Formula 2013 Good in 2014

Well, the Sox tonight used the same formula to win that hey finished out last year with. Get timely hitting from a relentless offense and combine with good starting pitching backed by a shutdown pen.  Tonight, both Papi and Bogaerts each had three hits, helping the Hose total 14 hits off O's pitching.  Of the 14, a dozen were singles, but came in clusters, so that the Sox never trailed. Using single runs in the 2d, 3d, and 4th innings, they jumped out to a three zip lead, only to have the O's finally get going in the bottom of the 4th with a pair. However, the Sox lost no time in regaining a part of their lead, adding a run in the 6th. This final Sox run came in just enough time to offset the O's third run in the bottom of the frame.

Sox starter Dubront was good enough to set up the Sox lead, finally being chased in the middle of the 6th with an Oriole on base and one out. That runner did score on a wild pitch by Workman, and was charged to Dubront. So, his ERA doesn't look too impressive, but he pitched when it was necessary, thus allowing the Sox to maintain their lead when he left. He picked up four K's, and that total was added to by the Sox pen, which added its own total of four K's. After the pickup by Workman, the rest of the game was pure Sox 2013 pen. First new free agent Capuano, then Tazawa and Uehara in order each tossed a hitless inning, with Capuano and Uehara both being perfect.  In fact, Koji was so good, he needed just seven pitches to close things out.

Sox come home to Fenway for the season opener tomorrow against Milwaukee, and there will be a ring presentation ceremony for the Champs' Series rings before the game. This will be Papi's third ring, and the second each for Lester, Pedey, and Bucky.