Pitching and Hitting Finally Combine for Sox Win

Dad --

I know you're on a deadline, but did you see today's final game against the Athletics? Tim Wakefield pitched a no hitter into the 8th inning. And he was perfect through five. Which actually brings up a question - is it still considered a perfect game if the first base runner to reach base, reaches on an error? I mean it's not the pitcher's fault, it's one of the fielders - in this case it was Lowell's bobble that allowed Suzuki to reach first. I was just curious.

Anyway, there's speculation that the reason Wakefield may have finally given up a hit in the bottom of the 8th was that in the top half of the inning, the Sox not only batted around but they got six runs. And those six runs left Wakefield sitting on the bench for 25 minutes before he could take the mound again. Although the knuckler said after the game that the long wait didn't effect him, spectators and commentators alike have to wonder.

It doesn't matter why Wakefield missed out on the no hitter. What does matter is that after last night's devastating loss in 12 innings, the Sox not only needed a win, they needed a starter to go deep. And they got both those in spades. Wakefield pitched the first complete game of the season and the Sox scored 8 times for the win.

With a day off tomorrow and Friday's game the beginning of an extended homestand, today's game could be the beginning of a nice winning streak. Here's hoping...

XO

Jenn