Run Support is a Glorious Thing!

Dad --

Well, it's finally happened. The Sox are finally out of their hitting slump. And you know what that means - they're winning. Who knew all they needed was to come back to the Fens.

We've now won three in a row and moved up a game on the Yankees. And it's all been due to the fact that our boys are finally swinging their bats. Check out these scores: 6-5, 7-5, and 8-2. It's been awesome. And each night has brought something special.

Penny was actually good on Monday, going six innings and only giving up three runs. He did throw 93 pitches over those six innings but 56 of them were strikes. Pedroia, Green and Bay all hit homers and Ellsbury stole his 51st base. The only thing that made Monday better was the fact that the Yankees lost and the Sox moved up a game in the standings.

The bats continued working Tuesday, but the baseballs weren't the only things being hit. No, Tuesday's game was all about the benches clearing brawl that took place during the 2nd inning. It all started when Junichi Tazawa, getting his first start as a major league pitcher, threw inside and hit Tigers' first baseman Miguel Cabrera. Then the Tigers pitcher, Rick Porcello threw inside to Victor Martinez, but failed to make contact. So if at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Well, Dad, try again he did.

Since Porcello couldn't get the job done in the 1st, he threw at Youkilis to start the 2nd inning. This time Porcello made contact - right between Youk's shoulder blades. Youkilis not only charged the mound, he threw his helmet at Porcello. By the time the benches cleared, Porcello and Youkilis were rolling around on the ground throwing punches. Of course both were ejected immediately and both received 5 game suspensions. I just hope Youk won't be serving his sentence when the Sox face the Yankees next week.

Tonight Beckett took the mound and did what Beckett does best - get outs! He pitched seven innings and gave up only two runs and three hits. He also got his 14th win, making him the first pitcher in the majors to reach that feat. Meanwhile both Jason Bay and Mike Lowell continued their hitting streaks by adding another couple homers to their stats. It's good to see both Jay Bay as the kids call him and Mikey coming out of their slumps. And it couldn't come at a better time.

Another special moment tonight was when NESN reporter, Jerry Remy, made a special appearance at Fenway and got a heartfelt standing ovation from the fans. He said he's recovering nicely and hopes to be back in the booth soon. Although Dennis Eckersley has done a fine job covering for the Rem Dawg while he's been away, he isn't Jerry.

So there's just one more game against the AL Central leaders tomorrow and Buccholz has the start. I'm hoping for the sweep, not only because we need it, but because it'll keep Red Sox Nation's spirits up. But with the bats swinging like they have been the past three games, I'm really not that worried.

Jenn