Well, Jenn, after the recent past, topped by last night, I was beginning to think the Sox were ready to permanently put the Rays in their rear view mirror. However, today, was a different story. Admittedly Dice gave up a threespot in the 4th after holding the Rays to a single hit up to then, and he only gave up a total of four hits in all, but that got him the 'L'. However, had the pen held up its end of the bargain, the Hose likely would have come up with another win and put Tampa three games to the rear, instead of the one they are now. But, Manny came on in relief of Atch, who'd done a nice job with a scoreless inning following Dice, and faced five batters in the 8th. Four hits and a walk later, followed by more Rays bat work after Manny took a shower, all five were on the board as Rays runs. It's difficult, to say the least, to win if you never get anyone out. Anyway, that pretty much finished off the Fenmen for the evening. Tampa got a final run in the same inning from Ramirez. Thus, when the Sox bats finally came to life again, same 8th inning, it was too little, too late. Youk went for the collar, dropping him below .300, but Beltre continued to hit, getting a single and a sac fly to maintain his team leadership in RBI's. Papi also had a good evening, twice sending the ball on a long ride to the deepest reaches of the outfield without leaving the yard. Results: a pair of doubles to go with a walk for three ribbies and a tie with Beltre in that category.
You know, Jenn, at the present pace, the Sox could have a trio of guys with 30HR's and 100 RBI's each by season's end. Wouldn't that be something!
The good news tonight, other than the aforementioned bat work of Papi and Beltre, is that Mr. Hankie's Yankees also lost, so we're still just a game out.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Eating Innings & Timely Hitting: Peter
One adage (of the many) about this game is that you need your pitchers to regularly go deep into games, thus avoiding overworking your pen. At the same time, you need timely hitting so you can take full advantage of those innings your starters are eating up. Well, Jenn, tonight we got both. Lackey, in winning his fifth in a row to get to 9-3 on the year, went a solid seven and allowed just a single run on a well scattered eight hits. Then, when Oki started giving back runs in his 2/3 of an inning (as did Atch), Bard, Richardson (recently arrived in the Fens)and Pap took control and closed out the Rays to preserve the win. They were able to do so because they were rested due to the starters going deep.
Offensively, we're already into the 5th in a scoreless pitching duel when Papi comes to the plate with a pair of runners on. The Rays' manager visits Shields on the mound and lets him decide who he'd rather pitch to, Papi or Yoouuk. He picks Papi, thinking he'll just show him his heater to prove he's the better man (even though Papi is .393 career with HR's against Shields and Youk is below the Mendoza line for his career against Shields). Give Shields credit--he did have the balls to show the heater to Papi. He also was able to watch it as it sailed by overhead on the way to the cheaps where it established a three zip Sox lead. He says, after the fact, he didn't mean to throw it where he did. Well, DUHhhhh. Never heard a pitcher who did mean to "throw it there".
Offensively, beside Papi's 17th Beltre went 4-4 with a pair of doubles, and Hall turned on one in the 7th with a man on to add another pair to the Sox total.
Covering for the injured, and also showing how well the team has come together in the face of adversity, Tek handled the catching duties flawlessly while V-Mart began his stint on the DL. Speaking of Martinez & the DL, the Sox called up another catcher from the Pawsox, someone named Molina. Could it be another member of THE catching Molina family? My God, were these guys born wearing pads and carrying an oversized glove? It's probably in the genes. Sox also announced the Dustman could be out as many as six weeks with his broken foot. Hope he heals quickly.
There is one unexpected benefit from all of these Pawsox callups in the wake of the injuries, Jenn. The Sox minor leaguers are getting an unexpected solid dose of MLB experience that will serve them well when they make the move for good. Also, it makes them better trade material should the Hose go on the market later in the pennant race for help in the final run to October. Every cloud has a silver lining. Can we say Cliff Lee? Hell, Jenn, I can dream, can't I? But seriously, can you imagine how good the Sox should be when all of the wounded get back in the saddle?
We're now two games up on the Rays and just one behind Mr. Hankie's Yankees.
Offensively, we're already into the 5th in a scoreless pitching duel when Papi comes to the plate with a pair of runners on. The Rays' manager visits Shields on the mound and lets him decide who he'd rather pitch to, Papi or Yoouuk. He picks Papi, thinking he'll just show him his heater to prove he's the better man (even though Papi is .393 career with HR's against Shields and Youk is below the Mendoza line for his career against Shields). Give Shields credit--he did have the balls to show the heater to Papi. He also was able to watch it as it sailed by overhead on the way to the cheaps where it established a three zip Sox lead. He says, after the fact, he didn't mean to throw it where he did. Well, DUHhhhh. Never heard a pitcher who did mean to "throw it there".
Offensively, beside Papi's 17th Beltre went 4-4 with a pair of doubles, and Hall turned on one in the 7th with a man on to add another pair to the Sox total.
Covering for the injured, and also showing how well the team has come together in the face of adversity, Tek handled the catching duties flawlessly while V-Mart began his stint on the DL. Speaking of Martinez & the DL, the Sox called up another catcher from the Pawsox, someone named Molina. Could it be another member of THE catching Molina family? My God, were these guys born wearing pads and carrying an oversized glove? It's probably in the genes. Sox also announced the Dustman could be out as many as six weeks with his broken foot. Hope he heals quickly.
There is one unexpected benefit from all of these Pawsox callups in the wake of the injuries, Jenn. The Sox minor leaguers are getting an unexpected solid dose of MLB experience that will serve them well when they make the move for good. Also, it makes them better trade material should the Hose go on the market later in the pennant race for help in the final run to October. Every cloud has a silver lining. Can we say Cliff Lee? Hell, Jenn, I can dream, can't I? But seriously, can you imagine how good the Sox should be when all of the wounded get back in the saddle?
We're now two games up on the Rays and just one behind Mr. Hankie's Yankees.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Lester and the Team: Peter
Just like last night, the Sox are hurting physically. As if yesterday and the prior day's injuries on top of existing ones weren't enough, today Victor Martinez hits one off the big toe and--out of the game. Tek comes in and handles the duties flawlessly as he always has. The Cap showed the way. Even if he hadn't, John Lester was on the mound. Yesterday the pen was fully used due to the unfortunate exit of Bucky due to a hyperextended left knee. Seven hurlers followed Bucky and the Sox held it together for a win. Lester knew when he went out today the team needed innings--lots of 'em. His response? A five hit complete game, with the Hose leaving town with a 5-1 victory and another series win. It's this kind of guts that separates the champions from the wannabe's. All you'll hear from this corner is a very loud "BRAVO"!
In his nine innings Lester put up nine K's, allowed not a single extra base hit, and only a single free pass. His game WHIP: a minuscule 0.67! Not too shabby! In fact, way, way beyond not too shabby! Jenn, this was a gem.
Offensively, he was also backed by a team effort. The Sox picked up 11 hits, five of those for extra bases. Within the extra basers, Papi and Beltre took a ball over the wall. Papi's was his 16th , while Beltre nailed his dozenth. Scutaro, Yoouuk and Hall each got a pair of hits. So we leave SF with another series win, a well deserved rest for the pen and a game up on the Rays who lost today. Have to wait for tonight's game against LA to see if we cal also get a game on the Stripes. Go Manny!(And this time I don't mean del Carmen).
In his nine innings Lester put up nine K's, allowed not a single extra base hit, and only a single free pass. His game WHIP: a minuscule 0.67! Not too shabby! In fact, way, way beyond not too shabby! Jenn, this was a gem.
Offensively, he was also backed by a team effort. The Sox picked up 11 hits, five of those for extra bases. Within the extra basers, Papi and Beltre took a ball over the wall. Papi's was his 16th , while Beltre nailed his dozenth. Scutaro, Yoouuk and Hall each got a pair of hits. So we leave SF with another series win, a well deserved rest for the pen and a game up on the Rays who lost today. Have to wait for tonight's game against LA to see if we cal also get a game on the Stripes. Go Manny!(And this time I don't mean del Carmen).
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Truly A Team Victory!: Peter
The title says it all: from the eight pitcher contributions necessitated by Bucky's hyperextended knee to Cameron's HR and Willie Mays-like catch to McDonald's HR, to The Laser's 8 pitch 1,2,3 9th closeout, a true TEAM victory. Atch gets the 'W' for coming in on no notice. Bard was untouchable, his 98+ heater going from sun to shadow just before reaching the plate. What can you say? (Actually, I had said quite a bit more than this, but the damn blogsite erased everything except the title, so this will have to suffice.
Another Couple of Injuries!: Peter
Well, Jenn, this is getting ridiculous! It's as if our guys are playing in Afghanistan! Last night, Dusty hit a hard shot off his foot and had to leave the game. We now learn that his foot is broken and he's on the DL! On top of injuries to Jake and Cameron and on and on and on. But it ain't over! Unf---ingbelievable!Right now, I'm watching the Sox live against El Gigantes here in SF and Bucky gets on base with his first MLB hit, a single past second into short right center. Next guy up hits a hard grounder to short and Bucky's running to second, where, unfortunately, he becomes the front end of a DP. OK, that happens, no big deal, right? What IS a big deal is while running to second, Bucky pulls up lame and has injured his left leg right behind the knee. First diagnosis (if we're lucky) is it's a low hamstring pull. Unspoken much worse case possibility: some kind of ligament damage and possibly goodbye season. MRI will tell by tomorrow. To the good, Atchison comes in, much as he had to a few weeks back when Dice had arm stiffness just before game time, and sets down the G-men, 1,2,3, including a K. As of this moment, Sox still lead four zip, on two HR's. I tell ya', Jenn, at this rate, it'll be a miracle if anyone is still healthy by next month!
Not So Pleasant Walk in the Park: Peter
Well, Jenn, you usually hear about how nice & relaxed a 'walk in the park' can be, but in this case the "walk" (all ten of them) didn't turn out so well for the Sox last night. It's rare that a team receiving as many as ten free passes loses. But that's exactly what happened to the Hose in the opener of their three game set with the Giants. The Giants starter couldn't find the plate with a compass and magnifying glass for much of his five plus innings. In fact, he threw 37 pitches in the 1st inning alone and was over 50 by the end of inning 2! Sox started well, with the first two batters reaching base, a hit and a walk, shortly to come home on Yoouuuk's first hot of the night, a no doubt about it home run to the left field seats. I mean this was gone the instant it left the bat.
Unfortunately, the Sox almost immediately gave the three run lead right back as El Gigantes scored three in the 2d on a combo of singles and a throwing error by Wake. Later on the Giants picked up a fourth and then a fifth run on a HR and a sac fly. But the Sox were still in it going into the late innings. The trouble, and we see this every so often each year, is that they'd get baserunners (a plethora of them) and never quite manage the one timely hit that would have brought some (all) of them home and given the Sox a win. In fact, the Sox left 13 runners on base, eleven of them in the final three innings! Two of those last three innings the Hose left the bases loaded at the third out! In fact, even in the 9th, when Yooukk led of with his fourth triple of the season, and later scored on a single, they couldn't get past that to get just one more hit. One more outfield single and the Sox would have had the lead by at least 6-5. But it was not to be. Hopefully, today will be better--Bucky's starting. I think Lester goes tomorrow, but have to check.
Aside from the loss and the reasons for it, the worst news from the game was Dusty's having to leave the game in the 3d after fouling a ball hard off his instep. He could hardly walk on it and was limping when he headed to the showers. No news about the condition of the foot yet in the local papers.
Unfortunately, the Sox almost immediately gave the three run lead right back as El Gigantes scored three in the 2d on a combo of singles and a throwing error by Wake. Later on the Giants picked up a fourth and then a fifth run on a HR and a sac fly. But the Sox were still in it going into the late innings. The trouble, and we see this every so often each year, is that they'd get baserunners (a plethora of them) and never quite manage the one timely hit that would have brought some (all) of them home and given the Sox a win. In fact, the Sox left 13 runners on base, eleven of them in the final three innings! Two of those last three innings the Hose left the bases loaded at the third out! In fact, even in the 9th, when Yooukk led of with his fourth triple of the season, and later scored on a single, they couldn't get past that to get just one more hit. One more outfield single and the Sox would have had the lead by at least 6-5. But it was not to be. Hopefully, today will be better--Bucky's starting. I think Lester goes tomorrow, but have to check.
Aside from the loss and the reasons for it, the worst news from the game was Dusty's having to leave the game in the 3d after fouling a ball hard off his instep. He could hardly walk on it and was limping when he headed to the showers. No news about the condition of the foot yet in the local papers.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Dusty Saves Pap--& Sox!:Peter
The way this game went, Jenn, I began to think that Isner & Mahut from Wimbledon had put on MLB uniforms and traded rackets for bats! Sox down by two; Sox up 6-2; Sox the next inning down 8-6;Sox up 11-9 after seven and a half. Then, Pap blows his second save in two nights in the 9th and it's 11-11 into the Sox 10th. Things are definitely not looking encouraging when who saves the day? Dusty, having perhaps the greatest day of his career, gets his fifth hit of the night. But wait, Jenn, if you've not yet watched your Tivo, the hit is his THIRD round tripper of the evening! No typos here, Jenn. I mean we all know that Dusty has a bit of power; he's good for 18-20 HR's a year, but since when is he doing a believable imitation of ManRam and Papi at their best? Well, tonight that's exactly what he did! He ended up with only a triple short of the cycle, but you know what, Jenn, I'll take his night as is, and triple be damned! Line score for him was single, double and the aforementioned three shots to the cheaps, along with the accompanying five ribbies.
His offense wasn't the only power shown by the Sox. Beltre also put one where it wasn't coming back, along with a double for three ribbies, and Tek and Cameron each collected a double. The latter pair were very timely in helping to establish a Sox lead late in regulation.
The Sox pitching, on the other hand, was all over the place. Dice took the ball to start and did a decent job through five. He allowed two runs, but only gave up five hits while striking out a half dozen--all pretty good work for the first time after another DL stint. He was the pitcher of record,as they say, and looking like he'd get another 'W', assuming the pen didn't give back the lead. Of course, Jenn, you know what they say when you assume anything--you make an ass of you and me. Sox pen exactly!
Manny came in faced three batters in what may be his worst outing of 2010, and they all ended up crossing the plate by inning's end. Next on the hill: Oki. He face six batters, and, by comparison with Manny, wasn't quite as bad. Unfortunately, three of his six also crossed plate and the Hose' 6-2 lead was now an 8-6 deficit. This ain't the way to win ball games and stay in the chase for the division title.Finally, Ramirez closed out the inning, getting his lone batter on five pitches.
Our heroes, not to be swept if they have anything to say about it, come back in the 7th and score three to retake the lead, 9-8. Better yet, they extend it in the 8th with a pair on Dusty's second blast of the evening. Atchison comes in from the pen, gets through the Rox 7th unscathed and manages to only give up a singleton in the Rox 8th, so the Sox still have the lead, 11-9 going to the 9th. After they fail to take out any insurance, The Laser comes on to face the same team that blew him out last night. Couldn't happen again--or could it?
Well, at least Giambi didn't deposit a shot into the cheaps again. Pap started out OK, looking like he was going to make it right after last night. First batter: classic Laser heat and it's a K. From there not so good. By the time the inning was over, Pap had his second consecutive Blown Save, 3d of the year and the score was 11 all. Could have been worse. At least all of these were singles. So extra time here we come. Once we get a baserunner, it's once again Dusty to the rescue--a lovely drive over the wall in left and it's Sox 13-11. This time, Pap isn't taking any prisoners. It's three up, three down, capped with a K to end it once and for all. Could have been worse. The aforementioned Wimbledon match lasted over eleven hours and took the better part of three days to finish. Sox won this one in a single evening--finally. Thank you Dusty!
His offense wasn't the only power shown by the Sox. Beltre also put one where it wasn't coming back, along with a double for three ribbies, and Tek and Cameron each collected a double. The latter pair were very timely in helping to establish a Sox lead late in regulation.
The Sox pitching, on the other hand, was all over the place. Dice took the ball to start and did a decent job through five. He allowed two runs, but only gave up five hits while striking out a half dozen--all pretty good work for the first time after another DL stint. He was the pitcher of record,as they say, and looking like he'd get another 'W', assuming the pen didn't give back the lead. Of course, Jenn, you know what they say when you assume anything--you make an ass of you and me. Sox pen exactly!
Manny came in faced three batters in what may be his worst outing of 2010, and they all ended up crossing the plate by inning's end. Next on the hill: Oki. He face six batters, and, by comparison with Manny, wasn't quite as bad. Unfortunately, three of his six also crossed plate and the Hose' 6-2 lead was now an 8-6 deficit. This ain't the way to win ball games and stay in the chase for the division title.Finally, Ramirez closed out the inning, getting his lone batter on five pitches.
Our heroes, not to be swept if they have anything to say about it, come back in the 7th and score three to retake the lead, 9-8. Better yet, they extend it in the 8th with a pair on Dusty's second blast of the evening. Atchison comes in from the pen, gets through the Rox 7th unscathed and manages to only give up a singleton in the Rox 8th, so the Sox still have the lead, 11-9 going to the 9th. After they fail to take out any insurance, The Laser comes on to face the same team that blew him out last night. Couldn't happen again--or could it?
Well, at least Giambi didn't deposit a shot into the cheaps again. Pap started out OK, looking like he was going to make it right after last night. First batter: classic Laser heat and it's a K. From there not so good. By the time the inning was over, Pap had his second consecutive Blown Save, 3d of the year and the score was 11 all. Could have been worse. At least all of these were singles. So extra time here we come. Once we get a baserunner, it's once again Dusty to the rescue--a lovely drive over the wall in left and it's Sox 13-11. This time, Pap isn't taking any prisoners. It's three up, three down, capped with a K to end it once and for all. Could have been worse. The aforementioned Wimbledon match lasted over eleven hours and took the better part of three days to finish. Sox won this one in a single evening--finally. Thank you Dusty!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Pap Gets Zapped!: Peter
Well, Jenn, this sure isn't 2007. Then we faced the Rox and blew them off the field in four straight for the WS Crown. Now we visit and in spite of a very good job by Lester last night, lose 2-1. Worse, we face Ubaldo Jimenez tonight and although he's the hottest pitcher anywhere in terms of wins (13 so far) and ERA (low 1's), we finally kick him to the showers early and build a 6-5 lead going into the 9th. What happens? The Laser comes on and immediately gets burned--HR, Blown Save and it's 6-6. The worst, however, is yet to come. Still no outs and Pap gives up a single. After getting an out on a sacrifice, Jason Giambi pinch hits and sends everyone home with a walkoff two run HR. Unbelievable. Fortunately, the Rays also lost. Haven't seen the score from the Stripes yet.
The Sox performance wasn't that bad overall. I mean the Hose got a dozen hits, of which Nava had a pair of doubles and three ribbies and Lackey got a double. Even better, McDonald picked up a two run HR of Jimenez--all for naught.
Well, tomorrow is another day and we can hopefully come back so we get a good sendoff to the City by the Bay. Sara's going to the Sunday game I think against the Giants. She'd gotten me a ticket, but I've a conflict, so we're seeing the Sox in July when next they hit the Left Coast.
The Sox performance wasn't that bad overall. I mean the Hose got a dozen hits, of which Nava had a pair of doubles and three ribbies and Lackey got a double. Even better, McDonald picked up a two run HR of Jimenez--all for naught.
Well, tomorrow is another day and we can hopefully come back so we get a good sendoff to the City by the Bay. Sara's going to the Sunday game I think against the Giants. She'd gotten me a ticket, but I've a conflict, so we're seeing the Sox in July when next they hit the Left Coast.
Monday, June 21, 2010
The Streak Continues!
Dad --
Well, you asked for us to pray, we did and even though Buchholz had a tough 1st inning, the streak continued. We won! As you've said, you only need to win by one run, well we did one better. We won by two - the only two runs the Red Sox got. It wasn't as awesome as the 10-6 win on Friday or as nail biting as the walkoff win on Saturday, but as you always say, a win is still a win, no matter how you get there.
But for me what was most interesting about this series, was seeing Manny Ramirez back in Fenway. Oh, and I think you should go with ManRam for Ramirez and Manny for Delcarmen, though I don't think you're gonna be faced with this dilemma that often since ManRam now makes his baseball home in the National League.
There were mixed reviews for Manny's return. Some cheered, but many booed. I don't know if they were booing his return, or booing who Manny was while he was a member of the Sox. If I'd been in the stands, I think I would have cheered. While I was unhappy with the person Manny became at the end of this stint with the Red Sox, I always thought he was a great player and definitely made the game that much more entertaining. I mean when was the last time you saw the left fielder disappear into the Green Monster or give a high five to someone in the stands after he made a catch? Yes, it was classic Manny being Manny, but it was always good for a laugh or two.
I was kinda hoping we were going to see Manny pull something like that while he was visiting. But since he spent the series acting as the Designated Hitter, we weren't treated to any classic Manny high jinks. Oh well. It was still nice to have him back. It was especially nice to see Papi get a home run on Friday with Manny watching from the visiting dugout.
While we're off today, we start a new series in Colorado against the Rockies on Tuesday. Keep up the prayers and hopefully this streak will continue into Colorado.
Jenn
Well, you asked for us to pray, we did and even though Buchholz had a tough 1st inning, the streak continued. We won! As you've said, you only need to win by one run, well we did one better. We won by two - the only two runs the Red Sox got. It wasn't as awesome as the 10-6 win on Friday or as nail biting as the walkoff win on Saturday, but as you always say, a win is still a win, no matter how you get there.
But for me what was most interesting about this series, was seeing Manny Ramirez back in Fenway. Oh, and I think you should go with ManRam for Ramirez and Manny for Delcarmen, though I don't think you're gonna be faced with this dilemma that often since ManRam now makes his baseball home in the National League.
There were mixed reviews for Manny's return. Some cheered, but many booed. I don't know if they were booing his return, or booing who Manny was while he was a member of the Sox. If I'd been in the stands, I think I would have cheered. While I was unhappy with the person Manny became at the end of this stint with the Red Sox, I always thought he was a great player and definitely made the game that much more entertaining. I mean when was the last time you saw the left fielder disappear into the Green Monster or give a high five to someone in the stands after he made a catch? Yes, it was classic Manny being Manny, but it was always good for a laugh or two.
I was kinda hoping we were going to see Manny pull something like that while he was visiting. But since he spent the series acting as the Designated Hitter, we weren't treated to any classic Manny high jinks. Oh well. It was still nice to have him back. It was especially nice to see Papi get a home run on Friday with Manny watching from the visiting dugout.
While we're off today, we start a new series in Colorado against the Rockies on Tuesday. Keep up the prayers and hopefully this streak will continue into Colorado.
Jenn
Sunday, June 20, 2010
ManRam Trumped: Peter
Well,yesterday's game was an interesting contrats in Sox w/ManRam vs Sox Post-ManRam. Yesterday for the first time since he left Fenway for good in 2008, Manny stuffed one into the cheap seats, and, to a mixture of boos and cheers, circled the bases. In past times, such a shot often signaled the push for a victory. Yesterday, for awhile, it looked possible as if the Hose might have their win streak broken as they found themselves entering their final at-bat tied, 4-4. Earlier Sox HR's by Yoouuk and Martinez had helped get the Sox to where they were, but they'd let a 4-2 lead slip through their fingers, and ultimately allowed the Bums to even things up. FInally, in their last at bat, the Sox came through. No extra inning worries or sudden adverse endings for the Fenmen. Nava got a hit to start the process, and after two outs, Dusty came to the plate and, with his all or nothing at all swing that Sox fans have become familiar with over the past three years, drove the ball into the outfield to land safely and plate the winning run. Game over; win streak extended; one game gap behind the Rays and Mr. Hankie's Yankees still intact.
The Sox starter, Wake, deserved better than his no decision, only allowing three earned runs, but a fourth run was charged to him due to one of FOUR (no misprint) Sox errors. Usually when you get that many errors in a game, you can count on being on the short end of the score. So, Wake got 'no de' and The Laser, who pitched an inning of shutout ball of only eleven total pitches, picked up the 'W'.
Enjoy tonight's Game of the Week on ESPN for the finale of the Sox-Dodgers series. Root for the streak to continue.
The Sox starter, Wake, deserved better than his no decision, only allowing three earned runs, but a fourth run was charged to him due to one of FOUR (no misprint) Sox errors. Usually when you get that many errors in a game, you can count on being on the short end of the score. So, Wake got 'no de' and The Laser, who pitched an inning of shutout ball of only eleven total pitches, picked up the 'W'.
Enjoy tonight's Game of the Week on ESPN for the finale of the Sox-Dodgers series. Root for the streak to continue.
Friday, June 18, 2010
ManRam Returns: Peter
Well, Jenn, I've got a temporary problem here. As you (and other regular followers of this site) know, for quite awhile I referred to Manny DelCarmen as TOM (The Other Manny). However, earlier this season I decided that it probably was time I dropped the TOM as the original Manny was now departed for over a year, going on two. So I started referring to Delcarmen as Manny. Well, tonight the original returned to Fenway for the first time since his unlamented departure. So, the question is: do I still call Delcarmen 'Manny' and refer to the original as ManRam or something similar or do I use 'Manny' for ManRam while he's in town and, at least for that short duration, return to calling Delcarmen TOM? Comments welcome from you, Jenn or any of our visitors out there in cyberspace. Prize for the winning answer: you get your name posted in a blog post by yours truly--unless you tell me you'd rather not be so memorialized.
Now: on to tonight's game--the 4th win in a row and 6th in the last seven. Sox started fast against the Bums' hurler, someone I've never heard of before. Sara' significant other, Ron, might know him as he's a solid Dodger fan--have to ask him. Anyway, the Hose started off right out of the gate. Dusty gets on with a hit and Papi launches one to dead center on a 3-1 count and it's Sox, two zip. Couple of batters later and JD drops one over the Monster and it's three zip Sox. That holds up for a couple of frames until the new Sox hurler, Dubront ( I know absolutely nothing about him, so don't ask), blows a play with a Dodger already on second via a long double. That guy, Belliard by name, scores and the error later helps the Blue Crew pick up a couple of other runs in the same inning. So now it's three all. Boy that lead didn't last long!
Fortunately, we finally got to the 5th inning. Why was the 5th fortunate, you ask? Well, Sox sent fourteen (not a typo) men to the plate and seven of them scored. Sox ten, Dodgers three. Quite a bit of gratitude at this point coming the Sox way from the Celtics, but that's another story. During this barrage, Yooouuuk doubled in one run and later scored himself on a Dodger error (extending his league leading runs scored position), Beltre had a two run shot and Dusty drove in another run with a sac fly. So now it's 10-3, Sox. As the rest of the evening rolled on, the Sox didn't add any runs and gave up another two to the Blue Crew, but they did pick add a few baserunners just to keep things from going completely stale.
Individual stats for tonight: Sox collected 13 hits, five for extra bases. Of the 13 five members of the lineup collected at two hits apiece. Papi's HR is his 15th of the season, maintaining the team lead and Beltre's is his 10th. The fifteen keep Papi in the top ten HR hitters in the league, and his and Youk's 45th ribbies, plus Beltre's 48th put them all in the top ten in that category in the A.L.
And, finally, as BOTH the Rays and Mr. Hankie's Yankees lost, we are now one thin game out of first. Let's keep rolling! Go Sox!
Now: on to tonight's game--the 4th win in a row and 6th in the last seven. Sox started fast against the Bums' hurler, someone I've never heard of before. Sara' significant other, Ron, might know him as he's a solid Dodger fan--have to ask him. Anyway, the Hose started off right out of the gate. Dusty gets on with a hit and Papi launches one to dead center on a 3-1 count and it's Sox, two zip. Couple of batters later and JD drops one over the Monster and it's three zip Sox. That holds up for a couple of frames until the new Sox hurler, Dubront ( I know absolutely nothing about him, so don't ask), blows a play with a Dodger already on second via a long double. That guy, Belliard by name, scores and the error later helps the Blue Crew pick up a couple of other runs in the same inning. So now it's three all. Boy that lead didn't last long!
Fortunately, we finally got to the 5th inning. Why was the 5th fortunate, you ask? Well, Sox sent fourteen (not a typo) men to the plate and seven of them scored. Sox ten, Dodgers three. Quite a bit of gratitude at this point coming the Sox way from the Celtics, but that's another story. During this barrage, Yooouuuk doubled in one run and later scored himself on a Dodger error (extending his league leading runs scored position), Beltre had a two run shot and Dusty drove in another run with a sac fly. So now it's 10-3, Sox. As the rest of the evening rolled on, the Sox didn't add any runs and gave up another two to the Blue Crew, but they did pick add a few baserunners just to keep things from going completely stale.
Individual stats for tonight: Sox collected 13 hits, five for extra bases. Of the 13 five members of the lineup collected at two hits apiece. Papi's HR is his 15th of the season, maintaining the team lead and Beltre's is his 10th. The fifteen keep Papi in the top ten HR hitters in the league, and his and Youk's 45th ribbies, plus Beltre's 48th put them all in the top ten in that category in the A.L.
And, finally, as BOTH the Rays and Mr. Hankie's Yankees lost, we are now one thin game out of first. Let's keep rolling! Go Sox!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Sox Play Mongoose Again: Peter
OK, Jenn, I know that Mongooses (or is it Mongeese?) usually take out cobras, but since there aren't any of the hood spreaders around, we'll just have to make do with Diamondbacks. Tonight started looking like both pitchers were waging a war of attrition--whoever stands at the end will be declared the winner. With Haren going for the D-B's that's not a historically wise course to take in June. He has an excellent June career record; for some reason, in the first month of summer, he gets very hard to do anything with. However, tonight saw him trailing 3-2 after three and tied 4-4 after five, before falling behind for good in the 6th.
But speaking of attrition, Lackey early on didn't look much better. He was behind one zip in the 1st,2-1 in the 3d, and 4-3 in the 5th before the Sox got some consistency at the dish and grabbed the lead for good in the 6th. The Sox pen took over after six, and after Richardson allowed his only batter to get a hit, the rest of the pen held the D-B's pretty much at bay. Manny and Oki permitted only a hit and a BB between them (both by Manny) and the Pap came in to finish. Though he did get a pair of K's, he also was very un-Papelbonian in closing, as he gave up a pair of hits and the D-B's final run.
Positive notes for the game: Papi got his 14th HR, going 2-3 (he's now 11-23 with a pair of HR's and eight ribbies in his last six games) and continuing his recovery from his early June slump. Scutaro picked up three ribbies, our new hero, Daniel Nava, went 3-4 with a pair of twobaggers, and Beltre added to his team high RBI total, now at 46. Right behind him are Yoouk at 44 and Papi at 43. At this rate, Sox could have three 100 RBI men this year. Also, with tonight's 'W' for Lackey, they are the first team in MLB this year with three hurlers having at least eight wins apiece. As I said, I believe it was last night, Jenn, might we end up with a tri-fecta of 20 game winners? I know it's early, but at the present pace, Bucky would get 21 wins and both Lester and Lackey would have 19.1 (so is 20 that much of a stretch?). It's a long season, so we'll have to watch and hope.
Thanks to all of you out there in the ether who are logging on to the blog and following us. Today's longest distance visitor is someone from Durham, No.Carolina. Hello, y'all! How about a little commentary when you visit us again?
Finally, I wish I could also report a Celtics victory against the Lakers. However, in what has to be one of the most defense oriented NBA Finals games ever (from both sides), the Green went down to defeat 83-79. Great effort, just a tiny bit short. Let's go back again next year with the additional weight of D-Wade from the free agency.
But speaking of attrition, Lackey early on didn't look much better. He was behind one zip in the 1st,2-1 in the 3d, and 4-3 in the 5th before the Sox got some consistency at the dish and grabbed the lead for good in the 6th. The Sox pen took over after six, and after Richardson allowed his only batter to get a hit, the rest of the pen held the D-B's pretty much at bay. Manny and Oki permitted only a hit and a BB between them (both by Manny) and the Pap came in to finish. Though he did get a pair of K's, he also was very un-Papelbonian in closing, as he gave up a pair of hits and the D-B's final run.
Positive notes for the game: Papi got his 14th HR, going 2-3 (he's now 11-23 with a pair of HR's and eight ribbies in his last six games) and continuing his recovery from his early June slump. Scutaro picked up three ribbies, our new hero, Daniel Nava, went 3-4 with a pair of twobaggers, and Beltre added to his team high RBI total, now at 46. Right behind him are Yoouk at 44 and Papi at 43. At this rate, Sox could have three 100 RBI men this year. Also, with tonight's 'W' for Lackey, they are the first team in MLB this year with three hurlers having at least eight wins apiece. As I said, I believe it was last night, Jenn, might we end up with a tri-fecta of 20 game winners? I know it's early, but at the present pace, Bucky would get 21 wins and both Lester and Lackey would have 19.1 (so is 20 that much of a stretch?). It's a long season, so we'll have to watch and hope.
Thanks to all of you out there in the ether who are logging on to the blog and following us. Today's longest distance visitor is someone from Durham, No.Carolina. Hello, y'all! How about a little commentary when you visit us again?
Finally, I wish I could also report a Celtics victory against the Lakers. However, in what has to be one of the most defense oriented NBA Finals games ever (from both sides), the Green went down to defeat 83-79. Great effort, just a tiny bit short. Let's go back again next year with the additional weight of D-Wade from the free agency.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
A few More Dead Snakes: Peter
Well, Jenn, tonight was Lester's turn to stomp on a few snakes. Overall, he did pretty well at it too. Other than one mistake, a 2 run HR relatively early, he held the D-Backs in check, with a four hitter, a game WHIP of 1.0 and another seven K's. The K's now tie him for the league lead. Dusty continues his recovery from his recent slump, getting his 9th HR and getting two hits and a steal, while Yoouukk also picked up a fourbagger. Beltre expanded his team lead in ribbies, reaching 45 on the season and getting closer to the league leaders.
Overall, even though Lester pitched well, his eighth win in a row, he realizes there is still room for improvement. Other than the four hits and three freebies, he also hit a pair of batters. But, when it counted, he pitched and took care of business. I tell you, Jenn, a lot of folks don't realize there is a difference between throwing a ball and really pitching. I think I've made the point in the past. Anyone can throw a ball, some fairly well and with accuracy or good speed. But when the man on the mound finds himself with two or three baserunners and the game on the line, that's when you find out if he can truly pitch and not just fire the ball up there. The good ones somehow figure out a way to minimize the damage or avoid it totally. The throwers usually see their ERA's climb with the passage of a few more pitches. Lester is a pitcher and proved it again tonight when he had to.
When he gave way to the pen, first Bard, and then Ramirez kept the snakes at bay. Then Pap came on to administer the coup de grace and end it. Picked up his 15th save in the process.
With the 'W' tonight, the Hose are now one game closer to the first place Rays and Stripes, both of whom lost tonight. Hose are also eleven over .500 on the season for the first time so far.
Interesting note: an example of how most Boston fans can be rooting for their home team at one game and simultaneously expressing support for another: at one point in the game, the crowd started chanting "Beat LA"-- a whole day in advance. Hope it works.
Overall, even though Lester pitched well, his eighth win in a row, he realizes there is still room for improvement. Other than the four hits and three freebies, he also hit a pair of batters. But, when it counted, he pitched and took care of business. I tell you, Jenn, a lot of folks don't realize there is a difference between throwing a ball and really pitching. I think I've made the point in the past. Anyone can throw a ball, some fairly well and with accuracy or good speed. But when the man on the mound finds himself with two or three baserunners and the game on the line, that's when you find out if he can truly pitch and not just fire the ball up there. The good ones somehow figure out a way to minimize the damage or avoid it totally. The throwers usually see their ERA's climb with the passage of a few more pitches. Lester is a pitcher and proved it again tonight when he had to.
When he gave way to the pen, first Bard, and then Ramirez kept the snakes at bay. Then Pap came on to administer the coup de grace and end it. Picked up his 15th save in the process.
With the 'W' tonight, the Hose are now one game closer to the first place Rays and Stripes, both of whom lost tonight. Hose are also eleven over .500 on the season for the first time so far.
Interesting note: an example of how most Boston fans can be rooting for their home team at one game and simultaneously expressing support for another: at one point in the game, the crowd started chanting "Beat LA"-- a whole day in advance. Hope it works.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Snakekillers: Peter
Well, Jenn, I had hoped I'd be doing my Hub Headline celebrating wins by the Sox AND C's, but the Lakers put at least a temporary crimp in that one. Anyway, the Sox did their thing, cutting off a few rattles on the way. While Bucky wasn't overpowering, he did have 8 K's in under six innings and pitched well enough to notch his ninth W for the season. Is twenty possible? Add in Lackey and Lester and you have to ask if a twenty tri-fecta is possible. Have to see as the season goes along.
Offensively, Papi seems to again be picking up the pace after a two week slump. Tonight he went 2-4, including his team high 13th dinger for a pair of runs.The B.A.'s back up to .257. Joining Papi with multi-hit games were Yoouuk, JD and Dusty. In fact Dusty got his 22d double and Papi and Yoooukk each got ribbie number 41, just behind Beltre's team leading 43.
The best part of the finishing off of the D-B's was the pen performance. Starting in the 5th with 2 out, Oki gave up a hit, and then surrendered no hits, while all three successive Sox hurlers combined for 2 2/3 innings of perfection--nothing, nada, rien, nichts--whatever language you speak, that's all the same--no-one got to first base. Very impressive.
Oh, yes--and to our recent visitors from Seoul, Korea and Sarasota: Welcome and thank you!
Offensively, Papi seems to again be picking up the pace after a two week slump. Tonight he went 2-4, including his team high 13th dinger for a pair of runs.The B.A.'s back up to .257. Joining Papi with multi-hit games were Yoouuk, JD and Dusty. In fact Dusty got his 22d double and Papi and Yoooukk each got ribbie number 41, just behind Beltre's team leading 43.
The best part of the finishing off of the D-B's was the pen performance. Starting in the 5th with 2 out, Oki gave up a hit, and then surrendered no hits, while all three successive Sox hurlers combined for 2 2/3 innings of perfection--nothing, nada, rien, nichts--whatever language you speak, that's all the same--no-one got to first base. Very impressive.
Oh, yes--and to our recent visitors from Seoul, Korea and Sarasota: Welcome and thank you!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
I Checked: Peter
Well, Jenn, I was right. Somewhere out in the ether was the info on who were the prior three hitters in MLB history to Slam in their first MLB at bat. I'd already mentioned that Kouzmanoff was the most recent. The other two: coincidentally enough, our own Jeremy Hermida (while playing for the Marlins in 2005--a pinch hit, no less) and, no-one would EVER guess this--Hell, no-one would ever likely guess any of the prior trio!--Bill Dugelby. Yes, THAT Bill Dugelby! Played for the Phils and accomplished the feat fairly recently--on April 21, 1898 against the NY Giants. As my old baseball humorist and quote source, Casey Stengel, would say (all together now), "You could look it up!"
A Star Is Born!: Peter
Well, Jenn, I guess you could call this another fulPhilling day! Admittedly, there was bad news to start the day for the Sox. Dice-K came up with pain and stiffness in his throwing forearm and went straight to the 15 day DL (didn't pass go or collect $200--he should care after the MM's he's already got) and the Sox outfield had a second guy go to the DL with broken ribs--Hermida. What is this? A new Sox thing? Speaking as one who's suffered through the discomfort of broken ribs (3x)(one industrial accident, one ski slalom race--still finished 3d, and one well placed karate punch training for my black belt)--, I certainly hope not! But LOOK what we got in return! Dan Nava, from just down the road in Redwood City started in left and wasted no time--none at all! First pitch he sees in MLB: GRAND SLAM! If you saw the game, or the replays, the only other question to ask is who was the guy in the Sox pen who made the leaping stab of the ball, one handed, as it soared over the pen bound for the cheap seats? Catch looked like something Jimmy Piersall would have made in his best days. Spectacular! The play-by-play crew kept harping on how close Nava's folks were to having missed the play completely due to flight and traffic problems--compounded by someone in the seat in front of them at the Fens with Big Hair blocking Dad Nava's vid camera. They noted this is only the fourth time in MLB history that a player has slammed in his first MLB at bat. I'm curious who the others were. Kevin Kouzmanoff was the most recent, but beyond that, haven't Googled the answer yet--and you know it's out there somewhere in the ether.
As if to put an exclamation point on the feat, Nava's slam was the gamewinning hit. A bit later he added a long double to left center to his accomplishments for the game.
However, he wasn't the only story. As I mentioned at the start, Dice went to the DL about ten minutes before he was to start the game. Atchison, just recalled from Pawtucket yesterday was hustled out there in the Diceman's place. Went a pair, giving up Philly's only runs, though he didn't pitch poorly--two hits in three innings and a single walk--a game WHIP OF 1.0. Following Atchison, Terry did a tour of the pen for the Sox mound efforts for the day. Atch was followed by Delcarmen, as it turned out, the winning pitcher today. He, in turn, was succeeded by Oki, Ramirez and The Laser. Almost sounds like a Bill Cosby movie (Mother, Juggs and Speed) or something. These guys allowed a total of five Phils hits, but perfectly balanced those with, you got it, five K's, two by Pap to close out the game. In fact, I loved his final out against Gload. The guy just wouldn't go away and die! I mean it was like a Youk at bat--kept grinding and fouling off pitch after pitch after pitch through ten pitches. Each foul ball saw Pap raise his velocity by at least one mile an hour and each raise got another foul. It was like who's gonna' flinch first. Ninetyfive, foul; ninetysix, foul. Finally, Pap reared back and heaved a 97 mph heater. Gload swung and, given the temp here in Mill Valley (95), the resulting fan would have been quite welcome out on the back patio. I could have stopped fanning myself for the moment. Game over!
Offensive heroes, other than Nava, included JD, whose solo shot got the Sox scoring started, Papi, with another booming two bagger, Dusty, Beltre and McDonald, all of whom had multi-hit games. Dusty's double was his 21st of the season. All we were missing was Jake's base stealing. Of course, had that been present, there would have been no Nava, and this commentary would have been less than half as long as it is. Ah, well, Jenn, it's your old Dad's verbosity once again. Hope you, Gary and Aidan enjoy it on the Tivo.
As if to put an exclamation point on the feat, Nava's slam was the gamewinning hit. A bit later he added a long double to left center to his accomplishments for the game.
However, he wasn't the only story. As I mentioned at the start, Dice went to the DL about ten minutes before he was to start the game. Atchison, just recalled from Pawtucket yesterday was hustled out there in the Diceman's place. Went a pair, giving up Philly's only runs, though he didn't pitch poorly--two hits in three innings and a single walk--a game WHIP OF 1.0. Following Atchison, Terry did a tour of the pen for the Sox mound efforts for the day. Atch was followed by Delcarmen, as it turned out, the winning pitcher today. He, in turn, was succeeded by Oki, Ramirez and The Laser. Almost sounds like a Bill Cosby movie (Mother, Juggs and Speed) or something. These guys allowed a total of five Phils hits, but perfectly balanced those with, you got it, five K's, two by Pap to close out the game. In fact, I loved his final out against Gload. The guy just wouldn't go away and die! I mean it was like a Youk at bat--kept grinding and fouling off pitch after pitch after pitch through ten pitches. Each foul ball saw Pap raise his velocity by at least one mile an hour and each raise got another foul. It was like who's gonna' flinch first. Ninetyfive, foul; ninetysix, foul. Finally, Pap reared back and heaved a 97 mph heater. Gload swung and, given the temp here in Mill Valley (95), the resulting fan would have been quite welcome out on the back patio. I could have stopped fanning myself for the moment. Game over!
Offensive heroes, other than Nava, included JD, whose solo shot got the Sox scoring started, Papi, with another booming two bagger, Dusty, Beltre and McDonald, all of whom had multi-hit games. Dusty's double was his 21st of the season. All we were missing was Jake's base stealing. Of course, had that been present, there would have been no Nava, and this commentary would have been less than half as long as it is. Ah, well, Jenn, it's your old Dad's verbosity once again. Hope you, Gary and Aidan enjoy it on the Tivo.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Double Time! : Peter
Well, Jenn, this was one of those too rare days for the Sox. A day when they collected eight (no typo--8) two baggers off the Phils. First time they've done it in a game since they collected a similar number from the Stripes four years ago. Papi got a pair (along with four ribbies), Martinez got two and Scutaro, Tek, Beltre and Dusty each added one. Lowell chipped in with a two-run shot into the cheaps. It was twelve zip before there were any outs in the 3d, and the Hose coasted home from there. Lackey showed some of what he's lacked until recently, going seven and giving up the two Phil's scores on just six hits and no free passes (game WHIP of 0.86)--not too shabby. Brought his season ERA down to 4.54. He still has a way to go with that but at least he's headed in the right direction.
Just between you and me, Jenn, I was starting to get worried again about Papi recently, but beginning with his hit last night and adding to today's show, he's probably OK. Lowell was covering for Youk, who has back spasms. Hope that's not anything serious. Added to the soreness in Dusty's knee and Jake's ongoing pain in the ribs, the last thing we need now is something major with our second leading all-around hitter.
Just between you and me, Jenn, I was starting to get worried again about Papi recently, but beginning with his hit last night and adding to today's show, he's probably OK. Lowell was covering for Youk, who has back spasms. Hope that's not anything serious. Added to the soreness in Dusty's knee and Jake's ongoing pain in the ribs, the last thing we need now is something major with our second leading all-around hitter.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Cleveland Wins Again?: Peter
Jenn:
Pls explain to me so I can understand how the Tribe not only beats the Sox a second consecutive time, but does it after trailing Lester after two innings five zip. Please tell me. I don't get it! I mean after those first two frames, he became very un-Lester. But, hell, he still nailed up eight K's in six innings of work. He should have won. Then when Beltre took the Tribe hurler deep for a lead again in the 9th, the Hose should have put it away, but Bard was very unpoetic. He immediately walked the bases full, and, after getting two outs, couldn't quite close it out. Indians 8,Sox 7. Very bad. We also lost a chance to pick up another game on both the Rays and the Stripes. Instead, we still trail both by the same numbers and gave back a game of our margin over the Jays.
At least the Celtics beat LA again.
Pls explain to me so I can understand how the Tribe not only beats the Sox a second consecutive time, but does it after trailing Lester after two innings five zip. Please tell me. I don't get it! I mean after those first two frames, he became very un-Lester. But, hell, he still nailed up eight K's in six innings of work. He should have won. Then when Beltre took the Tribe hurler deep for a lead again in the 9th, the Hose should have put it away, but Bard was very unpoetic. He immediately walked the bases full, and, after getting two outs, couldn't quite close it out. Indians 8,Sox 7. Very bad. We also lost a chance to pick up another game on both the Rays and the Stripes. Instead, we still trail both by the same numbers and gave back a game of our margin over the Jays.
At least the Celtics beat LA again.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
From the Sublime to the Ridiculous-ly UGLY: Peter
Well, Jenn, today just shows you how far things can turn in baseball in a single day.Yesterday we were praising Wake for his latest accomplishments and you'd figure with the Sox playing the same pathetic team and Bucky pitching it should be an easy day. Not so fast! While he wasn't getting lit up by any means, Bucky was not the same guy who's been tossing for the Hose this season so far. This became obvious when he gave up a run on a DP after loading the bases without the Tribe showing much in the way of an offense. It continued the next inning when he basically wild pitched a runner around the bases and in to score (two WP's in the same frame). Then, he steadied, but the hitters weren't. I mean JD and V-Mart each got a single and that was it for the Sox offense--against a guy with a horrible ERA, no less!
These are the ones, Jenn, you write off and move on to the next one, hoping for better times. Fortunately, the Jays lost, so our margin ahead of them stays the same. Unfortunately, they lost to the Rays, so we drop a game further astern of them, as well as the Stripes since they won too.
These are the ones, Jenn, you write off and move on to the next one, hoping for better times. Fortunately, the Jays lost, so our margin ahead of them stays the same. Unfortunately, they lost to the Rays, so we drop a game further astern of them, as well as the Stripes since they won too.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
A Special Night for Wake: Peter
Well, beyond the Sox win over the Tribe, 3-2, something special happened tonite for Wake. Beside getting his 191st career win, he simultaneously got his 177th in the AL, which is third behind Mike Mussina and Andy Pettitte in the league since 1995. However, there's MORE. With tonite's seven and 1/3 innings he reached a Red Sox career total of 2777 innings pitched, the all time record for innings by a Sox hurler, one more than The Rocket, Roger Clemens. A toast to you, Wake, for a job well done. Here's to many more before you retire at, hmmm, say 50?
The game was one of his better pitching efforts and continued quite a string of Sox hurlers on this road swing. The starting staff now has gone 9-0 in its last ten away games with a collective ERA of 0.75 for the string. Wake was so good tonight he allowed just four hits, not a single free pass and picked up a half dozen K's along the way.
For offense, the Hose strung together a number of timely hits in the 4th after Martinez reached second on a dropped fly to deep center. Among those were a pair of doubles from Yooouk and Hall, wrapped around an RBI single from Papi and a single from Beltre. Wake left after 7 1/3, followed for 1/3 of an inning each by Oki and Martinez. Bard then slammed the door with a one walk no hit inning, including a pair of K's, getting the save in the process. Papelbon is on bereavement leave, so the Sox had to adjust their pen roles somewhat for tonite, but it all worked out fine.
In the process, they held their margin behind the Rays and Stripes, while picking up another game's margin over the Jays for continued sole ownership of 3d in the division.
Interesting stat, Jenn (and you know how much I love stats when it comes to baseball): with tonite's victory over the Tribe, this makes 17 of 20 for the Sox against the Tribe since they trailed these same Indians three games to one in the ALCS in 2007, just before taking that series and the World Series by sweeping the next seven games. Not too shabby, huh Jenn?
The game was one of his better pitching efforts and continued quite a string of Sox hurlers on this road swing. The starting staff now has gone 9-0 in its last ten away games with a collective ERA of 0.75 for the string. Wake was so good tonight he allowed just four hits, not a single free pass and picked up a half dozen K's along the way.
For offense, the Hose strung together a number of timely hits in the 4th after Martinez reached second on a dropped fly to deep center. Among those were a pair of doubles from Yooouk and Hall, wrapped around an RBI single from Papi and a single from Beltre. Wake left after 7 1/3, followed for 1/3 of an inning each by Oki and Martinez. Bard then slammed the door with a one walk no hit inning, including a pair of K's, getting the save in the process. Papelbon is on bereavement leave, so the Sox had to adjust their pen roles somewhat for tonite, but it all worked out fine.
In the process, they held their margin behind the Rays and Stripes, while picking up another game's margin over the Jays for continued sole ownership of 3d in the division.
Interesting stat, Jenn (and you know how much I love stats when it comes to baseball): with tonite's victory over the Tribe, this makes 17 of 20 for the Sox against the Tribe since they trailed these same Indians three games to one in the ALCS in 2007, just before taking that series and the World Series by sweeping the next seven games. Not too shabby, huh Jenn?
Monday, June 7, 2010
Another Nice Roll of the Dice: Peter
Well, Jenn, it certainly looks more and more as if the Diceman is back in all his splendor. Facing the Indians tonight in the Jake, he was sparkling through eight strong innings. In 116 pitches, almost two to one strikes over balls, he allowed just four hits, walked only a pair (game WHIP of 0.75) and allowed no runs--NADA. Along the way, he also picked up five K's.
In fact, he allowed no extra base hits all evening; the only Tribesmen to reach second got there either by error (Beltre had a pair tonight) or by a swipe. Other than that, it was as if Dice was saying, "I'll let a couple of you guys taste first, but don't get your hopes up beyond that. It's not going to happen." Meanwhile the guys moving the lumber for the Hose were slowly getting started, getting just five hits through the 7th and somehow managing to score single runs thrice through the 7th by combining their few hits with an array of fielder's choices and sac flies. Well, it may not be as exciting as the Big Fly, but a run is a run and three runs are three runs. The final Sox run came on a base hit.
After the 8th, Bard relieved Dice and promptly made one of his lightning bolts a little too tempting and saw it hammered into the cheaps. After getting the first out, he then allowed another hit, but fortunately regained his sense of things and closed out the inning and the game before things got too serious. So, Jenn, this leaves us a half game closer to both the Rays and Mr. Hankie's Yankees, and a half game ahead of the Jays in 3d in the division.
In fact, he allowed no extra base hits all evening; the only Tribesmen to reach second got there either by error (Beltre had a pair tonight) or by a swipe. Other than that, it was as if Dice was saying, "I'll let a couple of you guys taste first, but don't get your hopes up beyond that. It's not going to happen." Meanwhile the guys moving the lumber for the Hose were slowly getting started, getting just five hits through the 7th and somehow managing to score single runs thrice through the 7th by combining their few hits with an array of fielder's choices and sac flies. Well, it may not be as exciting as the Big Fly, but a run is a run and three runs are three runs. The final Sox run came on a base hit.
After the 8th, Bard relieved Dice and promptly made one of his lightning bolts a little too tempting and saw it hammered into the cheaps. After getting the first out, he then allowed another hit, but fortunately regained his sense of things and closed out the inning and the game before things got too serious. So, Jenn, this leaves us a half game closer to both the Rays and Mr. Hankie's Yankees, and a half game ahead of the Jays in 3d in the division.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Timely....Or Not: Peter
Well, today was a loss. It's really too bad because for once Lackey gave a good effort, going seven and allowing only two runs on seven hits. He really had just a single bad inning, that being the 2d when he gave back the Hose two zip lead. After that, he and the pen looked good except Delcarmen's lapse in his only inning that briefly left the Sox down a run. I tell ya, Jenn, after the miserable series earlier this year against the Birds in the Hub, when they get ahead late, I get nervous. Here we tied it up in the 9th and gave the ball to The Laser. He was pretty much himself and allowed very little for the O's. Then, in the 11th, it was all for naught. Oki came in allowed a runner and then gave up a double to the slumping Markakis. Game over.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
The Team Grinds It Out: Peter
Another day, another team victory. Jenn, this game shows why baseball is a team game. True, one guy can make a difference between an 'L' and a 'W', but it still more often than not, takes the efforts of the entire team to get it done. Here we had Lester rolling along doing what we expect him to, but the guy from the O's was matching him pitch for pitch. All that was happening on both sides was a line of zeroes on the scoreboard. Finally, leading off the 7th, Yooooukkk took matters into his own hands, so to speak, and put the ball in the bleachers and a 1 on the Sox side of the board. Next inning, Scutaro drove in the just-arrived Reddick from third to make it two zip. By now the Bard was on the mound, and taking care of business the way his namesake wrote sonnets -- very effectively. He extinguished a potential O's rally that Lester had left him to face by walking three hitters in a row after opening the 7th with an out.
Come the 9th, the Hose pretty much put the issue to bed by cycling 11 batters to the plate and adding a big six to their side of the board. Going into the bottom of the 9th, they had a very comfortable eight zip lead. As you've always heard me say, Jenn, if you've got a lead of at least five runs, you can never be tied on a single swing of the bat.
So when Nelson quickly gave back two runs, the Fenmen still had a six run cushion to rely upon, and, with Ramirez, they quietly closed the door on the O's efforts for the evening.
Final stats and results: Lester is now 7-2, winning his 7th in a row, and equalling the longest such streak of his career. His ERA dropped to 2.73. At the same time, Bard's has dropped to 1.80 Offensively, the Hose had nine hits for the evening, of which six were for extra bases. Three of these were from Yoooouuukkk: the aforementioned circuit shot and a double squared. For those of you who failed math, that's a double-double--two two baggers. Reddick hit his triple, and we move on to Sunday now 1 1/2 games behind the Stripes and 3 1/2 behind the Rays in the AL East. We're still tied for 3d with the Jays.
Come the 9th, the Hose pretty much put the issue to bed by cycling 11 batters to the plate and adding a big six to their side of the board. Going into the bottom of the 9th, they had a very comfortable eight zip lead. As you've always heard me say, Jenn, if you've got a lead of at least five runs, you can never be tied on a single swing of the bat.
So when Nelson quickly gave back two runs, the Fenmen still had a six run cushion to rely upon, and, with Ramirez, they quietly closed the door on the O's efforts for the evening.
Final stats and results: Lester is now 7-2, winning his 7th in a row, and equalling the longest such streak of his career. His ERA dropped to 2.73. At the same time, Bard's has dropped to 1.80 Offensively, the Hose had nine hits for the evening, of which six were for extra bases. Three of these were from Yoooouuukkk: the aforementioned circuit shot and a double squared. For those of you who failed math, that's a double-double--two two baggers. Reddick hit his triple, and we move on to Sunday now 1 1/2 games behind the Stripes and 3 1/2 behind the Rays in the AL East. We're still tied for 3d with the Jays.
Bucky & The Bats: Peter
Well, Jenn, last nite's game was one that we'd like to see replicated all the time! On the one hand, you had a starter, Bucky, mastering the opposing team as he pitched a complete game shutout (details below). On the other hand, you had the lineup as a whole getting all kinds of hits from HR's to timely to take and build up a lead throughout the evening (likewise, details below). Results: Sox 11, O's zip.
Starting with Buchholtz, he threw a masterful five hit complete game for his second career shutout. We all know what the first was, his no-no of a few years ago. He now is tied for the league lead in wins this season at eight and lowered his ERA to a very nice 2.39. He only gave up a single free pass, so his game WHIP was 0.667. Damn fine!
Then you have the offensive side of things. The Hose picked up 16 hits, six of which were for extra bases, and half of those were roundtrippers. Beltre, Yoooooukk and Scutaro had the HR's. Six of the Sox hitters had multi-hit games, and the only ones to go for the collar, in spite of recent torrid bats, were Papi (definitely white hot) and McDonald(had raised his average over .270).
Result of the win: Hose still tied with the Jays in 3d in the East, but now only 4 1/2 behind Tampa Bay and 2 1/2 astern of the Stripes. Still two thirds of the season to go.
Starting with Buchholtz, he threw a masterful five hit complete game for his second career shutout. We all know what the first was, his no-no of a few years ago. He now is tied for the league lead in wins this season at eight and lowered his ERA to a very nice 2.39. He only gave up a single free pass, so his game WHIP was 0.667. Damn fine!
Then you have the offensive side of things. The Hose picked up 16 hits, six of which were for extra bases, and half of those were roundtrippers. Beltre, Yoooooukk and Scutaro had the HR's. Six of the Sox hitters had multi-hit games, and the only ones to go for the collar, in spite of recent torrid bats, were Papi (definitely white hot) and McDonald(had raised his average over .270).
Result of the win: Hose still tied with the Jays in 3d in the East, but now only 4 1/2 behind Tampa Bay and 2 1/2 astern of the Stripes. Still two thirds of the season to go.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Dice & Papi Lead Team:Peter
Well, Jenn, tonight we got two Dice-K's. We got the one from last start, although no BB's at all; just three 1st inning runs; and we got the one of two starts ago: over five subsequent innings when no-one could even get to third. He got 7 K's in 6 2/3 innings without a walk. Bard took over in the 7th with two already gone and closed out that inning and the next, followed by Papelbon for his 13th save in 14 tries.
Offensively, a number of Sox had solid evenings, but Big Papi once again gave solid evidence that he's back. After a solid double to deepest center in the 1st, later scoring, he launched one into the right field cheaps in the 5th with a man aboard to give the Sox the lead for the first time in the game. It's his 12th of the season, and looks as if he's just continuing on where he left off in May. By the way, due to his torrid hitting in May, 10 HR's and a .363 average, he was the Player of the Month, the fourth time he's won such an honor, but the first since 2007. Speaking of monthly awards, Papi was joined by Jon Lester as Pitcher of the Month for May.
With tonite's win, the Sox have now won four straight and at least eight of ten. They also are eight games over .500, the first time that's happened in 2010.Better yet, once again, they have climbed a spot to third in the Division, maintaining the same distances behind the Rays and Mr. Hankie's Yankees.
Other stars for tonite included JD with a long triple off the top of the wall that just missed going over to lead off the 6th, and the shortstop, Marco Scutaro, who was 3-5 on the evening, including a double and an RBI.
Tomorrow, the Sox again host the A's for a getaway game,starting at 1:35 EST.
Offensively, a number of Sox had solid evenings, but Big Papi once again gave solid evidence that he's back. After a solid double to deepest center in the 1st, later scoring, he launched one into the right field cheaps in the 5th with a man aboard to give the Sox the lead for the first time in the game. It's his 12th of the season, and looks as if he's just continuing on where he left off in May. By the way, due to his torrid hitting in May, 10 HR's and a .363 average, he was the Player of the Month, the fourth time he's won such an honor, but the first since 2007. Speaking of monthly awards, Papi was joined by Jon Lester as Pitcher of the Month for May.
With tonite's win, the Sox have now won four straight and at least eight of ten. They also are eight games over .500, the first time that's happened in 2010.Better yet, once again, they have climbed a spot to third in the Division, maintaining the same distances behind the Rays and Mr. Hankie's Yankees.
Other stars for tonite included JD with a long triple off the top of the wall that just missed going over to lead off the 6th, and the shortstop, Marco Scutaro, who was 3-5 on the evening, including a double and an RBI.
Tomorrow, the Sox again host the A's for a getaway game,starting at 1:35 EST.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
All V-Mart: Peter
Great to see you, Gary and Aidan over the weekend, Jenn. In addition to the family's high points of the holiday,we got to discuss the Sox in person. Anyway, you probably will "see" tonight's game after decompressing from your drive back, so let me regale you--unless you decide to avoid the discussion until you "see" it.Lackey pitching for the Hose and by the 5th, the Hose are down four zip and it's not looking like it's going to get any better. Lackey's giving up clusters of hits every couple of innings and, with one exception when he pitches out of a bases loaded no outs jam, the results are about what you'd expect.
However, he stabilizes after that and, simultaneously, Martinez is making his presence more than known--much more. By the end of the evening, V-Mart is 5 for 5 and has a double double squared--four two baggers. This accounted for a pair of ribbies and another pair of runs scored, giving him 15 doubles on the year, one behind team leader Dusty, who got his 16th tonight. His two baser ended an O for 17 streak that had taken him down below .260. Lest you think that this was all of the offense, Hall got a triple and our new third sacker, Beltre again belted the opposing hurler, getting three hits, including a 3-run homer. Sox finished up with 14 hits.
From the mound, I've already discussed Lackey's efforts. He got the 'W', but he struggled. After holding the A's scoreless in the 6th, he departed, replaced by the pen--end of story--for the A's. The three Sox relievers collectively gave up a single single (in the 9th), and tossed three innings of shutout ball, two of them perfect. Those were one apiece from TOM (after tonight, I think I'll just use his name as we're now over two years removed from the Original Manny) and Bard. Both did it with their usual stuff: Manny in the low to mid-90's and Bard regularly lighting up the gun at or near the triple digit level.
So we're now seven games over .500, and within a half game of the 3d place Jays. Stripes and Rays won again tonight, so those margins remain the same, but this is the third in a row again for the Fenmen. Long season to go and I'm liking our appearance more and more. Now, if both JB (back) and Jake (side pains) can get back at their expected performance levels, this could yet be a memorable season.
However, he stabilizes after that and, simultaneously, Martinez is making his presence more than known--much more. By the end of the evening, V-Mart is 5 for 5 and has a double double squared--four two baggers. This accounted for a pair of ribbies and another pair of runs scored, giving him 15 doubles on the year, one behind team leader Dusty, who got his 16th tonight. His two baser ended an O for 17 streak that had taken him down below .260. Lest you think that this was all of the offense, Hall got a triple and our new third sacker, Beltre again belted the opposing hurler, getting three hits, including a 3-run homer. Sox finished up with 14 hits.
From the mound, I've already discussed Lackey's efforts. He got the 'W', but he struggled. After holding the A's scoreless in the 6th, he departed, replaced by the pen--end of story--for the A's. The three Sox relievers collectively gave up a single single (in the 9th), and tossed three innings of shutout ball, two of them perfect. Those were one apiece from TOM (after tonight, I think I'll just use his name as we're now over two years removed from the Original Manny) and Bard. Both did it with their usual stuff: Manny in the low to mid-90's and Bard regularly lighting up the gun at or near the triple digit level.
So we're now seven games over .500, and within a half game of the 3d place Jays. Stripes and Rays won again tonight, so those margins remain the same, but this is the third in a row again for the Fenmen. Long season to go and I'm liking our appearance more and more. Now, if both JB (back) and Jake (side pains) can get back at their expected performance levels, this could yet be a memorable season.
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