Four Managers--Sox Streak At Five

Well, tonight the Sox had their tempers up due to a series of hit batters--and in the end did the hitting that won their fifth in a row.  Very early on Papi was hit by Rays ace, David Price, leading to warnings to both teams by the home plate umpire. When Sox manager Farrell came out to argue over Papi's getting hit and Price staying in, he was tossed. As the game continued, Carp got hit by Price and some pushing and shoving followed. Sox substitute manager, Bench Coach Luvollo complained as Price was allowed to stay in even though this was his second 'hit' of the game and he'd already been warned. Result: Luvollo gets tossed. At least Farrell had some company in the clubhouse. But it wasn't over yet, not even close! Comes the Rays 6th and Sox hurler Workman sent a message pitch about three feet behind Rays third sacker Longoria--and Workman predictably gets tossed--along with Sox third base coach Butterfield, although I'm not certain what the logic was in the case of Butterfield. Maybe the umps felt they were getting in the swing of things and it felt good to do the "throw" motion.  If you have any idea, let me know.  Anyway, now the Sox are down to their hitting coach, Greg Colbrunn, doing the managing. So, eventually the Sox tie the score and we roll into the bottom of the 10th. Koji's already come and gone, preceded by Taz and Badenhop, and it's still two all. But, never fear--the turnaround mojo post-ten game losing streak is still working. Gomes comes to the plate with one gone--and, you guessed it--gets hit. After a very understandably long hard stare at Rays reliever Oviedo, Gomes takes his base. He doesn't have to wait long. Pierzynski grabs a bat and takes matters into his own hands. Driving a pitch deep into the right center field triangle, he collects a walkoff triple. Gomes scores, the Sox win and everyone is happy--with the possible exception of the Rays--and various and sundry members of the Sox team and coaching staff. Papi after the game said it very clearly.  If Price holds a grudge over Papi's pair of shots in last fall's playoffs and wants to repeat his throws at Sox batters, then he and Papi will have to put the gloves on outside the park and settle matters.
Stats-wise, the Sox outhit the Rays, 8-4, with Papi getting an RBI and Bogaerts going 3-5, including his 14th double of the season and Pierzynski going 2-5, his aforementioned trip and a two bagger doing the damage. As for pitching, Workman did a decent job for the five and a third he was in before getting an early shower, compliments of the umps. He gave up four hits and three freebies, but balanced it with four K's. The pen crew was even better! No runs, no hits and just a pair of freebies total from all five Sox relievers. If that's not enough, throw in an additional three K's for good measure, topped off by Miller getting the final out on the only batter he faced on just two pitches.  Oh, yeah! He also got the win, a fitting payback for the lousy luck he had to endure during some fairly good pitching during the losing streak.
So the win streak's now at five, and Sox pitcher Rubby de la Rosa is set to get his first start of the year tomorrow. Here's to making it a victorious one!