One out of Three Sucks!

Well Dad, what can I say about the 4th of July weekend series against the Mariners? I had more fun on the beach with Aidan.

As I said in my previous post, what the hell happened to our bullpen? Isn't it supposed to be the best in the league? Shouldn't we be able to end a game with a one or two run lead? Evidently not.

On Friday, Green doubled to take the Sox into extra innings. But after a lights out Pap got the Sox through the 10th, Ramirez gave up two hits and two walks which allowed the Mariners to score the winning run in the 11th.

On Saturday the Sox were leading until the 5th inning when the Mariners tied it up. Then Saito came in, loaded the bases with three walks and gave up a bloop single to Chris Woodward that would score the winning run.

At least the offense showed up on Sunday. Sure it wasn't until the 7th inning, but hey, they showed up. After two solo shots in the first, the Mariners did what they'd been doing all weekend. Coming back and taking the lead. But unlike the two previous games, the offense didn't sit back and let them sweep us away. They came to life, scoring five runs in the 7th and giving the Sox a 4 run lead.

Then thankfully both Masterson and Okajima got through their innings without giving up a hit. Masterson even went so far as to strike out the side in the 8th. Pretty impressive. What I want to know is where these guys were Friday and Saturday. Oh well, guess it doesn't really matter. All that matters is that our beloved Sox escaped the Mariners' broom.

That welcome sight came on the day the All Star players were announced. The Sox have six men going. Jason Bay, Josh Beckett, Jonathan Papelbon, Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia and Tim Wakefield who finally get his wish and will make his All Star debut at the mere age of 42.

So while most of America was celebrating on Saturday the 4th, Red Sox Nation had to wait a day and celebrate on Sunday the 5th. But I'd say a win and a Red Sox heavy All Star team is a good reason to wait.

Jenn