That’s right. Just a good old-fashioned Boston beating. There are those who say that Boston fans should by now leave the Yankees alone. I beg to differ. You show me a Red Sox fan who’s ready to forget everything we’ve been through, and I’ll show you a Red Sox fan who’s been sleeping for the past century. But I’ll grant you this: last night it was less about beating the Yankees than it was about just winning. We needed a win, and we didn’t care who we won against. If it happened to have been the Yankees, it’s just the icing on the cake, but Red Sox Nation never loses sight of what’s really important: getting to October, and getting there solidly enough to make a run for it. If a few pretty boys in pinstripes get trampled on the way, who are we to complain?
The final score was 7-3, and the mound was largely ruled by the bullpen. Needless to say, Paul Byrd will have his work cut out for him tonight because the ‘pen was worked. Wakefield pitched five, a walk, a strikeout, and three runs on eight hits, but two of those runs were solo homers by Damon. That was it for the Yankees, though. Through four frames, the relief had its troubles but came away spotless. Lopez and Delcarmen rocked, Masterson made A-Rod hit into a double play with the bases loaded (a very gratifying moment), and Okajima and Pap took care of the eighth and ninth, just like in the old days. Wake got the win (finally), and Pap got the save. Pettitte just got lit up.
RBIs for Ellsbury, Youk, and Crisp. Crisp has quietly been hitting up a storm over the past couple of games, last night going three for five with a theft (and, unfortunately, a CS). Jeff Bailey and Jason Bay, who made his rivalry debut last night, each batted in two. Jay Bay had a great night, going two for four and scoring once. I’m telling you, if the Yankee fans wanted to get to him, they failed miserably. Big Papi had a big night, going two for three and hitting for extra bases, and Cash went two for four. Two unusual errors on Pedey and Lowrie, but let’s not forget the spectacular throwing error committed by A-Rod. What a show. It was a great game, but most importantly it helped us get back on track. I’m not really sure why, but watching it last night it finally felt like August, when you pull out all the stops because October’s coming. It felt good.
In other news, try as he might, JD couldn’t avoid the DL, so the front office is now exploring the possibility of bringing in Mark Kotsay of the Braves for extra depth in right field. Youkilis is still modest about his status as potential MVP. Ironically, that’s part of what makes him a candidate for MVP. That, plus he’s flawless and versatile in the field and batting .366 with six home runs and twenty RBIs since the trade deadline. Yaz is out of the hospital and doing well. And Josh Beckett has been cleared to start on Friday.
Finally, last but certainly not least, the Rays lost last night to the Blue Jays! I don’t know what it is about Toronto but they tend to have a great last two months, always giving teams headaches in the middle of a pennant race. But for once we’re on the good side of that, and it’s coming right on time. But there’s more. The Twins lost to the Mariners, so we’ve got an even bigger lead atop the Wild Card standings. Ladies and gentlemen, we are making headway.
Even better Wednesday night!