One More Glide

Well, yesterday's series finale was, like its three predecessors, won by the Sox. The final score was 6-1 and, as in game three, the Hose gave some early hope to the 'Stros that this was to be their day. However, as my father used to say, "Live in hope. Die in despair." The Astros certainly did that. After falling behind one zip, the hose began their takeover of the game in their half of the inning, tying it and leaving another three runners on base as they were closed out for the moment with sacks jammed. However, as things wore on, the Sox demonstrated it was just a matter of time. Papi picked up another two ribbies, and now has 11 in the eight games he's played in since coming off the DL. He's also in the midst of a 20 game hitting streak, going back to last year. His two hits yesterday took care of that extension. Of the 11 hits the Sox accumulated, five were for extra bases, four of them two-baggers and the fifth a triple by Drew. The attack was fairly well spread through the lineup with Nava, Papi and Carp each getting a pair of hits, and only two in the lineup going for the collar for the day.
As for pitching, the game marked the second return from injury this year for Lackey. After missing all of last season for Tommy John surgery, he left his first start due to bicep pain and went straight to the DL. Yesterday, he looked like what the Hose have been hoping for for the past couple of years. In six innings, he allowed just five scattered hits, a lone first inning run and struck out four. He did get the W. The pen did its part to keep things calm, allowing just a pair of hits over the final three innings and no runs at all.
One other significant item comes from yesterday's game as well. The team tied the club record for wins in April at 18 and has one game remaining in the month to break it. They're off today and playing north of the border tomorrow against the Jays in their attempt to break the record.