Another Series for the Sox

Well, since I posted after the Sox win over the A's a couple of days ago, the Hose have played the remaining pair with the A's, and won the series. Yesterday's game, played in an increasingly wet mist/drizzle/rain, is best forgotten. Getting just 3 hits over the seven innings before the game was called, the Sox got roasted 13 zip. Starting with a six spot in the 4th, things got progressively worse for the Hose. Aceves gave up the first 8 of the 13 runs, and, in recognition of that, was optioned today to the Pawsox. In his place Daniel Bard has returned to the Hub, hopefully looking more like the Bard of old than the Bard of 2012.
Which brings us to today's series finale. Lester was going for the Sox, and things figured to be better than yesterday. However, the portsider lasted just 5 2/3 innings, as he was good enough to win, which he did, now at 4-0, but not really equal to his previous four starts. He gave up 6 hits, one a 3 run shot that opened the scoring in the A's 4th, and an equal number of free passes. The combo left him with a game WHIP of over 2, never a good sign. He did pick up five K's, and his ERA is still a great 2.27 even after tonight's three earned runs. Fortunately, the Hos didn't wait long to turn things around. In their half of the same inning, they matched the A's three spot with one of their own. This began with Papi and Nap getting back-to-back two baggers, followed by a walk to Gomes and then capped by Middlebrooks clearing the bases with a triple. Not being satisfied leaving things there, the Hose continued their onslaught in the very next inning, adding another three runs to the total. Sending nine to the plate, Jake led off with an infield hit, immediately swiping 2d for his 10th steal of the year. Now in scoring position, he put the Sox in the lead on Victorino's two base hit. But it wasn't over yet. The Dustman and Papi each got singles, scoring Victorino, and still no outs. Nap strode to the dish and was promptly hit by a pitch for his troubles. Danny Nava pinch hit for Gomes and brought in the Dustman, making it 6-3, Sox, and still no outs, and the sacks jammed. The only discomfort with all of this was what more might have been except for the next three Sox batters going down in order. From there on, it was mostly a game of attrition (how's that for a word in a sports blog?), as the Sox didn't score again in the game and the Green and Gold hung up two more runs to draw to 6-5, Sox, and making it interesting or uncomfortable, depending, of course, on which side of the diamond your seats were. The near untouchable pen gave a little as the evening wore on, but, in the end got out with the W. Both Tazawa and Uehara gave up single runs, the latter being Young's second homer of the day. He personally accounted for four of the A's five runs. However, when it counted, the pen finally shut things down. Bailey, he formerly of the A's, took over in the 9th and struck out the side. Game over, and with it any delusions the A's may have had about taking the series. This is the only series vs the A's all season at the Fens, and the Sox only visit Oakland once all year as well. Got my tix already in hand. Other than not being Fenway (what other place could be?), going to watch the Sox play in Oakland is very much like being at a Sox home game. The Sox fans who pour out of the woodwork seriously outnumber the local Oakland fans, and simply drown them out with the cheers. So, it's a good atmosphere for all of us who are transplanted members of Red Sox Nation.
Final notes on tonight: Sox had fully half of their ten hits for extra bases, Dusty and Papi getting a pair apiece of that sawbuck. Papi has yet to homer since his return, but, as he notes, he's not quite 100% and doesn't want to push things and jeopardize a full recovery. He's staying within himself and taking what ever the opposing hurlers are giving him and staying satisfied for now with getting hits and driving in runs as he builds toward full Papi condition. When that's done, AL look out! Jake, as already noted, extended his league lead in steals, while Nap added a ribbie to his MLB lead in that category. So, I guess picking him up in the off season not only precluded his continuing to torment the Hose for the Rangers, but also has added some solid punch in the middle of the Bosox lineup to take it out on anyone the Hose play. Sox also picked up a game each against the Stripes and the O's, both of whom lost today.