Papi,Belt-re and Some Damn Fine Pitching!: Peter

Well, tonight was a tense, but exciting game, and, like so many before it in this injury plagued year, a true team victory. The Diceman was masterful, once again showing strong signs of the return of the pitcher who went 18-3 with a sub-3.00 ERA in 2008. He went 6 2/3 innings tonight, allowing just a pair of hits and a pair of walks, while collecting six K's. One of the hits was a solo HR that just made it over the yellow HR line on Oakland's center field wall before bouncing back onto the field. After that shot, Dice pretty much held the A's at bay, retiring ten in a row at one point.
Although the HR put the A's in the lead, the Sox wasted little time setting things right. In the very next inning, Papi drove in the tying run with a long sacfly that allowed Petterson to casually stroll home after his own triple had started the inning. Then, two batters later, Beltre applied the first syllable of his name to an offering from A's pitcher Sheets and that was all the scoring the Hose needed. Outtathere and it's 2-1, Sox.

From there on, the Hose had other opportunities to pad the score, but were unable to do so. But the Sox moundsmen made sure it wasn't necessary. After Dice's performance, Bard came in with two gone in the 7th and a pair of runners, and quickly shut the A's down. He also kept them from scoring in the 8th to secure his 20th Hold (leading the A.L), and then gave way to The Laser for the 9th. Pap came on and retired the side in order, including a K. Few if any of his pitches were under 94 mph. Speaking of velocity, Bard frequently was above 97 while he was on the mound, topping out in a couple of cases at 99.

It's interesting contrasting the two Sox fireballers. When Pap throws, you can almost feel the heat just watching his motion. It's powerful and explosive. You know it's in the high 90's. Bard, living up to his name, is more poetic in his motion. He throws, usually in the very high 90's and occasionally in triple digits and you never see it in the force of his body motion--just on the gun when you look at the numbers. Either way--it's a combo that must have hitters talking to themselves.

A word to Jenn--I understand how you are feeling, and KNOW that you'll be back--maybe not too long after the Sox casualties are again in fine fettle--just in time for the run for the playoffs. So do what you need to do; we all understand, and look forward to more from Jenn in the near future. Without you this blog would not have gotten where it is today; believe me, Jenn, you're entitled. Let's see, now. Bucky pitches the day after tomorrow; JB is now set for Seattle a day or two later, and Hermida is scheduled back in the next week or so. After that, Bucky may be back early in August, V-Mart about the same and the Dustman by mid-August (he's now walking without crutches or cane, although still with a protective boot). See ya' for my birthday.
Dad