I Think He's Back!-Peter

Well, to once again quote a Yankee, Yogi by name, "It ain't over til it's over." That really sums up the Sox performance today. Facing a good pitcher who spent time with Atlanta while they were running roughshod over the NL, Kevin Millwood, I was thinking the Sox would really need their hitters on today. Sure enough, starting with their leadoff hitter opening the game with a home run, the Sox found themselves behind and continued to get more and more in that situation as the game went on. Finally, after Milton Bradley (whom I never cared for--attitude) popped a 3 run HR in the sixth, the Sox were down 5-0 and showing little likelihood of turning things around.

Manny'd been tossed in the second for arguing an umpire's call at the plate and no-one else seemed to be doing much with the stick. By the end of the sixth, Millwood had an ERA in the one's. However, following Yogi's dictum, things began to change in the 7th. Papi and JD each hit RBI singles to close to 5-2. Then, the penultimate eighth--after the first two Sox batters were quickly retired, Lowrie banged a double to left. Papi promptly took advantage of the opportunity by driving him home with a sharp single, 5-3. That's 2-4 today, and though both singles, they DID drive in runs and seem to prove, along with his performances earlier this week, that Papi may indeed be nearly back to his old self. Pedroia pinch hit and brought Papi across with a ringing double. As the ball came in a bit off line, Dusty got to third on the error, setting up an opportunity for Youk. However, the Rangers intentionally walked him, and not so intentionally walked the next two batters. Suddenly, the score read 6-5 Sox, complements of the Ranger's bullpen and Millwood had nothing to show for his efforts.

That was it, but it was all they needed. Papelbon, as Jenn's T-shirt says, saved--seven pitches for a perfect inning and the game was a W for the Sox.

These last two games really illustrate the wisdom of Yogi's homily. Sox try to complete the four game sweep tomorrow when Patriot's Day is celebrated (even though us old-timers remember when the actual date was April 18 and it was then celebrated).