Sox Salvage Win in Chitown

Well, after two closes losses, but losses nevertheless, to the Pale Hose, the Sox turned things around tonight with a solid win in the getaway game to end their road trip. Bucky was going for his 7th W without a loss, and went a solid seven, allowing just 5 scattered hits and a single run. His ERA was cut to a microscopic 1.73. He did also give up three freebies, but, as with the hits, kept them very scattered. Leaving with a 2-1 lead, it was then up to the offense and the pen to keep the W for Bucky. One run lead? No problem! The Sox came up in the 8th and they wasted little time in moving to put the game away. After a fly out by the Dustman, Papi and Nap singled, followed by a free pass to Nava to load the bases. Middlebrooks hit a sac fly to plate a run, and a subsequent passed ball (ESPN said wild pitch, so take your choice) got Nap across with another insurance run--4-1, Sox. Uehara then came on to pitch a perfect 8th, picking up a pair of K's in the process and lowering his ERA to 1.93 on just nine pitches. Just to be certain, the Hose in the top of the 9th added a final pair of runs, loading the bases and setting up Nava again with two gone to drive home the final pair. That left it to Sox closer Bailey to show how well he was recovered in his first turn off the DL. Although he did give up a solo shot to long time Chisox power hitter Konerko, it was obvious that Bailey was all there--and so were the Sox. With the corresponding loss by the Stripes, the Hub Hose were back within a half game of the division lead.
The Sox had nine hits, the only extra bases one a two bagger by the Dustman. The only people in the lineup with more than a hit were Papi and Jake with a pair apiece. The rest of the run was spread fairly evenly through the lineup.
Back to the Fens and a reunion of sorts with Terry.  Successfully managing the Tribe to the Central lead, Francona is coming back to the scene of more wins by any manager in a Sox uniform (over 700 of them). He was quoted as saying that although the aftermath of 2011 was not pleasant, he holds no ill feelings, and, in fact, still has many friends in the Hub and a myriad of good memories with the team--not the least bookend World Championships.