YES!! IT'S OVER!!-Peter

The losing streak is history! But the way our heroes did it had me dreading a sixth loss to the very end. How does this sound? Crisp and Pedroia both are quickly gotten out in the bottom of the ninth, score still zeroes all around. Lester'd done an excellent job through eight, allowing only a lonesome hit--cut his ERA way down from where it was at the start of the game. But still no runs, even though we had a few more hits than the Jays. Papelbon came in and, aided by an amazing stop by Dusty at second, quickly put down the Jays in the 9th, getting two K's in the process. But....still zeroes all around. This is getting seriously nerve-racking!


Then....the aforementioned start of our half of the 9th. That brings up Papi. Would this be a great time for Papi's lightning to strike? Sorry. But he DID reach base on a five pitch walk. Manny followed. Could he; would he end it with a single swing? Again, sorry. But, he too, DID reach on a single. God forbid someone should park one in the cheap seats and end the losing string, not to mention the tension, all at once! Anyway, back to the point--we've got men on first and second and Youk's coming to the plate. Already in possession of one of the Sox' few hits for the evening, he doesn't disappoint. Sharp single to Wells in the outfield and Papi's lumbering around third, his 230+ pounds an irresistible force that dares the catcher--Hell, anyone--should he even get the ball to get in the way. He's coming to the plate, sore knee and all, no matter what! Get out of the way! He crosses the plate and the Sox have won, the losing streak is history and Papelbon has gotten the W, picking up on Lester's fabulous eight inning gem.

Other points: tonight marked the return of Mike Lowell from his three plus weeks on the DL, and even though he was 0-3, it's good to see him back. The Diceman's set to go tomorrow, and maybe we can tack another W onto this one and return to the idea of a winning streak for awhile.