Sox End Skid Against Bengals

Well, as I noted a couple of days ago, the Hose were on their latest steak--this one a negative which eventually reached five. Tonight they drew first blood, but the quickly dropped behind, 2-1. Fortunately, Lackey was doing a pretty good job of minimizing he Tigers' offensive efforts and, when Nap, in his return from the DL, fired a shot into the cheaps, they knotted things at two. Unfortunately, the Tigers responded and snatched the lead again, 3-2.  This is where Papi found things as he strode to the dish in the top of the 9th with a pair of runners on. Having made a loud out a couple of innings earlier about 400 feet away, he made sure this time. One swing and the ball settled about halfway up in the seats and the Sox had the lead again, 5-3. Koji came on in the bottom half and slammed the door with  13 pitch piece of perfection, his twelfth save.  The shot by Papi was his fourteenth of the season, getting his ribbie total up to 38. Other offensive stars were Nap, who had three hits, including the 'tater and Holt. The Sox rookie went 4-5 including a triple, and is now hitting .339. Now, having gained a game on every other East Div team, the Hose head to Baltimore to face the Birds.