Bounceback After Tito's Return Win

Well, on Thursday, we saw the return to the Fens of Terry Francona, 'Tito' to some. Receiving a really very warm welcome from Sox fans who gathered as much for the return as to cheer on their team, Francona led his team to an overwhelming victory, with the Tribe getting a dozen runs and 17 hits on the evening. As impressive as the Tribe's performance was, equally impressive was the Red Sox-sponsored welcome home for the manager of their pair of World titles in the first decade of the new century. Commencing with a very well produced and memory stirring video on the giant screen, the welcome proceeded with about a 10 minute long standing O for Terry from the fans. It was very emotional and well appreciated by both sides.
So after Terry got first blood in the series, the Sox returned the favor yesterday with an almost equally one sided win, 8-1. This was propelled by a three run shot by Carp and a pair of ribbies each from Jake and The Dustman. Holding up the defensive side of the ledger was the second straight solid start from Lackey, who allowed just a pair of hits over seven innings while getting eight K's. In the process, he lowered his ERA to 2.72. His WHIP for the game was also sub-1.0.
Which brings us to today, Tito';s third day back in town. Lester was on the hill, and quickly surrendered a run in the 1st and a pair in the 3d, leaving the Hose trailing 3-1. However, they pecked away and knotted the score at three in the 6th. However, a Lester wild pitch allowed the Tribe to retake the lead the very next inning and that's (4-3, Tribe) where things sat going into the Sox' 8th. This time the rally didn't end at a tie. With two gone and Ciriaco on second via a solid double, Carp pinch hot for Gomes and quickly drove a ball deep into the outfield for a tying run scoring double. He was immediately followed by the aforementioned Dustman with another double that plated Carp with the lead run. Not through yet, Indians reliever Pestano intentionally passed Papi (not taking any chances with Big Papi in that situation), only to give up a very unintentional pass to the very next batter, Nap. Sacks jammed! Not for long! Nava immediately singled, bringing both The Dustman and Papi home with some solid insurance; 7-4, Sox!
Tazawa, who pitched a perfect 8th for the Sox, gave way to the Hose' closer, Bailey, and he came through admirably. Although he did give up a solitary single, he held the Tribe scoreless for the inning, closed out the game and got his 6th save in seven chances.
How the Hose now stand in the Division is still open, as the Stripes game is still in progress, with the Rays up 3-1 in the bottom of the 7th and still threatening. Keep hoping. If they hold the lead, the Sox will tie the Division lead.
Stats: Sox got eleven hits, five of which were for two bases, a pair of those by Dusty. Other hitting leaders for the day were the newly recalled Iglesias and Ciriaco, both 3 for 4, each with a double.