Boxcars for the Diceman--Peter

Those of you who shoot dice know that 'BoxCars' is another way to describe 'making a hard eight'. It's getting eight, if that's your point, with both dice showing a four. It also describes Dice-K's latest victory last night. Going for, and getting his eighth that left him at 8-0 for the season, was not an easy win.

First, he had six BB's in just over five innings. Thank God he struck out seven, so that somewhat balanced off the free passes. Then, after leaving having been charged with three runs, but ahead 11-3 at inning's end (after the Sox got their turn at bat), the relief, pre-The Saver, gave up an additional five runs. Three of those were surrendered by the usually reliable Aardsma. Coming into the Royals' half of the 9th it was suddenly a lot more 'interesting' than I cared for. Time for Laserman, better known to the faithful as Papelbon. He quickly put the first two batters away, but then gave up a pair of singles and all of a sudden, it's tying run at the plate. This isn't how one usually envisions Pap saving a game. However, a few quick bursts and the third and final out was on the board and the Royals were once again out of their misery--or, maybe, deeper into their misery. I guess it just depends on your frame of reference.

Another note about the pair of fours (boxcars) relative to this game is the pair of Grand Slams by the Sox, the first time for two in a game at Fenway in over 20 years, and the first by the Sox anywhere in about five years. That last time was also unique unto itself as both Slams then were by Billy Mueller, one from each side of the dish. Thanks for last night to Lowell and JD! In addition to the Slam, both guys had multi-hit games, Lowell coming with a double and single to add to the shot. Other Sox players with multi-hit evenings were Lugo and Youk.

Anyway, it was the Sox' seventh win in a row, so I guess you shooters can look at a good evening either way. We got our '7' and made our point (if the point was 8) in a pair of ways. Keep rolling.

I'm planning to see the Sox live tonight at the Oakland Colosseum; Wake's pitching.

Also, this blog was very kindly recognized by the Marin Independent-Journal's Dave Albee in his column today. For you folks who aren't local (northern California) and want to see his column, you can log on to the paper's web site and go to the sports section. The web URL is: www.marinij.com. Thanks, Dave. Always appreciated.