Sox Tweak Twinkies

Well, for the fourth consecutive time this year, the Sox played the day after a long night game of over four hours and won. In fact, the only time this year they've come in exhausted and lost was the first time it happened. Tonight it was Big Papi's night to lead the team's efforts. After the Hose had dropped from a one zip early lead to a 5-1 deficit in the 5th, the team's offense came awake. Picking up a four spot, they tied the game. Wake, who was making his third attempt to win his 200th, suddenly was back in the hunt and when the Hose picked up run number six a bit later, it looked as if he were going to realize his goal. But, it was not to be tonight--Papi or no Papi. Aceves came on to pitch the 8th and gave up the tying run, ending up with a rare blown save. Although he did eventually get the W, it was another tough outcome for the oldest active player in MLB today. Unwilling to play extra innings tonight on top of last night's thriller, the Sox immediately went to work in their half of the 9th. Papi, as part of his 4-5 night ( he missed the cycle by a triple) drove what turned out to be the winning run. Up to that, he'd also had his 22d HR and 30th double of the year, the former of which was followed back-to-back by Salty's HR, the sixth Sox back-2-back this year. The Laser finished up with a 14 pitch perfect inning, including a pair of K's, for his 25th save of the year (in just 26 chances). The man is pitching as much like the Pap of a few years ago as he ever has. Scoots also had three hits and Crawford continued his recent binge with a solid triple. Not to be forgotten, Gonzo added his 92nd ribbie to maintain his lead in that category, while going 2-3 with the stick. With the W, Sox are now up 1.5 over the Stripes and a season high 28 over .500 for the year.