boston 69 51 .575
Tampa Bay 65 55 .542
Toronto 55 64 .462
Baltimore 49 72 .405

Boston Brooms Toronto, 8 to 1

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

TORONTO: 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 1 3 3

Three wins in a row and a series sweep over the Toronto Blue Jays for the Boston Red Sox! The pitching was marvelous, though, of course, I would have liked Lester to have tossed a complete game. Perhaps his next great outing Terry? I can only hope. In the Boston lineup, batters one through three and batters seven to nine supplied all the Red Sox hits today. An unusual occurrence that the middle of the lineup didn't provide any hits and left it all to the extremities of the lineup. Anyway they get it done is fine. Boston leaves Rogers Centre still alone atop the AL Wild Card. The Red Sox are back in Fenway Park tomorrow for a three-game series against the Yankees. Keep up the hitting and pitching!

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Jon Lester, Winning Pitcher: Jon Lester (10)

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

BOSTON: Homeruns: J. D. Drew (14, 15), Victor Martinez (20)

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RED SOX: Wins: 69, Losses: 51, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Friday 21 August 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, New York Yankees, Fenway Park, Brad Penny

Boston Taters Toronto, 6 to 1

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

TORONTO: 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 - 1 6 1

In Rogers Centre today, it was the young Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Buchholz versus the veteran Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Halladay. Youth won over the Ace. This was not a duel - Clay had game today, Roy did not. Buchholz doubles the number of his wins. Hits and runs in this second game of a three-game series were primarily supplied by the Red Sox, with the favorite way of scoring being the homerun. Boston has won this series against Toronto. Tomorrow the Red Sox will attempt the sweep. Keep up the hitting! (And the pitching). Boston is leading the AL Wild Card, all alone.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Clay Buchholz, Winning Pitcher: Clay Buchholz (2)

TORONTO: Starting Pitcher: Roy Halladay, Losing Pitcher: Roy Halladay

BOSTON: Homeruns: David Ortiz (19), Jason Bay (27), Victor Martinez (19)

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RED SOX: Wins: 68, Losses: 51, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Thursday 20 August 2009, 4:07 p.m. PT, Toronto Blue Jays, Rogers Centre, Jon Lester

Red Sox Bust Blue Jays, 10 to 9

BOSTON: 0 4 0 2 1 0 0 3 0 - 10 12 0

TORONTO: 0 1 1 1 2 2 0 2 0 - 9 13 2

Hits and runs! Runs and hits! Red Sox win! What a slugfest of a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays in Rogers Centre. Everyone on both teams who came up to bat had a hit - does not happen often. All of which means that the pitching was not dominant today for either team and neither starter is a pitcher of record. With all the hitting and scoring, hope the Red Sox are not "batted out" after today's exertions and can continue scoring runs to put together a substantial string of wins. On a positive note, the Texas Rangers lost today and now Boston is tied with them for the AL Wild Card.

There is a new member of the Red Sox. Dustin and Kelli Pedroia increased their family with the birth of their first child, a boy named Dylan. Welcome Dylan Pedroia to the Red Sox family!!! =============================================

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

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

BOSTON: Save: Jonathan Papelbon (29)

BOSTON: Homeruns: David Ortiz (18), Jason Bay (26)

TORONTO: Homeruns: Randy Ruiz, Travis Snider, Rod Barajas

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RED SOX: Wins: 67, Losses: 51, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Wednesday 19 August 2009, 4:07 p.m. PT, Toronto Blue Jays, Rogers Centre, Clay Buchholz

Happy 26th Birthday Dustin Luis Pedroia!!!

Dustin Pedroia is a right-handed batting and throwing infielder. He plays second base for the Boston Red Sox. Dustin made his Major League debut with the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday 22 August 2006 when he was twenty-three years and five days old. The Red Sox played the Los Angeles Angels in Angel Stadium that day and the first hit of his major league career was a single. Dustin has been named or won: American League Rookie of the Year 2007, Boston Red Sox World Series Championship ring 2007, American League Most Valuable Player 2008, Gold Glove Award 2008, Silver Slugger Award 2008, American League All-Star 2008 and 2009. Dustin wears number fifteen.

Texas Takes Boston

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

TEXAS: 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 x - 4 11 1

A later than usual Sunday morning starting time for the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Texas Rangers. A later than usual Sunday morning arrival time at my favorite New England sports living bar. A later than usual Sunday afternoon heading home time in disappointment. Not enough time for the Red Sox to scratch out a win today in Rangers Ballpark. Instead they lost the three-game series against the Rangers and are now in second place in the American League Wild Card race. Is time running out for Boston? Can they turn themselves around in time to earn a postseason spot? Is there enough time left for the Boston Red Sox? Hope by the end of the season that time will not tell the Red Sox that they are "a day late and a dollar short".

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Junichi Tazawa, Losing Pitcher: Junichi Tazawa (1)

TEXAS: Starting Pitcher: Dustin Nippert, Winning Pitcher: Dustin Nippert

TEXAS: Save: Frank Francisco

BOSTON: Homeruns: David Oritz (17), Dustin Pedroia (10)

TEXAS: Homeruns: Ian Kinsler, Taylor Teagarden

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RED SOX: Wins: 66, Losses: 51, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Tuesday 18 August 2009, 4:07 p.m. PT, Toronto Blue Jays, Rogers Centre, Josh Beckett

Rangers Rumble Red Sox

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

TEXAS: 0 2 0 2 0 0 1 2 x - 7 12 0

From yesterday's wild to today's mild, the Boston Red Sox have gone into a series tie with the Texas Rangers. No rally for the Red Sox in Rangers Ballpark in this second-game of the three-game series. Boston needs to put together a string of wins immediately to stay in contention - postseason, postseason, postseason! Their lead in the Wild Card race is now just half a game. Newly reacquired shortstop Alex Gonzalez started in the lineup in his first game as a Red Sox player once again.

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

TEXAS: Starting Pitcher: Derek Holland, Winning Pitcher: Derek Holland

BOSTON: Homeruns: Jason Bay (25), Victor Martinez (18)

TEXAS: Homerun: Ian Kinsler

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RED SOX: Wins: 66, Losses: 50, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Sunday 16 August 2009, 11:05 a.m. PT, Texas Rangers, Rangers Ballpark, Junichi Tazawa

Boston Breaks Texas, 8 to 4

BOSTON: 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 6 - 8 11 0

TEXAS: 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 - 4 8 0

It was a Wild West contest in Rangers Ballpark between the Boston Red Sox and the Texas Rangers for the Wild Card top position and the Red Sox made a major comeback to maintain first place. Newcomer Victor Martinez provided the go-ahead/winning run in Boston's sizzling six-run ninth inning. The duel in the West will continue tomorrow between the same two contestants and Boston will be going for the win of the three-game series. Today Boston added a former Red Sox player to the team. Shortstop Alex Gonzalez was traded to the Red Sox from the Cincinnati Reds. He played for Boston in 2006. Welcome Back Alex!

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

TEXAS: Starting Pitcher: Kevin Millwood, Losing Pitcher: Frank Francisco

BOSTON: Homeruns: David Ortiz (16), J. D. Drew (13)

TEXAS: Homerun: Michael Young

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RED SOX: Wins: 66, Losses: 49, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Saturday 15 August 2009, 5:05 p.m. PT, Texas Rangers, Rangers Ballpark, Brad Penny

Happy 25th Birthday Clay Daniel Buchholz!!

Clay Buchholz is a left-handed batting and right-handed throwing pitcher. He is a starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. Clay made his Major League debut with the Boston Red Sox on Friday 17 August 2007 when he was twenty-three years and three days old. The Red Sox played the Los Angeles Angels that day in Fenway Park and Clay pitched six innings and gave up four runs in the eight to four victory. Fifteen days later, when he was twenty-three years and eighteen days old, Clay pitched a no-hitter against the Baltimore Orioles in Fenway Park. He was named an American League Player of the Week 2007 and was voted This Year In Baseball Single Game Performance of the Year 2007. Clay wears number sixty-one.

Detroit Blanks Boston

DETROIT: 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 - 2 5 0

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

No sweep for the Boston Red Sox today, but they have won the four-game series against the Detroit Tigers. The game was a good pitching duel that did not end in Boston's favor. Some recent additions to the Red Sox team were in the lineup - Kotchman, Reddick, Woodward - getting a chance to play. This was a short stint in Fenway Park for the Red Sox. They are back on the road and are off to Texas to take on the Rangers - currently Boston's closest rival for the wild card position. After Texas, Boston heads to Toronto before returning home.

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DETROIT: Starting Pitcher: Justin Verlander, Winning Pitcher: Justin Verlander

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Clay Buchholz, Losing Pitcher: Clay Buchholz (3)

DETROIT: Save: Fernando Rodney

DETROIT: Homerun: Ryan Raburn

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RED SOX: Wins: 65, Losses: 49, AL East Standing: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Friday 14 August 2009, 5:05 p.m. PT, Texas Rangers, Rangers Ballpark, Jon Lester

Boston Dings Detroit, 8 to 2

DETROIT: 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 - 2 3 1

BOSTON: 0 1 2 0 5 0 0 0 x - 8 11 0

Yes, the Boston Red Sox are surely home. Today the Red Sox won the third game of the four-game series against the Detroit Tigers, Boston's third win in a row. The game at Fenway Park displayed wonderful Beckett (Major League leading wins) pitching and good Red Sox hitting. Great! The final result of Tuesday's ("Ejection Day") game was the five-game suspension of Boston's Kevin Youkilis and Detroit's Rick Porcello for their little second inning ruckus. Youkilis will not appeal his suspension and can play again on Tuesday 18 August in Toronto. In the meantime, Lowell will have more opportunity to play and he is homerun hot right now. It has been awhile, but the Boston Red Sox will be going for a series sweep tomorrow.

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DETROIT: Starting Pitcher: Zach Miner, Losing Pitcher: Zach Miner

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Josh Beckett, Winning Pitcher: Josh Beckett (14)

DETROIT: Homeruns: Carlos Guillen, Marcus Thames

BOSTON: Homeruns: Mike Lowell (14), Jason Bay (24)

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RED SOX: Wins: 65, Losses: 48, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Thursday 13 August 2009, 10:35 a.m. PT, Detroit Tigers, Fenway Park, Clay Buchholz

Red Sox Tater Tigers, 7 to 5

DETROIT: 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 - 5 7 1

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

Election Day (in the U.S.) is the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. In a slight twist to that established activity, the Boston Red Sox may want to declare the first Tuesday after the second Monday in August "Ejection Day". The main participants in today's ejection were Boston's third baseman Kevin Youkilis and Detroit's starting pitcher Rick Porcello. The action of being hit by a pitch led Youkilis to confront Porcello and other members of both teams decided to join in the meeting of hands across Fenway Park. Not surprisingly, the game eventually continued without Youkilis and Porcello. The final participant in "Ejection Day" was Red Sox manager Terry Francona, who was unhappy about J. D. Drew being called out on an attempted steal of second. He was invited to spend the rest of the game in silent contemplation. The winner on "Ejection Day" was the Boston Red Sox over the Detroit Tigers by a margin of two runs. Not an overwhelming victory, but no recount will be required. Also of note in this "Ejection Day" game was the first Major League win by Junichi Tazawa. Welcome to Friendly (most times) Fenway Junichi!

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

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Junichi Tazawa, Winning Pitcher: Junichi Tazawa (1)

DETROIT: Homerun: Curtis Granderson

BOSTON: Homeruns: Jason Bay (23), Mike Lowell (12, 13)

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RED SOX: Wins: 64, Losses: 48, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Wednesday 12 August 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Detroit Tigers, Fenway Park, Josh Beckett

Boston Red Sox logo is from the website mlb.com

Boston Blasts Detroit, 6 to 5

DETROIT: 0 0 0 2 1 0 2 0 0 - 5 10 0

BOSTON: 2 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 x - 6 12 0

First Inning: Tigers: Curtis Granderson (CF) flies out to center, Placido Polanco (2B) singles to right, Marcus Thames (LF) fouls out to catcher, Miguel Cabrera (1B) walks, Polanco moves to second, Carlos Guillen (DH) flies out to left

Red Sox: Jacoby Ellsbury (CF) doubles to left, Dustin Pedroia (2B) homers, Ellsbury scores Victor Martinez (C) flies out to left, Kevin Youkilis (3B) singles to left, David Ortiz (DH) flies out to left, J. D. Drew (RF) singles to center, Youkilis moves to second, Jason Bay (LF) walks, Youkilis moves to third, Drew moves to second (bases-loaded), Casey Kotchman (1B) lines out to second

End of first inning score: Red Sox 2, Tigers 0

Second Inning: Tigers: Magglio Ordonez (RF) ground-rule doubles to right, Brandon Inge (3B) grounds out to third, Gerald Laird (C) lines out to second, Adam Everett (SS) flies out to center

Red Sox: Nick Green (SS) homers, Ellsbury singles to center, Ellsbury steals second, Pedroia strikes out swinging, Martinez strikes out swinging, Youkilis singles to center, Ellsbury moves to third, Ortiz singles to right, Ellsbury scores, Youkilis moves to third, Ortiz out at first

End of second inning score: Red Sox 4, Tigers 0

Third Inning: Tigers: Granderson flies out right, Polanco singles to center, Thames grounds into double play, Polanco out at second

Red Sox: Drew walks, Bay grounds to fielder's choice at third, Drew out at second, Kotchman singles to third, Bay moves to second, Green strikes out swinging, Ellsbury flies out to right

End of third inning score: Red Sox 4, Tigers o

Fourth Inning: Tigers: Cabrera hit by a pitch, Guillen flies out to center, Ordonez triples to right, Cabrera scores, Inge singles to center, Ordonez scores, Laird grounds out to third, Inge moves to second, Everett grounds out to shortstop

Red Sox: Pedroia grounds out to third, Martinez pops up to shortstop, Youkilis hit by a pitch, Ortiz flies out to right

End of fourth inning score: Red Sox 4, Tigers 2

Fifth Inning: Tigers: Granderson doubles to left, Polanco grounds out to shortstop, Granderson moves to third, Thames flies out to right, Granderson scores, Cabrera strikes out swinging

Red Sox: (Detroit pitcher Fu-Te Ni relieves Detroit starting pitcher Edwin Jackson), Drew grounds out to first, Bay homers, Kotchman walks, Green pops out to shortstop, Kotchan to second on wild pitch, Ellsbury grounds out to first

End of fifth inning score: Red Sox 5, Tigers 3

Sixth Inning: Tigers: Guillen grounds out to first, Ordonez grounds out to second, Inge strikes out swinging

Red Sox: Pedroia walks, Martinez flies out to center, Youkilis grounds out to shortstop, Pedroia moves to second, Ortiz flies out to right

End of sixth inning score: Red Sox 5, Tigers 3

Seventh Inning: Tigers: (Boston pitcher Manny Delcarmen relieves Boston starting pitcher Brad Penny), Laird doubles to left, Everett grounds out to third, Laird moves to third, Granderson grounds out to catcher, Polanco singles to right, Laird scores, Thames doubles to left, Polanco scores, Cabrera intentional walk (Boston pitcher Ramon Ramirez relieves Boston pitcher Manny Delcarmen), Guillen pops out to shortstop

Red Sox: (Detroit pitcher Zach Miner relieves Detroit pitcher Fu-Te Ni), Drew singles to right, Bay flies to center, Kotchman singles to center, Drew moves to third, Green flies out to center, Drew scores, Ellsbury grounds into fielder's choice to shortstop, Kotchman out at second

End of seventh inning score: Red Sox 6, Tigers 5

Eighth Inning: Tigers: Ordonez doubles to left (Clete Thomas pinch runs for Ordonez), Inge hit by a pitch, Laird grounds out to third, Thomas moves to third, Inge moves to second, Everett strikes out swinging, (Boston pitcher Jonathan Papelbon relieves Boston pitcher Ramon Ramirez), Granderson fouls out to catcher

Red Sox: Pedroia pops out to third, Martinez grounds out to second, Youkilis grounds out to pitcher

End of eighth inning score: Red Sox 6, Tigers 5

Ninth Inning: Tigers: Polanco flies out to center, Thames strikes out swinging, Cabrera flies out to right

Red Sox: Game over

End of game score: Red Sox 6, Tigers 5

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DETROIT: Starting Pitcher: Edwin Jackson, Losing Pitcher: Zach Miner

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

BOSTON: Save: Jonathan Papelbon (28)

BOSTON: Homeruns: Dustin Pedroia (9), Nick Green (6), Jason Bay (22)

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RED SOX: Wins: 63, Losses: 48, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Tuesday 11 August 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Detroit Tigers, Fenway Park, Junichi Tazawa

Red Sox Recap, 31 July to 9 August

Between Friday 31 July and Sunday 9 August 2009, the Boston Red Sox played nine games on the road – three against the Baltimore Orioles, two against the Tampa Bay Rays, and four against the New York Yankees. Here are the breakdowns over the time period.

Total Each Series

Red Sox: 28 runs, 47 hits, 2 errors
Orioles: 15 runs, 32 hits, 1 error
Three wins, no losses (sweep)
Analysis: Red Sox had 65% of the total runs, 60% of the total hits, 66% of the total errors

Red Sox: 6 runs, 14 hits, 1 error
Rays: 10 runs, 16 hits, 2 errors
No wins, two losses
Analysis: Red Sox had 38% of the total runs, 46% of the total hits, 33% of the total errors

Red Sox: 8 runs, 25 hits, 2 errors
Yankees: 25 runs, 46 hits, 1 error
No wins, four losses
Analysis: Red Sox had 24% of the total runs, 35% of the total hits, 67% of the total errors

Combined Series Totals

Red Sox: 42 runs, 86 hits, 5 errors
Opponents: 50 runs, 94 hits, 4 errors
Three wins, six losses
Analysis: Red Sox had 46% of the total runs, 48% of the total hits, 56% of the total errors

Season-To-9 August 2009

Red Sox: 562 runs, 990 hits, 67 errors
Opponents: 487 runs, 1007 hits, 73 errors
Sixty-two wins, forty-eight losses
Analysis: Red Sox had 54% of the total runs, 50% of the total hits, 48% of the total errors

AL East Standings (at the start of Monday 10 August 2009)

New York 69 42 .622
Boston 62 48 .564
Tampa Bay 61 50 .550
Toronto 53 57 .482
Baltimore 46 65 .414

Yankees Rope Red Sox

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

NY YANKEES: 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 x - 5 10 0

All right, I can appreciate the art/skill of pitching duels, but enough is enough! Thirty-one straight innings without a run is just not believable. Time for the Boston Red Sox hitters to not only step up to the plate, but to break it to pieces. Yes, they did break the runless streak today, but they still lost (though that could be argued to be a relief pitching problem) and were swept by the New York Yankees. Boston does still lead the season series against New York. Happily, Boston leaves Yankee Stadium and heads home to Fenway Park to end their six game losing streak. Boston behind, not buried!

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Jon Lester, Losing Pitcher: Daniel Bard (1)

NY YANKEES: Starting Pitcher: Andy Pettitte, Winning Pitcher: Phil Coke

BOSTON: Homerun: Victor Martinez (17)

NY YANKEES Homerun: Alex Rodriguez, Johnny Damon, Mark Teixeira

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RED SOX: Wins: 62, Losses: 48, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Monday 10 August 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Detroit Tigers, Fenway Park, Brad Penny

Yankees Rout Red Sox

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

NY YANKEES: 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 2 x - 5 9 0

Another day, another New York Yankees win, another shutout loss for the Boston Red Sox. Boston has been experiencing the wrong type of streak for the past five games. Five losses in a row and runs have been hard to come by for the Red Sox recently. They have to get back on the hitting track. Boston's road trip ends tomorrow in Yankee Stadium and it would a great boost if they avoid being swept and head back to Fenway on a positive note. This losing skid has to stop and the climb back up the AL East has to start. Runs, Boston, runs!

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

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

NY YANKEES: Homerun: Derek Jeter

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RED SOX: Wins: 62, Losses: 47, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Sunday 9 August 2009, 5:05 p.m. PT, New York Yankees, Yankee Stadium, Jon Lester

Yankees Yard Red Sox

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

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

Tonight in Yankee Stadium the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees presented a pitching exhibition that lasted five and a half hours. And, unfortunately, the Red Sox were not successful in prevailing in that demonstration of ball handling. Starters and the bullpen for Boston and New York were excellent. But the game ending pitch, which resulted in the two-run, walkoff homer by Rodriguez, was thrown by newly called up Junichi Tazawa making his Major League debut. An inglorious beginning for the young pitcher, but I'm sure he'll have many more opportunities to redeem himself against the Yankees. Such a hard loss. Speaking of loss, John Smoltz has been lost from the starting rotation and designated for assignment. Not surprising. The fifteen inning game was the longest for both teams this season. It won't be a long wait until Saturday's game and Boston needs to be victorious.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Josh Beckett, Losing Pitcher: Junichi Tazawa (1)

NY YANKEES: Starting Pitcher: A. J. Burnett, Winning Pitcher: Phil Coke

NY YANKEES: Homerun: Alex Rodriguez

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RED SOX: Wins: 62, Losses: 46, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Saturday 8 August 2009, 1:10 p.m. PT, New York Yankees, Yankee Stadium, Clay Buchholz

Yankees Rampage Red Sox

BOSTON: 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 2 - 6 8 1

NY YANKEES: 0 0 1 8 2 1 1 0 x - 13 18 0

Another long Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees matchup. However, for the first time this season the game did not go in Boston's favor. Everything was going New York's way. Red Sox starting pitcher Smoltz had his shortest outing of the season. He just doesn't appear to have settled into pitching consistently (that is, consistently well) this year. Smoltz today - fewer innings pitched, larger ERA. Does Terry still have faith in him? Mine is dwindling (or has dwindled?). Pitching is not Boston's long suit at the moment and it needs to be rectified. Even when the hitting tapers off, I know it will come back - even in a game that saw Boston leave fifteen men on base. On a good welcoming note, Casey Kotchman had a homerun for his first Red Sox hit. Welcome Casey! Tomorrow Boston will play the second game of the four-game series in Yankee Stadium. A Red Sox win is needed to even up the series with the Yankees and to keep a winning road trip.

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: John Smoltz, Losing Pitcher: John Smoltz (5)

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

BOSTON: Homeruns: Dustin Pedroia (8), Casey Kotchman (7)

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

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RED SOX: Wins: 62, Losses: 45, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Friday 7 August 2009, 4:05 p.m. PT, New York Yankees, Yankee Stadium, Josh Beckett

Rays Romp Red Sox

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

TAMPA BAY: 0 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 x - 6 7 1

First Inning: Red Sox: Jacoby Ellsbury (CF) grounds out to second, Dustin Pedroia (2B) flies out to center, Victor Martinez (1B) grounds out to shortstop

Rays: Jason Bartlett (SS) grounds out to shortstop, Carl Crawford (LF) grounds out to shortstop, Evan Longoria (3B) flies out to center

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

Second Inning: Red Sox: Kevin Youkilis (3B) flies out to center, Jason Bay (LF) homers to left, Mike Lowell (DH) strikes out swinging, Rocco Baldelli ( (RF) fouls out to first

Rays: Ben Zobrist (2B) singles to right, Pat Burrell (DH) strikes out swinging, Zobrist steals second, Carlos Pena (1B) homers to right, Zobrist scores, B. J. Upton (CF) flies out to right, Gabe Kapler (RF) strikes out looking

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

Third Inning: Red Sox: Jason Varitek (C) doubles to left, Jed Lowrie (SS) strikes out swinging, Ellsbury grounds out to second, Varitek moves to third, Pedroia grounds out to third

Rays: Michel Hernandez (C) singles to center, Bartlett flies out to center, Crawford homers to left, Hernandez scores, Longoria walks, Zobrist flies out to center, Longoria steals second, Burrell flies out to left

End of third inning score: Red Sox 1, Rays 4

Fourth Inning: Red Sox: Martinez fouls out to third, Youkilis doubles to left, Bay fouls out to first, Lowell strikes out looking

Rays: Pena strikes out swinging, Upton singles to left, Upton steals second, Kapler flies out to right, Hernandez strikes out swinging

End of fourth inning score: Red Sox 1, Rays 4

Fifth Inning: Red Sox: Baldelli strikes out looking, Varitek flies out to center, Lowrie singles to left, Ellsbury doubles to left, Lowrie moves to third, Pedroia flies out to center

Rays: Bartlett grounds out to second, Crawford grounds out to shortstop, Longoria lines out to center

End of fifth inning score: Red Sox 1, Rays 4

Sixth Inning: Red Sox: Martinez homers to left, Youkilis flies out to right, Bay strikes out swinging, Lowell grounds out to shortstop

Rays: Zobrist grounds out to second, Burrell homers to left, Pena walks, Pena caught attemping to steal second, Upton strikes out lookiing

End of sixth inning score: Red Sox 2, Rays 5

Seventh Inning: Red Sox: (Tampa Bay pitcher Lance Cormier relieves Tampa Bay starting pitcher David Price), Baldelli safe at second on the second basemen error, Varitek grounds out to second, Baldelli moves to third, Lowrie grounds out to second, Baldelli scores, Ellsbury grounds out to shortstop

Rays: (Boston pitcher Manny Delcarmen relieves Boston starting pitcher Brad Penny), Gabe Gross (PH for Kapler) strikes out looking, Hernandez flies out to right, Bartlett homers to left, Crawford grounds out to third

End of seventh inning score: Red Sox 3, Rays 6

Eighth Inning: Red Sox: (Tampa Bay pitcher Jeff Bennett relieves Tampa Bay pitcher Lance Cormier), Pedroia walks, Martinez doubles to right, Pedroia moves to third, (Tampa Bay pitcher Dan Wheeler relieves Tampa Bay pitcher Jeff Bennett), Youkilis grounds out to third, Pedroia scores, Bay grounds out to shortstop, Lowell flies out to shortstop

Rays: (Boston pitcher Hideki Okajima relieves Boston pitcher Manny Delcarmen), Longoria strikes out swinging, Zobrist grounds out to shortstop, Burrell walks, Pena flies out to center

End of eighth inning score: Red Sox 4, Rays 6

Ninth Inning: Red Sox: (Tampa Bay pitcher J. P. Howell relieves Tampa Bay pitcher Dan Wheeler), J. D. Drew (PH for Baldelli) walks, Varitek strikes out looking, Lowrie strikes out looking, Ellsbury grounds out to second

Rays: Game over

End of game score: Red Sox 4, Rays 6

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

TAMPA BAY: Starting Pitcher: David Price, Winning Pitcher: David Price

TAMPA BAY: Save: J. P. Howell

BOSTON: Homeruns: Jason Bay (21), Victor Martinez (16)

TAMPA BAY: Homeruns: Carlos Pena, Carl Crawford, Pat Burrell, Jason Bartlett

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RED SOX: Wins: 62, Losses: 44, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Thursday 6 August 2009, 4:05 p.m. PT, New York Yankees, Yankee Stadium, John Smoltz

Tampa Bay Taters Boston

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

TAMPA BAY: 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 - 4 9 1

This game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays should have ended in the ninth inning with a Boston shutout of Tampa Bay. Instead, Terry choose to take Lester out in the seventh inning with only a two-run Red Sox lead and, unfortunately, the Boston bullpen faltered today and the Rays won in extra innings. Stay with the starter!!! Why is that so hard to do? Don't give the opponents an opportunity to face a pitcher they can hit when there's a small lead. It's so frustrating when Boston suffers an unnecessary loss. Tomorrow in Tropicana Field Boston will try for a split of the two-game series.

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

TAMPA BAY: Starting Pitcher: Matt Garza, Winning Pitcher: Lance Cormier

BOSTON: Homeruns: Kevin Youkilis (20), Dustin Pedroia (7)

TAMPA BAy: Homeruns: Evan Longoria (two)

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RED SOX: Wins: 62, Losses: 43, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Wednesday 5 August 2009, 4:08 p.m. PT, Tampa Bay Rays, Tropicana Field, Brad Penny

Happy 47th Birthday John Edward Farrell!!!

John Farrell was a right-handed batting and throwing pitcher who is now the pitching coach for the Boston Red Sox. John made his Major League debut with the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday 18 August 1987 when he was twenty-five years and fourteen days old. His final Major League appearance was with the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday 22 May 1996 when was thirty-three years, nine months, and eighteen days old. John made his Major League pitching coach debut with the Boston Red Sox in 2007 when he was forty-four years old. John wears number fifty-two.

Red Sox Reduce Orioles, 18 to 10

BOSTON: 4 2 1 7 0 2 0 1 1 - 18 23 0

BALTIMORE: 0 0 6 0 1 2 1 0 0 - 10 15 1

A sweet, sweep Sunday! The New England sports living bar was full of happiness today as the Boston Red Sox swept the Baltimore Orioles in Oriole Park. Boston has started this road trip well. Although it wasn't a happy day for Red Sox starting pitcher Buchholz, the Boston batters had a great day with season high hits and runs. There were several bases-loaded situations and Boston came through with runs scored. For Josh Reddick, called up from the minors a few days ago, his happiness today was hitting his first homerun of his major league career. Even though he was not part of the slugfest, Ortiz did get on base via a walk and had an RBI for his jaunt. Not one pitch was thrown today by Tim Wakefield, but nevertheless, it was a day of happiness for him. Tim celebrates his forty-third birthday today. Have a happy day Tim! Boston will attempt to continue the happiness when they play Tampa Bay for two games beginning on Tuesday. Let happiness prevail!

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Clay Buchholz, Winning Pitcher: Manny Delcarman (4)

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

BOSTON: Homeruns: Josh Reddick (1), Rocco Baldelli (5)

BALTIMORE: Homerun: Adam Jones

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RED SOX: Wins: 62, Losses: 42, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Tuesday 4 August 2009, 4:08 p.m. PT, Tampa Bay Rays, Tropicana Field, Jon Lester

Happy 43rd Birthday Timothy Stephen Wakefield

Tim Wakefield is a right-handed batting and throwing pitcher. He is a starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. Tim made his Major League debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday 13 July 1992 when he was twenty-five years, eleven months, and twenty-nine days old. The Pittsburgh Pirates played the St. Louis Cardinals that day and Tim threw a complete game in the three to two win. He was released by the Pirates in 1995 and Tim signed with the Boston Red Sox on Thursday 27 April 1995 when he was twenty-eight years, eight months, and twenty-five days old. Tim made his Fenway Park debut on Sunday 4 June 1995 when he was twenty-eight years, ten months, and two days old. The Boston Red Sox played the Seattle Mariners that day and Tim went the distance in the two to one win. Tim was named American League Comeback Player of the Year 1995, he has World Series rings for the 2004 and 2007 Boston Red Sox Championship, and he was named to the American League All-Star team 2009. Tim wears number forty-nine.

Boston Blanks Baltimore, 4 to 0

BOSTON: 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 - 4 13 0

BALTIMORE: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 8 0

The Boston Red Sox had an excellent shutout game in Oriole Park today. Beckett went deep into the game, almost everyone in the lineup had a hit, including the new acquisition Victor Martinez, and no errors were committed. Wonderful! Boston has won the series against the Baltimore Orioles. The Red Sox have a three game wining streak and tomorrow will go for the sweep against the Orioles. The road is being good to Boston!

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BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Josh Beckett, Winning Pitcher: Josh Beckett (13)

BALTIMORE: Starting Pitcher: David Hernandez, Losing Pitcher: David Hernandez

BOSTON: Homeruns: Dustin Pedroia (6), Kevin Youkilis (19)

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RED SOX: Wins: 61, Losses: 42, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Sunday 2 August 2009, 10:35 a.m. PT, Baltimore Orioles, Oriole Park, Clay Buchholz