Red Sox Swept by the Angels in ALDS

After 165 games it is past time for the final entry of this Boston Red Sox season of 2009. With the World Series underway and the Yankees holding a 2 games to 1 lead over the Phillies I’m finally ready to ponder how the Red Sox were unceremoniously eliminated from the playoffs in the opening round American League Division Series. As Terri Francona, Sox manager, indicated the season came to a “crashing halt”. After some reflection it’s now time to bid adieu to the 2009 Red Sox.
Their final games of the year were against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim a team they have owned in post season. Not this time as we saw the Sox offense go into hibernation much as it had done off and on in the regular season. Case in point Game 1 was a 4 hit shut-out for John Lackey and game 2 was a 4 hit 1 run game for Jared Weaver. Each starter had 7.1 IP as the much maligned Angels bull pen yielded nothing in the final 1.2 innings of each game.

Now for our perceived ‘superior pitching’. In the opening game Jon Lester gave the team 6 innings but was not sharp walking 4 and giving up his only runs on a three-run home run off the bat of Torri Hunter in the 5th inning. Game Over as the Red Sox bats could muster only 4 singles one each for Pedroia, Bay, Gonzalez and Drew. Game 2 saw ace Josh Beckett take a 1-1 tie into the bottom of the 7th where he managed to get only 2 outs before being lifted as the Angels scored 3 runs. The big blow was Erick Aybar’s two-out triple scoring 2 runs. As Beckett headed for an early shower Billy Wagner got the final out of the inning. Bobby Abreu was a key contributor as he was 5 for 9 at the plate.

The teams headed to Boston for Game 3 with Clay Buchholz and Scott Kazmir as the starting pitchers. The Red Sox broke on top with 3 runs in the 3rd inning as Dustin Pedroia had a 2 run double and Victor Martinez a 1 run single. A Kendry Morales solo homer put the Angels on the board in the 4th but the Sox tacked on two more runs in their half of the inning as J.D. Drew slammed a two run homer. When Buchholz loaded the bases to start the 6th inning he was pulled in favor of Daniel Bard. Another Angel’s run score on a double play. Going into the 8th inning things looked good as the home team led 5-2. But what many regarded as the finest bull pen in the Majors really let the team down. Billy Wagner got two outs in the 8th but was pulled with men on 2nd and 3rd as Francona looked to Jonathan Papelbon for a 4 out save. But he promptly allowed both inherited runners to score on a two run single by Juan Rivera. The Sox got a run back in their half of the 8th on an RBI single by Mike Lowell.

Boston had a two run lead entering the fateful 9th inning when after getting the first two outs easily Papelbon absolutely implodes. A single, a walk, a two run double by Abreu and the game is tied. Then Guerrero singled in Abreu and the Angels took the lead 7-6. Okajima got the final out of the inning as Papelbon was charged with his first playoff runs after a record streak of 26 scoreless innings. How it unfolded was stunning especially with two outs and the bases clear.

Despite the fact that Angels spark plug and lead off hitter Chone Figgins was 0 for 12 in the series with only a BB the Red Sox went down with three straight losses. A season in which the Sox had 95 wins ended abruptly in disappointing fashion. Theo Epstein and the front office have a lot of work to do with Jason Bay a free agent, the need for another big bat and the uncertain shortstop situation to name a few concerns.

It was rewarding to follow Jacoby Ellsbury in particular this year and to see him develop as a player and become the lead-off hitter the Red Sox envisioned. His stats below tell the story of a very successful year:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS
.301 153 624 94 188 27 10 8 60 70 12

BB SO OBP SLG
49 74 .355 .415

Ellsbury’s stolen base stat will surely jump out at you as he led MLB with 70.

Before we know it Spring Training will be upon us along with high hopes for the 2010 season of Boston Red Sox baseball.

**Photos: Dustin Pedroia making the final out of the 2009 season as Victor Martinez looks disconsolate in the dugout

Games 160-162 Red Sox End Season With Four Game Sweep of Indians

Thursday – October 1

My final regular season Red Sox game summary is being written as the Twins and the Tigers play a tiebreaker, game 163, with the winner facing the Yankees in the ALDS (Presently Tigers ahead 3-1 in the 4th inning.) Today was a very important start for Jon Lester, his first since taking a line drive off the leg. Red Sox Nation breathed a sigh of relief as Lester gave them 6.1 innings of 2H shut out baseball. Bard, Wagner and Papelbon also pitched shut out ball. Youkilis, Ortiz and Bay each had an RBI.

*Tie breaker update: Twins prevail over the Tigers in the 12th inning 6-5

Final Score: Red Sox 3 Indians 0
Jacoby Watch: 3 for 5 with 1R with 1SB and 1CS


Friday – October 2

Today the Red Sox gave Daisuke Matsuzaka a four run lead after 3 innings. Dice-K went 6 innings allowing 2R and 5H with 7SO in a good outing. Out of the bullpen Billy Wagner pitched back to back days for the first time this year as he had 2SO in 0.2IP. Ramirez, Bard and Saito finished the game in scoreless fashion. Two out RBIs were important in this game as Youk had two and Bay one. Pedey and Martinez each had an RBI as the Sox prevailed in game two of the final series of the year.

Final Score: Red Sox 6 Indians 2
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 3 with 2R, 2BB, 1SB (his 69th) and 1CS


Saturday – October 3

Josh Beckett has been receiving shots for back spasms and missed his last start. So this outing was a big one for him. He got off to a rocky start giving up 2R in both the 1st and 2nd innings. He then seemed to settle down as he went 5 innings with 4R on 7H. Paul Byrd took over for the next 3 innings and gave up a two run homer to complete the Indians scoring as Dustin Richardson pitched a scoreless 9th. In the meantime Dustin Pedroia led off the 1st inning with a home run and the Red Sox had a 7R 2nd inning including a three run homer by Victor Martinez. Brian Anderson had a two-run homer in the 3rd and Dusty Baker a solo shot in the 8th. It was his first major league hit. It feels good to see the Sox putting up some runs - 20 so far in the series.

Final Score: Red Sox 11 Indians 6
Jacoby Watch: Ellsbury was given the day off

Sunday - October 4

Clay Buchholz started the final game of the regular season and it was his second poor outing in a row after eight or so high quality starts. Buchholz lasted only 3 innings and gave up 5R on 6H. After giving up five home runs in his last start he gave up one today a solo shot from Luis Valbuena to lead off the game. The Sox were down 6-5 in the 5th when they scored 2R to take the lead. After getting 5R in the 6th inning the Sox would coast to victory and the sweep of the series. The Red Sox would belt 5 home runs including two solo shots from J.D. Drew, one from Alex Gonzalez and a two run homer from Dustin Pedroia. Without a doubt the big blow was a grand slam home run by Jed Lowrie his first in that 5R 6th. The Red Sox are hitting well going into the playoffs and have won the last four games of the year. But as the saying goes momentum is only as good as the next day’s starting pitcher.

Final Score: Red Sox 12 Indians 7
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 3 with 1R and his ML leading 70th stolen base.

*Photo shows Jacoby Ellsbury greeting the fans on opening day April 6, 2009

Games 156-158 – Swept Again This Time by the Toronto Blue Jays

Monday September 28

No excuses for this stinker even though Josh Beckett was scratched due to back spasms. Michael Bowden got the start and was knocked around for 7R in just 3IP. Hunter Jones was not any better as in 1.2IP he gave up 4R on 5H. Kevin Youkilis had two home runs good for 3 RBIs and David Ortiz had a solo shot in a losing cause.

Final Score: Blue Jays 11 Red Sox 5
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 2 with 2BB

Tuesday September 29

Clay Buchholz unfortunately put up a real stinker. He had been pitching so well - not today. His line reads 5IP, 7R on 8H. But here is the worst part he gave up five home runs. Toronto DH Adam Lind had three home runs two off Buchholz and one off Saito good for four RBIs. The Red Sox were down 8-2 after 7 innings and came up with 5 runs in the 8th inning. The big blow was a three-run homer by J.D. Drew. I really thought they would pull this one out but with two on and two out in the bottom of the 9th Youkilis uncharacteristically took a call third strike and the comeback came up short.

Final Score: Blue Jays 8 Red Sox 7
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 5 with 1R and 1SB his 67th

Wednesday September 30

Can you say blow out!?! The injured but ever the gamer, Tim Wakefield, had nothing as he gave up 5R and 7H including two home runs in just 3IP. An assortment of Sox pitchers, Cabrera, Richardson, Delcarmen, Jones, Okajima and even catcher Dusty Brown pitched an inning apiece as the Jays added another 7 runs. Doc Halladay was his brilliant self as he allowed only 3 singles in his complete game shut out of the Red Sox. His ERA is now 2.79 - amazing in the AL. The only Sox regulars who played were Gonzo and Big Papi. Ortiz was hit by a pitch. Perhaps Halladay retaliated since Lind, he of the three home runs, was hit by Papelbon in the 9th inning yesterday.

Final Score: Blue Jays 12 Red Sox 0
Jacoby Watch: Ellsbury was given the day off and was a manager’s DNP

Games 153-155 Boston Swept Away Again by New York

Friday – September 25

This is getting old but the Red Sox were again swept by the Yankees at the Stadium. Joba Chamberlain pitched well for the first time in over a month or since he last faced Boston. Jon Lester did not have it tonight as he allowed 5R in only 2.1IP. He had to leave at that point after being struck on the leg by a ball off the bat of Melky Cabrera. Lester was down for a time and it looked scary. He was able to leave the mound under his own power and is day to day after x-rays were negative, fortunately. Hunter Jones, Michael Bowden, Manny Delcarmen and Takashi Saito followed Lester to the mound as the Yankees scored four more times. The Red Sox got homers from Martinez and Ortiz as they went down in defeat. The important thing is that Jon Lester seems to be OK.

Final Score: Yankees 9 Red Sox 5
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 3, 1R and 1BB

Saturday – September 26

Daisuke Matsuzaka had an excellent outing as he allowed only 1R in 7IP. For New York CC Sabathia was better as he shut out the Sox through seven innings. Hughes and Rivera had scoreless innings out of the pen while Billy Wagner surrendered two unearned runs. The Sox had only two hits singles by Lowell and Martinez.

Final Score: Yankees 3 Red Sox 0
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 4 with 2SO

Sunday – September 27

The Red Sox hoping to grab the final game of this three game series took an early 2-0 lead off Andy Pettitte. That was all they would get as Pettitte gave the Yankees 6 innings and Bruney, Coke and Rivera finished up. The Yankees had solo homers from Cabrera and Teixeira. Boston with a forgettable series as the Yankees take 9 of the last 10 games from the Sox and the teams finish their season series at nine wins apiece.

Final Score: Yankees 4 Red Sox 2
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 5

*Photo shows Jon Lester on the ground after being hit by a batted ball.

Games 149-152 Red Sox Can Only Split in Series With Royals

Monday September 21

This one hurt as the Red Sox blew six run leads twice. Tim Wakefield was spotted a 6-0 lead and left after 5IP and 5 runs allowed. Manny Delcarmen’s woes continue as he allowed 4R in only 0.2IP. Daniel Bard and Billy Wagner gave up another 3R combined in 1.1IP. This loss effectively kills any chance the Sox may have had to catch the Yankees for the division lead as they open a three game series in New York this coming weekend. Now the focus is on securing the wild card, lining up the rotation and resting players before the playoffs begin.

Final Score: KC 12 Bos 9
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 5 with 1R and 2RBIs

Tuesday September 22

The Red Sox bats were anemic facing Cy Young candidate Zack Greinke as he went 6 innings allowing no runs and only 2H. One of those hits was a single by Victor Martinez which extended his hitting streak to 21 games and drove in the only run the Sox would score in the 8th inning. Paul Byrd took the Sox out of the game in the 1st inning as he was wild, for him, and the Royals scored 5 times.

Final Score: KC 5 Bos 1
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 3 with a BB, a run scored and his 64th SB

Wednesday September 23

Josh Beckett’s line was interesting with 2R, 12H and 7SO. He managed to keep the Royals from getting that big hit as they had 12 LOB. Okajima, Wagner and Paps each contributed a scoreless inning. Meanwhile after being down 2-0 to start the 6th the Red Sox scored 6 times. Alex Gonzalez had 3 RBIs and Dustin Pedroia had 2. With two outs David Ortiz blasted a three run homer in the 9th inning.

Final Score: Bos 9 KC 2
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 5, 1R, 2RBIs and 2SO

Thursday September 24

The Red Sox managed to split the series with a win today. Clay Buchholz was dominant as he gave the Sox 6.2 innings of 5H shutout baseball while striking out 8 batters. Ramon Ramirez had a tough time out of the pen yielding 3R in only 0.2IP. David Ortiz had 3RBIs including a solo home run. The Royals committed 5 errors leading to 6 unearned runs.

Final Score: Bos 10 KC 3
Jacoby Watch: 3 for 6, 2R, 1RBI and 2SBs

Games 146-148 - Red Sox Sweep Orioles

Friday – September 18

The Boston Red Sox finished their season series with the Baltimore Orioles with a record of 16-2. Sad to say I attended one of those losses. You remember the one with the Sox up 10-1 at Camden Yards before the rains came and a lengthy delay ensued. The O’s came back to win 11-10 as the bullpen imploded! But back to the present as Clay Buchholz won his 6th game of the year with 6IP, 1R and 5H. Bard, Okajima and Papelbon each contributed a perfect inning. Kotchman, Bay (solo homer) and Ellbury each had an RBI.

Final Score: Boston 3 Baltimore 1
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 5 with an RBI and a SB his league leading 62nd


Saturday – September 19

The Red Sox belted out 17H good for 11R as Josh Reddick, Brian Anderson and J.D. Drew all homered. Reddick and Drew each had 4RBIs. Jon Lester although not as sharp as usual now has 14 wins as he went 6 innings with 3R and 10H allowed. With the score 11-3 Manny Delcarmen pitched to four batters in the 9th recording no outs and giving up two solo homers. Delcarmen’s decline month by month is alarming as his September ERA has soared. Ramon Ramirez came in to finish the game.

Final Score: Boston 11 Baltimore 5
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 5 with 1BB

Sunday – September 20

The Red Sox scored in each of the first four innings including a 3 run 1st. With the Sox up 7-0 in the 4th the Orioles got 2 runs off Daisuke Matsuzaka. He went 5.1 innings with 5SO, 3R and 8H as his starts continue to be very encouraging. The bullpen with Ramirez, Okajima and Saito gave the Sox 3.2 scoreless innings. Both Jason Bay and Jacoby Ellsbury had solo home runs with 3 RBIs each. Mike Lowell was the DH today and had 2RBIs. Victor Martinez continues his hot hitting and now has a 19 game hitting streak.

Final Score: Boston 9 Baltimore 3
Jacoby Watch: 3 for 4, 2R, 3RBIs, 1BB and a SB

Games 143-145 Sox Fail to Sweep Angels

Tuesday – September 15

The Red Sox had a golden opportunity to sweep the Angels but another wild pitch/passed ball on strike three hurt again allowing the tying run and ending the Sox seven game winning streak. But back to tonight’s game which I was fortunate to attend. Dice-K with his first start since June pitched better than could be expected going for 6 shutout innings on 3H with 5SO. Ramirez, Wagner and Bard combined for 2 scoreless innings as Papelbon gave up the lone run in the 9th. The Angels were 1 for 11 with RISP. John Lackey pitched well for the Angels and was not scored on until the 6th. David Ortiz had 2 RBIs including a solo home run in the 8th.

Final Score: Red Sox 4 Angels 1
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 4 with 1R and his 10th CS

Wednesday – September 16

This game was a see-saw affair. The Red Sox were down 3-0 in the 6th inning when they scored 5 times off Joe Saunders. The Angels came right back in the 7th with 4 runs to go ahead 7-5. Sox tied it in the 8th; Angels go up 1R in the 9th before the dramatic Sox 9th. After two outs were recorded a walk and two singles off Angels closer, Brian Fuentes, followed by pinch hitter Nick Green’s walk on a questionable call tied the game. Alex Gonzalez then singled softly to left as J.D. Drew scored the winning run in walk-off fashion. It was a most improbable Sox win. Sox starter Paul Byrd went 5.1 innings giving up 3R on 9H. The bullpen surrendered 5 runs including 3 off Ramon Ramirez. But as the saying goes, “All’s well that ends well.”

Final Score: Red Sox 9 Angels 8
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 4 with 1R, 1RBI, and 1BB

Thursday – September 17

The Red Sox seemed to be primed for a sweep when with two outs in the 7th Josh Beckett struck out Chone Figgins as the ball eluded Jason Varitek and the tying run scored. The Angels then pushed across a run in the 9th off Billy Wagner. Beckett gave the Sox 8 innings of 3R, 7H ball with 7SO. The Sox runs came in the 4th off Ervin Santana as Jacoby Ellsbury had a solo homer and Jason Bay a two-run blast. It has to be satisfying for the Red Sox to have taken 2 of 3 from the Angels especially with Kevin Youkilis, injured, and Victor Martinez, family business, both missing the first two games of the series.

Final Score: Angels 4 Red Sox 3
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 4 with 1R and 1RBI

Games 140-142 Sox Sweep Rays

Saturday - September 12

One of the definite highlights of the year was the Boston Red Sox sweeping the Tampa Bay Rays while allowing them only two runs in the three game series effectively dashing any of their playoff hopes. This was a rain shortened game with the Sox exploding for 8 runs in the 3rd inning. Beckett pitched to one batter in the 6th when the game was called.

Final Score: Sox 9 Rays 1
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 3, 1 RBI and a SB

Sunday – September 13 Noon

With the game tied 1-1 in the 8th Dustin Pedroia delivered the game winning hit with a two-run homer off Matt Garza. Clay Buchholz was very solid with 7IP, 1R, 5H and 5SO. Oki had a hold and Paps his 36th save.

Final Score: Sox 3 Rays 1
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 3 and is now batting .300

Sunday – September 13 – Evening

An unusual day/night affair this is the make-up game for the rain-out Friday. Jon Lester pitched an absolute gem with 8 shutout innings and only giving up 2 hits while striking out 7. Bay had a solo homer and Tek had 2 RBIs. Billy Wagner contributed a scoreless 9th stranding 2 with 2SO. This was a most satisfying series for the Red Sox defeating the team they lost the ALCS to last year.

Final Score: Sox 4 Rays 0
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 3

Games 138-139 Red Sox Sweep Orioles in Brief Series

Tuesday – September 8

Clay Buchholz was the story of this game as he was terrific. He gave the Sox 7 innings of 3H shutout baseball. The Red Sox scored 8 runs in the first three innings. Pedroia had a two run shot in the 1st and a solo homer in the 3rd. It was his first career two homer game. Sox also had solo homers from Youkilis, Gonzalez and Ortiz. J.D. Drew had a big three run home run in the 3rd. Again manager Teri Francona emptied his bench substituting for all the starters except Ortiz.

Final Score: Red Sox 10 Orioles 0
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 3 with 1R and 1BB

Wednesday – September 9

Starter Paul Byrd went 5 innings as the O’s got 2R and 6H. Manny Delcarmen was again ineffective giving up 2R in his 0.1 innings. With the score tied 4 all in the 7th Victor Martinez contributed a three-run double coming off the bench. Billy Wagner pitched a scoreless 7th and gained his first AL win. The save went to Papelbon his 35th.

Final Score: Red Sox 7 Orioles 5
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 3 with 1R and 2BB

Games 134-137 - Boston Takes Only One in the Four Game Series With Chicago

Friday – September 4

Paul Byrd was knocked around in this outing as the White Sox scored 7R on 10H in just 2.1 innings. In relief Junichi Tazawa was ineffective as the Chisox tacked on 5 more runs in his 3.2 innings. Meanwhile the Bosox could do very little with Freddy Garcia. They did manage 9H of which eight were singles as Tito substituted liberally. Only SS Alex Gonzalez played the whole game.

Final Score: Chicago 12 Boston 2
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 3

Saturday – September 5

White Sox pitcher Gavin Floyd was dominant as he was working on a perfect game with 2outs in the 6th when Nick Green singled. Floyd also had 11K. With Tim Wakefield on the mound for the Red Sox Chicago put up 4R on 6H in his 6IP.

Final Score: Chicago 5 Boston 1
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 4

Sunday – September 6

Jon Lester had another brilliant outing as he shut out Chicago on 4H with 8K through 7IP. Billy Wagner gave up a solo homer in the 8th. The Red Sox offense was provided by Mike Lowell, 2R homer in the 4th and Victor Martinez 3R homer in the 9th.

Final Score: Boston 6 Chicago 1
Jacoby Watch: 3 for 4, 2R, 1BB and a SB

Monday – September 7

Josh Beckett gave the Red Sox seven decent innings yielding 3R on 6H. Carlos Quentin had a two-run homer off Okajima in the 8th inning. The Sox could do very little with Mark Buehrle. They did get 8H including a Pedey double but scored only once as the White Sox take 3 of 4 from the Red Sox. Amazingly his was Buehrle’s first win since July 23rd when he recorded MLB 18th perfect game.

Final Score: Chicago 5 Boston 1
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 4 with 1R and 1SB his 60th of the year.

Games 131-133 Red Sox Finally Take a Series vs Tampa Bay

Tuesday September 1

This is an important divisional series which has Boston with a 5 game lead over Tampa Bay in the wild card. The Red Sox jumped all over Andy Sonnanstine for 5R in 4IP. Both Drew and Youk had two-run homers and Bay contributed a solo shot. The Rays used seven pitchers out of the pen good for three more Sox runs. Jon Lester went 6 innings and gave up 2R on 7H. Billy Wagner had another scoreless frame but Okajima could not retire anyone and gave up 4H and 2R in the 8th before Papelbon was called on for a six out save – his first in the regular season. Jacoby Ellsbury made an outstanding diving do or die catch in CF in that 8th inning to help preserve the lead (see photo).

Final Score: Red Sox 8 Rays 4
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 6 with 1R and 2RBIs


Wednesday September 2

Josh Beckett’s recent struggles continued as he gave up solo homers in the 1st to Carl Crawford and in the 2nd to Pat Burrell. Beckett’s line read 6IP 5R (4ER) 7H and 9 K’s. The Sox managed to get back in the game by tying the score 5-5 in the 8th. But after a scoreless 7th Ramon Ramirez was ineffective in the 8th and Sox killer, Evan Longoria, hit a two-run homer off Manny Delcarmen. The Red Sox had lots of chances in this game but were 3 for 16 with RISP and Dustin Pedroia is 0 for 9 so far in the series. Tomorrow is the all important rubber game.

Final Score: Rays 8 Red Sox 5
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 4 with 2 K’s and a SB


Thursday September 3

The Red Sox got a much needed quality start from Clay Buchholz who gave them 6 innings of 3R 6H ball. The bullpen delivered as Wagner, Bard and Papelbon each contributed a scoreless inning. For Paps it was his 34th save of the year. For the Rays David Price went 5.1 innings giving up 4R on 6H. Jason Bay delivered a big two-out two-run double in the 1st and Rocco Baldelli had a solo home run in the 2nd The Sox remember well how Price had a win and a save helping to defeat them in last year’s ALCS. So that made this game all the more satisfying as Boston picked up a game and is now 6 games up in the wild card race. It was the first series win for the Red Sox over Tampa Bay since September 2007.

Final Score: Red Sox 6 Rays 3
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 3 with 1R, 1BB and 2SB. He now has 58 thiefs

Games 128-130 – Red Sox in Sweep of Blue Jays

Friday August 28

The Boston Red Sox completed their home-stand with a very satisfying record of 7-3. Josh Beckett was ineffective for the third start in a row as he gave up 5R with 5BB in only 5IP. He continues the disturbing trend of giving up home runs – 12 in the month of August with the ML record being 13, ugh! The Red Sox came from 3 runs down to tie the game in the 4th inning and then when down by 2 in the 5th inning Jason Bay slammed a two run homer to again tie the game. The Sox scored the game winning run in the 8th as the win went to Okajima (5-0) and the save to Papelbon his 31st of the year.

Final Score: Boston 6 Toronto 5
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 3 with an RBI and 2BB

Saturday August 29

Clay Buchholz was the story of this game. He gave the Red Sox 8.1 innings of 1R, 3H ball including 9 K’s. It was by far his best outing in some time. Ellsbury had 5TB and Martinez had a huge 2-out RBI as he walked with the bases loaded for what turned out to be the winning run. Alex Gonzalez and Dustin Pedroia, 3 for 4, also had RBIs. Jonathan Papelbon recorded his 32nd save.

Final Score: Boston 3 Toronto 2
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 5 with 1R scored

Sunday August 30

Going for the series sweep the Red Sox sent Paul Byrd to the mound for his first start since September ’08. Not only that but he faced Toronto ace, Roy Halliday – a match in which few would have predicted the results. As Byrd gave the Sox 6 shutout innings with only 3H allowed, Boston managed single runs in each of the first four innings off Halliday, including a solo homer from Rocco Baldelli in the 2nd . The Red Sox added 3R in the 7th off reliever Shawn Camp and won handily as the pen, Delcarmen, Wagner and Saito, contributed three scoreless innings. It was former closer Billy Wagner’s, he of 385 saves, Sox debut. Wagner is coming off ‘Tommy John surgery’ and has not pitched in over a year. He struck out the side while giving up a single in the 8th inning. It was an impressive outing.

Final Score: Boston 7 Toronto 0
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 4 with 1R scored

Games 124-127 - Red Sox Take 3 of 4 from White Sox

Monday – August 24

The Boston Red Sox overcame a horrific start by Clay Buchholtz. The Sox pitcher did not get out of the 5th inning and gave up 7 runs including two home runs good for 5 of the 7 runs. The Red Sox scored 6 runs in the third inning as White Sox hurler Jose Contreras with a 4-1 lead imploded. He committed an error in that inning as did second baseman, Nix, so that all six runs were unearned. The highlight of the inning was a three run homer by Mike Lowell. The Red Sox scored five more runs including a solo homer by J.D. Drew and won the game handily. It was my pleasure to be at Fenway Park for this exciting game.

Final Score: Boston 12 Chicago 8
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 5 with 2R, and an RBI

Tuesday – August 25

This was a nice come from behind win for the Red Sox. Jon Lester pitched into the 7th inning giving up 3R on just 4H. Trailing by a run in the 7th the Sox tied the game when Tek doubled with one out, Nick Green ran for him and scored on a pinch hit single by Victor Martinez. A Jason Bay solo home run in the 8th inning put the Sox ahead. They added two more runs on an RBI double by Martinez and a single by Ellsbury scoring Martinez. Jonathan Papelbon recorded his 30th save with a scoreless 9th.

Final Score: Boston 6 Chicago 3
Jacoby Watch: 3 for 5 with 1R and an RBI

Wednesday – August 26

Tim Wakefield fresh off the DL was outstanding. In seven innings the White Sox could score only one run on 6 hits as Wake had the knuckler dancing. When he left the game the Red Sox were up 2-1 but Ramon Ramirez gave up the tying homer to pinch hitter Scott Podsednik. David Ortiz had his first walk-off home run since 2007. It was his second solo shot of the day. Daniel Bard was the winning pitcher with 1.1 innings of scoreless ball. Tomorrow the Red Sox go for the sweep of this four game series. Amazingly enough this is the first time these teams have played each other this season.

Final Score: Boston 3 Chicago 2
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 4


Thursday – August 27

The Red Sox failed to sweep as Junichi Tazawa simply did not have it today. He went only 4 innings of 9R, 10H ball. As a result the Red Sox were down 9-0 in the 5th when they broke through for two runs on solo homers by Drew and Gonzalez. They added 2 in the 8th and 1 in the 9th but it wasn’t enough. On the plus side the bullpen gave the Sox 5 innings of scoreless baseball. Toronto comes in for the weekend and to close out the homestand. So far the Red Sox are 4 and 3.

Final Score: Chicago 9 Boston 5

Jacoby Watch: 2 for 3 Ellsbury left the game in 6th with a high ankle sprain after sliding into home plate in the 5th. He was out at home and is day to day.

*The photo shows the August 26th pregame taps and moment of silence in honor of Massachusetts Senator Edward M. Kennedy who died August 25th.

Games 121-123 Red Sox Lose 2 of 3 to Yankees – 58 runs score!!!

Friday August 21

Brad Penny gets rocked again and is sent to the bullpen after this game. Penny allowed 8R on 10H in only 4IP. He is a one-man bullpen wrecking crew! Michael Bowden called up from AAA was also hit hard – 7R on 8H in 2IP. To the Red Sox credit there is no quit in them. They were down 12-1 in the 5th inning and scored 3 runs off Andy Pettitte in both the 5th and the 6th innings along with 4 in the 9th off Mitre. Matsui had two home runs and 7 RBIs for New York. The game was a slug-fest.

Final Score: New York 20 Boston 11
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 4, 2R, 2 RBIs and a SB # 54 to tie Tommy Harper’s club record

Saturday August 22

Red Sox turn the tables and manage to score 9R on 9H off Yankee starter, AJ Burnett. Meanwhile Sox rookie, Junichi Tazawa, in only his third ML appearance shut out the Yankees on 8H with 6IP. New York was 0 for 9 with RISP with a team LOB of 13. It was a very gutsy performance from Tazawa who last year was pitching in the Industrial League, the Japanese minors. Nick Swisher homered off reliever Daniel Bard as the Yankees avoided a shut-out. Kevin Youkilis was the hitting star with two home runs and 6 RBIs. Sox also got homers from Alex Gonzalez and David Ortiz The Red Sox were 7 for 11 with RISP. Amazingly 13 of their 14 runs scored after two were out.

Final Score: Boston 14 New York 1
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 5

Sunday August 23

This game was ghastly and a huge disappointment for Red Sox fans as Josh Beckett allowed 5 home runs for the first time in his stellar career. Derek Jeter hit the first pitch Beckett threw for a homer to right field. Matsui had two solo homers, Cano had one and Rodriguez had a two run homer. The advertised pitcher’s duel between two 14 game winners never materialized as CC Sabathia did not have his best stuff. Sox had 4R on 8H in Sabathia’s 6.2IP. As the Yankees return to NY they are now 7 1/2 games ahead of the Sox who are in second place with 39 games remaining in the regular season.

Final Score: New York 8 Boston 4
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 5 with 3 K’s

Games 118-120 – Red Sox Sweep Toronto

Tuesday August 18

Since the debacle in the Bronx the Red Sox are 4-3. Tonight Josh Beckett had his first rough outing in some time. Some will say that he missed Jason Varitek (neck injury) behind the plate. But hey, Victor Martinez caught two Cy Young winners in Cleveland, CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee. Beckett was staked to leads of 4-1, 5-2 and 7-3. All of which he coughed up. The Blue Jays tied the game in the 6th inning 7-7. The Sox broke through with 3 runs in the 8th and Daniel Bard gave up 2 runs in the bottom of the inning. Jonathan Papelbon got his 29th save with 1.1 innings of scoreless ball. Big Papi, 3 RBIs, homered as did Jason Bay.

Final Score: Boston 10 Toronto 9
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs

Wednesday August 19

It is a rarity when Doc Halliday only lasts 5 innings. His line was 103 pitches with 5R, 4ER, 8H and 7SO. In the meantime Clay Buchholz had his best outing of the year. In 6 innings he gave up only 1 run on 6 hits. Oki, Ramirez and Saito each contributed a scoreless, hitless inning including 6SO. Jason Bay had a two-run homer while Ortiz and Martinez had solo shots. It was a very satisfying and not so expected win.

Final Score: Boston 6 Toronto 1
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 4 with a triple, an RBI and a BB

Thursday August 20

The Red Sox go for the sweep with Jon Lester taking the mound. Off to a bit of a shaky start in the 1st inning Lester had the bases loaded with no outs on a single, double and walk. He induced Ron Barajas to hit into a double play and then struck out Kevin Millar. The damage was limited to one run scored. At one point Lester retired 11 in a row. He gave up only 3 hits in 8IP and faced only 27 batters. J.D. Drew had two home runs driving in 3 runs while Victor Martinez had a solo homer. It’s now back to Fenway Park for a three game series with the league leading NY Yankees. Red Sox are 6 ½ games off the pace.

Final Score: Boston 8 Toronto 1
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 5

Games 115-117 Red Sox Lose Another Series vs Texas

Friday August 14

After losing two of three games in Arlington, TX the Red Sox find themselves ½ game behind the Rangers in the wild card race. At the wrong time the Red Sox are going in the wrong direction. They managed to take the opener when down 4-3 in the 9th inning and one strike away from defeat, Victor Martinez ripped a double to right scoring two runs. Red Sox went on to score a total of six runs in a rare show of offense. Ortiz had a two run homer in the 6th and Drew did likewise in the 9th. Jon Lester was not as sharp as usual and with a high pitch count could only give the Sox 6 innings of 3 run ball.

Final score: Boston 8 Texas 4
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 2 with a R - He was given the day off but pinch hit for Nick Green in the 7th inning and stayed in the game.

Saturday August 15

The Red Sox could only muster two runs on solo shots by Jason Bay and Victor Martinez. Meanwhile Brad Penny gave up 4R on 8H in 5.2 innings. The embarrassing thing about this outing was the 8 stolen bases by the Rangers. The combination of Penny being slow to the plate and Varitek’s arm made it happen. Varitek could not even throw the runner out on a pitch-out! This is the second time this year that these battery mates have given up 8 SB. The other was to the Rays. No other MLB team has given up 8 in a game. Fernando Cabrera was touched up for 3 runs late in the game as the Rangers piled it on.

Final Score: Texas 7 Boston 2
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 3 with a BB and a SB his 53rd of the year

Sunday August 16

David Ortiz gave the Red Sox an early lead with a solo homer in the 2nd inning but Ian Kinsler answered with one of his own in the home half of the inning. Sox pitcher Junichi Tazawa was not as effective as previously and was knocked around. He went 5 innings giving up 10H and 4R. Once again the Sox offense was anemic leaving 10 runners on base and going 1 for 8 with RISP. Dustin Pedroia hit his 10th home run of the year a solo shot in the 7th. It’s on to Toronto for a three game series before returning to Fenway.

Final Score: Texas 4 Boston 3
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 5

Games 111-114 – Red Sox take 3 of 4 from the Tigers

Monday – August 10

The Red Sox were off to a good start in this one when Dustin Pedroia hit a two run home run in the bottom of the 1st inning off Zach Miner. Later Nick Green and Jason Bay had solo homers. Sox got a good effort from Brad Penny as he gave up 3R and 6H through 6IP. The Sox went on to take the opener of this four game series.

Final Score: Sox 6 Tigers 5
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 5, 2R and a SB (his 51st of the season)

Tuesday- August 11

With rookie Junichi Tazama pitching for the Red Sox a throwing error in the 1st inning by Nick Green led to two of the three Tiger runs scored being unearned. Tiger starter tried to hit Victor Martinez as retaliation for Miguel Carbrera being hit on the hand. He missed and then hit Kevin Youkilis in the back to start the next inning. Since it was a real purpose pitch Youk charged the mound, threw his helmet at Tiger starter Rick Porcello and they both went down. The benches emptied both players were ejected and the next day Youkilis and Porcello were each suspended for five days. Jason Bay greeted new pitcher Chris Lambert with a three run homer which tied the game. Tazama finished the 5th inning without giving up any more runs. Mike Lowell had two home runs and drove in 3 runs as the Sox went on to win the game. Papelbon did give up a two run homer in the 9th of a non-save situation. Tito Francona was ejected in the 2nd inning for arguing Drew CS at 2nd bas.e

Final Score: Sox 7 Tigers 5
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 4 1R and a SB

Wednesday – August 12

The Red Sox broke the game open in the 5th as they scored five runs adding to the three runs Mike Lowell’s solo shot and Jason Bay’s two run blast accounted for earlier in the game. Josh Beckett went 7 innings with 2R (on solo homers by Guillen and Thames) 3H and 6SO. Oki and Ramirez closed out the Sox third straight win over Detroit. Of great interest was that Jerry Remy appeared in the booth as a visitor in the 2nd inning. He hopes to be back soon and Red Sox Nation will rejoice when he does return as analyst.

Final Score: Sox 8 Tigers 2
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 4 with a SO and 2 LOB

Thursday – August 13

Today Clay Buchholz pitched very well with only 2R (1ER) and 5H over 7IP. But Justin Verlander was better as he shut out the Sox through 8 innings. He was at 123 pitches and throwing 100 mph in the bottom of the 8th when he struck out Bay with Ellsbury on 2nd to end the 8th. Closer Fernando Rodney finished the 9th and the Tigers won the final game of the four game set.

Final Score: Tigers 2 Sox 0
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 4 a double to lead off the 8th

Game 110 Sox Swept Away - Fail to Salvage a Win in NY

Sunday August 9

The Red Sox could not have played any worse as they lost their sixth straight game on the road and to Tampa Bay and New York – their closest AL East rivals. Jon Lester was again brilliant going seven innings and giving up only a solo home run to Alex Rodriquez. It was his first homer in over 63 innings of pitching. Sadly the Red Sox offense could not muster anything until Victor Martinez’s dramatic 8th inning two run homer off reliever Phil Coke. That broke the string of 31+ scoreless innings by the home town team. With the Sox up 2-1 in the 8th and Daniel Bard pitching with two outs Johnny Damon and Mark Teixeira went back to back for the 6th time this season. Hideki Okajima came on in relief and surrendered two more runs. That was all she wrote as closer Mariano Rivera got his 32nd save of the season and the Sox limped home going 3-6 on such an important road trip. We’ll see what Boston is made of with the Yankees and most of baseball believing that the division race is over as New York goes up 6 ½ games over the Sox with Texas tied with them for the wild card and Tampa Bay breathing down their necks.

Final Score: Yankees 5 Red Sox 2
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 4 including a SO and a GIDP

Games 104-109 - Red Sox Lose Five Games to AL East Competition

Tuesday August 4

After sweeping three games in Baltimore to start this road trip the Red Sox proceeded to lose two games to Tampa Bay and so far three games to New York. The Sox hope to salvage a game in the Bronx tomorrow. We shall see as Andy Petitte goes against Jon Lester. Back to the first game with the Rays. Lester was brilliant 1R 3H and 10 K’s through 6 innings. The bullpen then checked in with 1R in the next 6 innings. Unfortunately that one run tied the game for the Rays in the 8th as Longoria homered off Bard. In the 13th inning Tampa Bay broke the 2-2 tie with another Longoria homer a two run shot off Saito. Sox offense was provided by solo homers from Youk and Pedey. The extra innings loss really stung and also burned the pen.

Final Score: Rays 4 Sox 2
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 6

Wednesday August 5

This game saw Brad Penny give up his usual 5 runs in 6 innings. All the runs scored on homers two run shots by both Carlos Pena and Carl Crawford plus a solo one by Pat Burrell. Then Jason Bartlett had a solo homer off Delcarmen. Victor Martinez and Jason Bay both had solo homers for Boston as the Sox came up short in this one as they were 0 for 11 as a team with RISP. They continue to lose at the Trop and it feels like the Rays continue to own them.

Final Score: Rays 6 Sox 4
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 5

Thursday August 6

As the Red Sox open their most important series of the year they could not be in more disarray as the Yankees are playing their best ball of the year. Bay is out injured and Lowrie left injured after two at bats tonight. He was later placed on the DL. Also on the DL we have Dice-K, Wake, and Baldelli. Rocco injured his foot in BP and Kevin Youlkilis started the game in LF. Enough said about that unlikely probability. This game was never in doubt as the Yankees win for the first time this year against the Sox. John Smoltz was hammered as he left after 3.1 innings with a line that read 8R, 9H 4BB, 3K’s and 2HR. Smoltz was designated for assignment the next day and his career is likely over. He worked very hard to come back from shoulder surgery but this ‘project’ just did not have a happy ending – sad indeed. Chamberlain was very shaky for NY as he went only 5 innings with 4R and 7BB but he was the winning pitcher. Pedey and Kotchman both homered off the hard throwing rightie. Billy Traber followed Smoltz into the game and he took one for the team. As he went 3.2 innings giving up 5R, 9H including 2 homers. Saito pitched a scoreless 8th. Sox had their lunch handed to them in this blow-out as their team RISP was 3 for 21 with 15 LOB.

Final Score: Yankees 13 Red Sox 6
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 6 with an RBI, 3 K’s and 4 LOB

Friday August 7

This was a true pitchers’ duel between former teammates Josh Beckett and AJ Burnett. Beckett 7IP with no runs, 4 hits, 2BB and 7 K’s/Burnett 7.2IP with no runs 1H 6BB and 6 K’s. Oki, Bard, Ramirez, Papelbon, Delcarmen, Saito and Junichi Tazawa, making his major league debut, were not scored on through the 14th inning. Yankee relievers performed similarly as the game was scoreless until the 15th inning when Alex Rodriguez homered off Tazawa. Another crushing, heart-breaking extra innings loss for the Sox - their second in three days. Red Sox bats are incredibly quiet as they managed only 4 singles today. Speaking of quiet we will hear from David Ortiz as he has a press conference scheduled to address his inclusion on the list of players testing positive for PEDs. It has been over a week since this news was leaked and it has been a major distraction for David and the team.

Final Score: Yankees 2 Red Sox 0 in 15 innings
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 5 with 1BB and 2SB

Saturday August 8

Today the Red Sox were dominated by CC Sabathia as he shut them out for 7.2 innings. He even had a no hitter into the 6th inning. Today all the Sox offense could muster was 4 singles as they have failed to score in the last 24 innings. Clay Buchholz had a good outing of 6IP, 2R, 6H, 5BB and 3 K’s. After 0.1 innings of relief Ramon Ramirez was tossed from the game when he hit A-Rod in the shoulder. No Warnings had been given. Hard to think it was deliberate with the Sox down 2 runs and the Yankees with a runner on 1st. Apparently home plate umpire thought otherwise. Remember Pedroia was hit in the shoulder by Melancon after he first threw one over his head on Thursday. Of course Melancon was not ejected . Even FOX announcers Buck and McCarver were amazed at the ejection of Ramirez. Yankees teed off on Enrique Gonzalez for another 3 runs. In his meeting with the press Big Papi said he never bought or used steroids. He took over the counter supplements and vitamins legal at the time. He seemed credible.

Final Score: Yankees 5 Red Sox 0
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 4 as he has 4 of the Sox 8 singles in the last two games

Games 102 -104 – Weekend Sweep in Baltimore

Friday July 31

The Red Sox gave John Smoltz a three run lead which he gave back in the 3rd inning. Sox go up one in the fifth but the Orioles get two more runs off Smoltz in the 6th inning on an Aubrey Huff two run homer. In the Red Sox 7th Youk answered with a two run shot. Ramirez, Okajima and Papelbon contributed three scoreless innings as the Sox take the opener. John Smoltz has not impressed as his ERA is 7.12 and he is not locating his fast ball. Patience may be getting thin in Red Sox Nation.

Final Score: Sox 6 O’s 5
Jacoby Watch: 3 for 5 with 2R , an RBI and a SB

Saturday August 1

This game belonged to Josh Beckett as he was brilliant. Through seven shutout innings he allowed 6H and had 5 K’s. The Orioles were 0 for 7 with RISP. Pedey and Youk both had solo homers with Youk going 4 for 4 as he is out of his recent slump. Victor Martinez had his first game as a Red Sox and contributed an RBI. He came to Boston at the trading deadline from Cleveland for Justin Masterson and two minor leaguers. Rookie Josh Reddick up from AA ball started the game in RF and moved to LF when Jason Bay left with an injury. He had two doubles in four at bats. Okajima and Bard each had a scoreless inning as the bullpen continues to shine.

Final Score: Sox 4 O’s 0
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 5 with 1R, 1BB and a SB his 48th of the year


Sunday August 2

Today’s game was a major slugfest as the Sox scored a season high 18 runs including seven over the first three innings. J.D. Drew had a bases clearing double in the 1st innings driving in three runs. After he scored on a single by Mike Lowell he left the game with a groin injury. The news for Clay Buchholz was not pretty as he gave the Orioles six runs in the 3rd inning to bring them within a run. The Sox then scored a whopping seven runs in the 4th inning with Josh Reddick and Victor Martinez both contributing run scoring hits. In fact Martinez was 5 for 6 with 1R and 4 RBI’s as he is off to a great start for the Sox. Buchholtz now with an eight run lead could not survive the 5th inning as Adam Jones led off with a homer and Buch was lifted with two on and none out. Among the 23 hits for the Sox Youk was 3 for 4, Pedey and Lowell were both 3 for 5. Ortiz 0 for 5 was the only one to go hitless.

Final Score: Sox 18 O’s 10
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 5 with 4R and 2BB

Games 95-101 – Ho-Hum 4-3 Home Stand for Red Sox vs Last Place Teams

Friday July 24

Baltimore is in town for the weekend. Brad Penny had a good outing. He went 6.1 innings with 1R and 5H. The bullpen was strong with Delcarmen, Oki and Paps yielding no runs. Sox had RBI’s from Tek, Lowrie and Drew as the home stand gets off to a good start.

Final Score: Sox 3 O’s 1
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 4 with a SB while batting lead-off


Saturday July 25

Again today Sox pitching was strong as Jon Lester went 7.1 innings with 2R and 9 K’s. David Ortiz had a big three run homer in the 1st inning. Newly acquired Adam LaRoche contributed a two run homer in the 8th. Daniel Bard continues to shine out of the pen. Overall a good day for both the offense and the pitching.

Final Score: Sox 7 O’s 2
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 5 with 2 RBI’s and a SB as the lead-off hitter

Sunday July 26

With a chance to sweep the lowly Orioles John Smoltz laid another egg as he gave up 6R 9H and only went 5 innings. Sox bats were also quiet as they could muster only 5H. Oakland up next.

Final Score: O’s 6 Sox 2
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 4 with a SB as he seems to be settling into his lead-off role

Monday July 27

The ‘weak hitting’ Oakland Athletics team was anything but as they averaged 6+ runs per game and gained a split of the four game series with the home team. Red Sox take the opener as Josh Beckett continues his ace-like pitching with 7 IP 3R and 8H while striking out 10. Pedey homered in the 1st inning and Jacoby Ellsbury continues his hot hitting with 5TB as finally the Sox have a true lead-off hitter.

Final Score: Boston 8 Oakland
Jacoby Watch: 3 for 5 with 1R and 1 RBI


Tuesday July 28

Clay Buchholtz had a very good outing with only 2R on 9H. His inability to go deep into the game hurt as the bullpen had a melt down. The Red Sox had a three run lead in the 9th inning with 2 outs when all hell broke loose. Nick Green committed two throwing errors while Papelbon blew the save giving up three runs on three hits and was hurt by a BB as the A’s tied the game 7-7. Delcarmen gave up 2 runs in the 11th while the Sox could only get back one run and thus absorbed a tough loss.

Final Score: Oakland 9 Boston 8
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 6, 1R, 1 RBI and his 45th stolen base.

Wednesday July 29

This game was seemingly over before the Sox came to bat as Brad Penny gave up 5 runs in the 1st and put the Sox into a real hole. There was some hope when Mike Lowell answered with a three run homer in the bottom of the 1st. But A’s starter Anderson would give up no more runs through the 6th while Penny gave up two more runs for his worst Sox outing. Sox managed single runs in the 7th, 8th and 9th innings but it wasn’t enough as they drop their second in a row to the last place A’s.

Final Score: Oakland 8 Boston 6
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 4 with 3R and another SB

Thursday July 30

This was a watermark day in Boston Red Sox history as word came from the NY Times just an hour before game time that both Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz tested positive for PEDs back in 2003. What a bombshell about Big Papi as he has been so out spoken about drug use and is such a well loved icon in Sox baseball. He was so clutch and had so many game winning hits while also being named MVP of the 2004 ALCS. Jon Lester was not as sharp as he has been in recent outings and could manage only 5.2 IP with 4R, 7H and a low 2 K’s. Now for an amazing dramatic moment with the Sox down 5-3 in the 7th inning Ortiz hammered a three run homer into the RC field bleachers putting the Sox up by a run. Daniel Bard has emerged as a dependable 8th inning set-up man as he and Paps were not scored on. This was a big win as a loss would have meant a losing home stand with the Sox heading for a tough road trip with nine games against the Baltimore, Tampa Bay and NY. As they leave the second place Red Sox trail the NY Yankees by 2 ½ games.

Final Score: Boston 8 Oakland 5
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 2 with 2BB and an RBI. He was CS for the 8th time.

Games 88-94 – A 1-5 Road Trip vs Toronto and Texas

Friday July 17

Post All Star Break the Red Sox are back . Returning to action after a four day lay-off the Sox would record their only win of this 6 game road trip. Clay Buchholz, called up from Pawtucket, got his first start of the year. He went 5.2 innings of 1R 4H ball while throwing 103 pitches. Youk’s two run homer in the 1st was all the offense the Sox would need as Bard, Okajima and Papelbon didn’t allow any runs.

Final Score: Sox 4 Jays 1
Jacoby Watch: DNP due to “intestinal turmoil”

Saturday July 18

With the offense sputtering the Red Sox were 1 for 12 with RISP. SS Jed Lowrie returned to the line-up and had a solo homer in the 7th while Rocco Baldelli had an RBI back in the 2nd. In the meantime Toronto was teeing off on Brad Penny who allowed 6R on 8H in 5IP. On the plus side Masterson with 2IP and Ramirez with 1IP allowed no hits or runs working out of the pen.

Final Score : Jays 6 Sox 2
Jacoby Watch: DNP due to “intestinal turmoil”

Sunday July 19

The Red Sox looked to Jon Lester to help them win the rubber game and their 7th straight series on the road. But Doc Halladay had a lot to say about that as he pitched a complete game allowing 1R and 6H. Lester pitched well but was not as sharp as he has been allowing 4BB along with 3R and 5H in 7IP.

Final Score: Jays 3 Sox 1
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 4 with a SO while batting 6th in the order

Monday July 20

John Smoltz took the mound and was hoping to build on the last outing when he recorded his first victory. He allowed only 1R through the first 5 innings but then imploded in the 6th allowing 5 runs including three home runs. Rangers starter Kevin Millwood allowed only two runs and the Sox could get only one run in three innings off the Jays bullpen. All this added up to the third loss in a row for the Bosox.

Final Score: Texas 6 Boston 3
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 4 with 1R, 2SO and a SB while batting lead off

Tuesday July 21

The Red Sox offense continues to struggle as Rangers rookie Tommy Hunter befuddled the Sox with 6 innings of 1R 4H ball. Josh Beckett completed the game with a line of 8IP 4R, 7H and 7SO. At one point he retired 14 in a row and certainly pitched well enough to win on most days. The Sox were 1 for 7 with RISP and had 6 LOB. The Sox did have a three game lead in first place when the ‘second half’ of the season began. But their fourth loss in a row combined with the NY Yankees fifth consecutive win dropped the Red Sox out of first place for the first time since early June.

Final Score: Texas 4 Boston 2
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 4 batting lead off

Wednesday July 22

Boston’s anemic offense continues to be front and center. Their only run today came on a solo home run by Nick Green in the 3rd inning. For the Rangers Nippert and Mathis allowed only 6H along with the 1R. Clay Buchholtz was called upon to pitch today as Tim Wakefield was sent to the DL with back pains. Buchholtz would last only 4 innings as he threw 90 pitches while yielding 3R on 6H. The Sox pen was not scored on as Delcarmen, Bard, Okajima and Papelbon each pitched an inning.

Final Score: Texas 3 Boston 1
Jacoby Watch: Another 0 for 4 as no one seems to get the job done in the lead off position

Games 85-88 Red Sox Take 3 of 4 from Royals

Thursday – July 9

The final series before the All Star break had an auspicious beginning. Brad Penny left after five innings and a 97 pitch count with a two run lead. Delcarmen and Masterson each gave up 2 runs in the 6th and the Sox found themselves down 7-5. The bullpen, a major plus all season has been a bit shaky of late. Perhaps some time off will help – let’s hope. Pedroia had 3 hits including a homer and continues his hot hitting. Ortiz had a two run homer in the 1st and continues to try to make his slump a thing of the past.

Final Score: KC 8 Boston 6
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 4 with a K and 3 LOB while batting 6th in the lineup

Friday – July 10

This game was the polar opposite of yesterday’s as Jon Lester dominated the Royals with 0R, 4H, and 8K’s over eight innings and 115 pitches. Brian Bannister pitched brilliantly through 7 innings until the Sox finally broke through for a run in the 8th. Mark Kotsay led off with a single; Nick Green laid down a sacrifice bunt with two strikes on him and the bunt sign off – gutsy. Dustin Pedroia’s two out double brought in what was ultimately the only run of the game. Jonathan Papelbon had a 1,2,3 ninth for his 23rd save.

Final Score: Boston 1 KC 0

Jacoby Watch: 1 for 2 with a SB - Ellsbury was ejected by the HP ump in the 5th inning after being called out at home on a play in which he appeared safe on the replay.

Saturday – July 11

This game was a serious slug-fest. It started off one-sided as the Sox jumped to a 9-1 lead after five innings. Youk led the way with two homers and 4 RBI’s , Tek had a solo homer and Big Papi a two run homer. John Smoltz left after the 5th and watched as the Sox pen gave up 5 runs in the 6th, another in the 7th and two more in the 8th. It was shades of the O’s game in which they overcame a nine run Sox lead and won 11-10 on June 30th. This time the Sox managed to add on with three runs in both the 7th and 8th innings. Daniel Bard did restore some order as he pitched two innings gave up one run and had 3 SO. Saito had a scoreless 9th.

Final Score: Boston 15 KC 9
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 3 with 2R, 1 RBI and a BB

Sunday – July 12

The Red Sox ended this homestand with a 6-4 record as they recorded a win today. Josh Beckett was dominant as he pitched a complete game shutout giving KC only 3 hits and striking out 7 . His ERA is now 3.35. This game featured Beckett’s 100th win and 1st baseman Aaron Bates’s first ML hit. He had 3 hits today along with 1R and 1 RBI. This win was a great way to end the ‘first half’ of the season as five Red Sox players, Youk, Bay, Paps, Beckett and Wake head for the All Star game. Pedey was voted by the fans as the 2nd base starter but he declined opting to stay with his pregnant wife who is hospitalized – very understandable and not a decision taken lightly. Pedey has a great deal of respect for the game but knew his place was with his wife.

Final Score: Boston 6 KC 0
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 4 with 1R and 4 LOB while batting lead off

Here are Ellsbury’s stats as we head for the second half of the season:
83 G, 333 AB, .297 Avg, 99 H, 13 2B, 3 3B, 5 HR, 29 RBI, 23 BB, 33 SO, 40 SB and an OBP of .347

Games 82-84 – Red Sox Take Another Series as Nomar Returns

Monday – July 6

This was John Smoltz’s third start for the Red Sox and it did not go well. Smoltz’s line 6IP, 5R and 10H. Rookie leftie Brett Anderson pitched a complete game two-hit shutout as the Sox bats were quiet. Not to make excuses but the Sox line-up was far from potent with Lugo, Green slumping, Youk slumping, rookie Aaron Bates in his first ML game playing first base and no Pedey whose 7 months pregnant wife was taken to the hospital . Meanwhile this game was Nomar Garciaparra first return to Fenway since being traded before the deadline in 2004. Nomar received a 70 second standing ovation his first trip to the plate and was 2 for 4 with an RBI single. Nomar did soak it all in and was very emotional, near tears. This is the second time the Red Sox have been shutout this year.

Final Score: Oakland 6 Boston 0
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 4 batting lead-off


Tuesday – July 7

Jason Bay is starting to come out of his slump with a solo homer and a double. Jason Varitek had a huge two out two-run single. Josh Beckett went 6.2 innings with 2R and 6H. Oki, Masterson and Paps finished up with 1H and 4 K’s. Nomar DNP.

Final Score: Boston 5 Oakland 2
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 3 with 1R a BB and batting 7th


Wednesday – July 8

The Red Sox managed to take the rubber game of the series. Down 1-0 in the 6th inning the Sox put up four runs. J. D. Drew had a solo homer and Big Papi a big three run bomb. Tim Wakefield went 6 innings giving up 3R, 10H and striking out 8 A’s. He now has 11 wins the most in the AL. Dustin Pedroia had a huge RBI double in the 7th as Papelbon gave up a run in the 9th. Nomar was a PH and he popped out in the 8th. Sox are now 3 and 3 on this homestand.

Final Score: Boston 5 Oakland 4
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 3 with 5 LOB and batting 6th

Games 79-81 Red Sox Avoid being Swept by Mariners

Friday - July 3

The Red Sox absorbed a tough extra innings loss as they began a ten game home stand. Sox scored twice in the 1st but with three runs in the 4th the Mariners were ahead 4-2. A solo homer by J.D. Drew in the 7th brought them within a run. Seattle tacked on a run in the 8th but the Red Sox scored two times in their half of the 8th to tie the game. Tim Wakefield went 8 full innings giving up the 5R on 10H. Delcarmen and Papelbon had scoreless innings and the Ramirez gave up two runs in the 11th. Kottaras’s solo shot in the bottom of the inning wasn’t enough as the Sox lost the opener.

Final Score: Mariners 7 Sox 6
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 5 with a SB

Saturday – July 4

Sox with another one run loss are now 1-4 against the Mariners this year. Brad Penny deserved better even though Youk’s two run homer in the 2nd gave him the early lead. Single runs in the 3rd and 5th by the Mariners tied the game. In the meantime the Boston was held to just 4H by Garrett Olson. With the game tied in the 9th Saito walked the first three batters and a flair fell in behind the drawn in infield putting the Mariners up one. Former Sox, David Aardsma recorded his 17th save and that was all she wrote for this one.

Final Score: Mariners 3 Sox 2
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 4 with 3 LOB

Sunday – July 5

Red Sox managed to avoid the sweep with a big 5R seventh. In the 1st inning Pedroia and Ortiz both had solo homers and the Sox next scored on Ellsbury’s solo shot. While the Mariners had 4R (1 earned ) and 8H off Jon Lester in 6.2IP with 9K’s. In the 4th after a dropped throw at second by Pedey and with two outs Cedeno had a three run triple. When the Sox came to bat in the 7th a run down Miguel Batista replaced starter Brandon Morrow. A walk to Drew and a single by Pedey gave David Ortiz a chance to tie the game with a two out single which he did. Mark Lowe replaces Batista and walks Bay and Ellsbury as the go ahead run scores. Mark Kotsay brings in two more runs with a clutch single while another scored on a passed ball. The first half of the season ends with a nice come from behind win. The Red Sox are in first place with a record of 49-32 and are one game ahead of the second place New York Yankees.

Final Score: Sox 8 Mariners 4
Jacoby Watch: Batting 6th 1 for 2 with 2R, 2RBI, a S and a BB

Games 76-78 Red Sox Win Another Series vs Orioles

Monday – June 29

I had the pleasure of being at this game at the beautiful Camden Yards. Jon Lester was dominant as he went 7 innings allowed 5 singles and had 8K’s. J.D. Drew had a two run homer and was a double short of hitting for the cycle. Pedey and Tek each had an RBI.

Final Score: Sox 4 O’s 0
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 3 with 1R and 2 SB

Tuesday – June 30

The weather had a huge impact on this game. I was among the rain soaked fans. The Sox had a 9-1 lead when the game was delayed after the completion of the top of the 5th. Youk had a two run homer, Ellsbury a solo shot, Pedey had 3 RBI’s and the Sox were rolling. It was John Smoltz second start and he looked good after 4 IP with 1R and 3H. After play resumed Masterson pitched two scoreless innings. No one could imagine what would happen next. Masterson was roughed up in the 7th inning giving up a three-run homer to PH Salazar. In all he was charged with 5R as Delcarmen allowed an inherited runner to score. Then in the 8th Okajima could not get an out and was charged with 4 runs. Saito faired no better giving up 1R. The absolute end of the bullpen ‘meltdown’ featured Markakis getting a two-run double off Papelbon who entered the game with the tying and winning runs on base and allowed both inherited runners to score. An embarrassment of epic proportions as the Orioles completed the biggest comeback in their history after being down 10-1 entering the 7th inning. The Sox bullpen was the best in baseball with an ERA of 2.89 – not any more. Hope they work their way back.

Final Score: O’s 11 Sox 10
Jacoby Watch: 3 for 5, 1R, and 2 RBI

Wednesday – July 1

This game also featured a comeback – this time by the Red Sox. The Orioles were cruising behind rookie starter Bergesen. He gave them 8 innings of 1R 4H ball. In the meantime Josh Beckett was touched for 5 runs in the first four innings with Scott and Wigginton getting solo homers and Markakis getting another two run double. Then Beckett seemed to settle down and retired the last 12 batters in a row after the lead off homer by Wigginton in the 4th. The Sox had a little magic of their own in the 9th down 5-1 Youk blasted a two run homer off Johnson after Pedey had walked. Enter the closer George Sherrill who had the save yesterday. Well he struck out both Bay and Ortiz. Down 2 with 2 outs Ellsbury singled, both Bailey and Tek walked bases loaded as PH Rocco Baldelli singled scoring Ellsbury and Bailey to tie the game. Bard was superb retiring all 6 batters he faced as Ramirez had a scoreless inning. In the 11th Julio Lugo singled to score Ellsbury who led off with a double. Then Paps had a clean bottom of the 11th to get the save and preserve a very exciting come from behind victory. Sox pitchers retired the last 24 Orioles in a row – amazing! On the down side Jason Bay is struggling. He went 0 for 15 in the series and struck out 5 times today. Nevertheless an incredible series!

Final Score. Sox 6 O’s 5

Jacoby Watch: 2 for 5 with 2R

Games 73-75 Red Sox Fail to Sweep Atlanta

Friday – June 26

The Interleague play is now complete. Sox record of 11-7 could have been better. I’m thinking of the rain shortened 2-1 home game and the Papelbon blown save (his only one of the year) against the Mets. But I digress. This game was another gem by Josh Beckett. He threw 7 shut-out innings to gain his 9th win of the year. Big Papi contributed a solo homer with J.D. Drew and Dustin Pedroia each having an RBI. Oki and Paps closed out the game.

Final Score: Red Sox 4 Braves 1
Jacoby Watch: He entered the game when Ortiz left for defensive purposes and was 0 for 1

Saturday – June 27

This game was a classic pitcher’s duel. Tim Wakefield had 6IP with 0R and 3H. Delcarmen 1.1IP, Masterson 0.2IP and Papelbon with the 9th inning continued to keep the Braves scoreless. The Braves pitcher Javier Vazquez had 7.2 IP with 1R, 6H and 8K’s. The Red Sox managed to scratch out a run in the 6th as Mark Kotsay got the two out RBI.

Final Score Red Sox 1 Braves 0
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 4 with 4 LOB

Sunday – June 28

Brad Penny pitched a good game with 6IP, 2R 6H on 106 pitches. He gave up two solo homers. In the meantime Braves rookie, Tommy Hansen, who was battling the flu pitched brilliantly with 2H through 6 innings. The Sox pushed across a run in the 9th inning in Varitek’s two out RBI. But it wasn’t enough and now it’s back to the DH and AL baseball.

Final Score: Braves 2 Red Sox 1
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 4 with 4 LOB

Games 70-72 – Red Sox are Now 9-6 in Interleague Play

Tuesday June 23

The Boston Red Sox with the best record in the AL East and the Washington Nationals with the worst record in baseball squared off in DC. Brad Penny went 5.2 innings, threw 112 pitches and gave up 3R on 6H as the Sox bullpen was not scored on. John Lannon pitched well with a line of 6.1 IP 3R 9H. The Sox broke a 4-3 game wide open with 6R in the 8th. Some of the hitting stars were Ellsbury 4 for4, Bay 4 for 6 and Pedroia 3 for 6 as the Sox banged out 17 hits and scored 8R off the Nationals pen.

Final Score: Sox 11 Nats 3
Jacoby Watch: 4 for 4 with 1R, 3RBI’s and a BB

Wednesday June 24

This game saw Jon Lester vs Greg Lannon who had shut out the Yankees for 6.1 innings in his previous start. David Ortiz hit a three-run homer in the 4th inning as the Sox went up 3-1. Tek chipped in with a two-run homer which put the Sox ahead 6-1. Lester went 6 innings and yielded 3R on 6H with 6K’s.

Final Score Sox 6 Nats 4
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 4 with a K

Thursday June 25

Boston was looking for the sweep as they sent John Smoltz to the mound for his first start as a Red Sox. Smoltz had a shaky 1st inning giving up 4 runs while hitting a batter. He did settle down and gave up only 1R in the next 4 innings. Meanwhile Nats pitcher Jordan Zimmerman was very effective giving up only 1R on 5H in 7IP. Both Daniel Bard and Takashi Saito were touched up for 2R as the Nats won this one going away. Rocco Baldelli had a meaningless two-run homer in the 9th.

Final Score: Nats 9 Sox 3
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 3 with a SB, his 31st of the year – Ellsbury banged his arm making a catch against the fence and won’t start tomorrow’s game.

Games 67-69 Boston Red Sox take 2 of 3 from Atlanta Braves

Friday - June 19

Interleague play continues as the Sox welcome the Braves to Fenway. John Smoltz had a chance to catch up with former teammates after spending 20 years with Atlanta. Smoltz is almost finished rehabilitation and is due to start next Thursday in DC. Not a minute too soon as Daisuke Matsuzaka was really hammered in this game. He only lasted 4 innings giving up 6 R 8 H 4BB and only 2SO. Soon after this performance, his ERA is now 8.23, he was given an MRI and placed on the DL. The only offense the Sox could muster in this game was a two-run homer by J-Bay who also had a double for the only Sox hits in this one.

Final Score: Atlanta 8 Boston 2
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 2 with a BB - Ellsbury continues to bat 7th in the order

Saturday – June 20

This game belonged completely to Josh Beckett as he threw an absolute gem. He commanded all his pitches allowing no runs and only five singles while striking out 7and walking none. Beckett finished the complete game shut out with only 94 pitches. The bottom of the order was getting it done with Tek having 2 doubles and scoring 2 runs and Nick Green getting 2 hits and an RBI.

Final Score: Boston 3 Atlanta 0
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 3 with a SO

Sunday - June 21

It was a Happy Father’s Day, first day of summer as the Red Sox won today in dramatic fashion. The weather was wet and very windy. Tim Wakefield gave the team 6.2innings of 4 R 9 H ball. After Wake gave up 2 runs in the 1st the Sox came back with 3 of their own. The big blow was a two-run homer by Papi as he drove it into the monster seats through a strong wind. Sox were up by two in the 7th but the Braves tied the game as Ramon Ramirez allowed an inherited runner to score. The Sox managed to go up by a run in the home half of the 7th. J. D. Drew was apparently called out on strikes but the home plate umpire didn’t think so. On the next pitch Drew hit one off the left field wall scoring George Kotteras who had doubled. Braves pitcher, Eric O’Flaherty, was thrown out for arguing the non-strike call by the home plate umpire as was manager, Bobby Cox and 3rd baseman Chipper Jones. Atlanta tied the game again with a run off Okajima in the 8th. After Jonathan Papilbon pitched out of a bases loaded situation in the top of the 9th, Nick Green first pitch swinging in the home 9th hit a ball down the 3rd base line which stayed fair and wrapped around the Pesky Pole. Green with the walk-off homer and the Sox win another series!

Final Score: Boston 6 Atlanta 5
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 4

Games 64-66 - Sox take 2 of 3 from the Fish

Tuesday June 16

Tim Wakefield continues on a positive roll. Tonight he went 6 innings giving up only 2 R on 6 H. The Sox offense contributed with a big 4th inning. David Ortiz led off with a home run and he would later have a two run single as he drove in 3 of the 6 runs scored that inning. Jason Bay had 2 RBI as did Nick Green. The Sox won easily with the bullpen contributing 3 scoreless innings and Wake’s personal catcher, George Katteras, getting two hits.

Final Score: Red Sox 8 Marlins 2
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 4 with 2 R, 2 SB and batting 7th


Wednesday June 17

Brad Penny although a bit wild with 4 BB pitched 5 innings of 1 R 3 H ball. Some MLB scouts were on hand as there is much interest in trading for Penny with John Smoltz almost ready to start and Clay Buchholtz burning through AAA for the Red Sox. But so far the Sox have not had an offer they could entertain. Dustin Pedroia had a big night with 3 hits and 3 RBI’s. Rocco Baldelli was 2 for 3 with an RBI. Jacoby Ellsbury had a solo home run in the 7th inning and once again the bullpen was perfect. Masterson, Okajima, Ramirez and Papelbon each pitched a scoreless inning. The Red Sox are now 3 games up on the Yankees who lost to the Nationals.

Final Score : Red Sox 6 Marins 1
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 3 with a R, an RBI,2 BB, 2 SB and hitting 2nd


Thursday June 18

This was a rain shortened game with Jon Lester facing one batter in the 6th inning before the umpires called for the tarp. After a two hour delay the game was called. Kevin Youkilis had a solo home run in the 1st to give the Sox a fast 1-0 lead. That ended up being their only hit. Uggla and Paulino had solo home runs for the Marlins in the 2nd inning to give them a 2-1 lead which held up for the Florida win. Jon Lester was not as sharp as he has been giving up 8 H to go with the 2 R.

Final Score after 5 innings: Marlins 2 Red Sox 1
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 2 with his 29th SB and batting 7th

Games 61-63 Sox Take 2 of 3 from the 2008 Champion Phillies

Friday June 12

Jon Lester spun a gem of a game giving up only 1 R and 2 H in 7 IP. He struck out 11 and was dominant. When he left the game the Sox had a 2-1 lead but Ramon Ramirez gave up the tying homer to Ryan Howard in the 9th. Papelbon was not available to close as he had pitched the two previous nights. On to extra innings as Masterson, Saito and Bard shut down the Phillies offense and the Sox pushed across 3 runs in the 13th inning for a very satisfying win.

Final Score: Sox 5 Phillies 2
Jacoby Watch: Back after missing 3 games he was 2 for 6 with an RBI

Saturday June 13

The Red Sox got off to a fast start scoring 5 runs in the 1st inning. After that inning an hour and 35 minute rain delay occurred. The Phillies starter was replaced but Dice-K went 4 innings with 91 pitches 4 R and 7 H as his problems continue. When he left the game the score was 5-4. The bullpen pitched 5 innings of 2 R 5 H ball. In the meantime the Red Sox tacked on another 6 runs as they won handily. Papelbon got his 16th save.

Final Score: Sox 11 Phillies 6
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored, 2 RBI’s, 3 BB and a SB

Sunday June 14

Turnabout is fair play as the saying goes. The Phillies pounded Red Sox pitching and won by that 11-6 score. This game was a huge disappointment as Josh Beckett, who has not lost a game since late April, was staked to a three run lead in the 2nd inning helped by back to back homers from Baldelli and Green. But the 5th inning was ugly as Beckett gave up 4 runs. With the Sox down a run in the 6th Josh tied the game with a home run – good for him. It would have been a great story but Beckett couldn’t get anyone out in the 7th and two of his inherited runners scored when Daniel Bard came in the game. Beckett’s line after 6 IP was 7 R 6 ER 11 H and 5 K’s. It should be noted that Julio Lugo played both Saturday and Sunday going 5 for 7 with 3 RBI’s. He did have a bad throw to 1st base allowing an inning to continue instead of getting the DP. Dustin Pedroia in a slump was rested today. Needless to say the Red Sox 5 game winning streak ended and now it’s back to Fenway for 6 games against NL teams – Florida and Atlanta.

Final Score: Phillies 11 Sox 6
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 4 with an RBI and a SB

Games 58, 59 and 60 – Red Sox With Sweet Sweep of the Yankees

Tuesday June 9

Josh Beckett came up huge in the opening game of another series with the rival New York Yankees. There was a mist throughout the game as Beckett pitched six shutout innings with only one infield hit, two BB and 8 K’s. The Sox put up 4 big runs as Yankee starter A.J. Burnett struggled in the 2nd inning. Big Papi homered after Mike Lowell walked; J.D. Drew contributed a two-run double and the Sox were on the board. Nick Green had a good game with a solo homer and an RBI double. The bullpen gave up only a single in three shutout innings. I was at Fenway for this game and the atmosphere was electric – good times.

Final Score: Red Sox 7 Yankees o
Ellsbury Watch: DNP due to shoulder injury after spectacular catch Sunday.

Wednesday June 10

Tim Wakefield had lots of base runners but managed 6 IP with 3R 8H and 3BB as the Yankees had 9 LOB and were 3 for 11 with RISP. Jorge Posada had a solo home run to tie the game in the 2nd. Chien-Ming Wang lasted only 2.2 innings as he was wild and gave up 3 BB with 4 R on 6 H, including a Lowell HR. Kevin Youkilis blasted a two-run homer off Phil Hughes in the 4th as the Sox scored 6 runs in the first 4 innings. Wake’s catcher, George Kottaras, contributed two doubles and an RBI as all the Sox were getting it done. The Yankees had back to back homers in the 7th innings off Ramon Ramirez as they closed the gap to 6-5. But Hideki Okajima shut the door striking out his former teammate Hideki Matsui to end the 7th. Then in the 8th with the tieing run at 2nd base he struck out both Derek Jeter and Johnny Damon. Oki was the star of the game. Papilbon got the save when he struck out Robinson Cano with the tieing run again on 2nd in the 9th.

Final Score: Red Sox 6 Yankees 5
Ellsbury Watch: DNP with that injury

Thursday June 11

This game was the most fun as Brad Penny exceeded all expectations by giving the Sox 6 shutout innings with 6 H and 5 K’s. Big Papi homered off CC Sabathia in the 2nd and that run held up until Manny Delcarmen gave the Yankees 3R on 3H in the 7th inning. The big blow was a two-run double by Alex Rodriguez his only hit of the series. The Sox now down 3-1 came roaring back in the 8th as Sabathia seemed to tire allowing a single to Nick Green, a 10 pitch walk to Pedroia and an RBI single to Drew before he was replaced by Aceves who allowed the two inherited runners to score with an RBI single for Jason Bay and a SF for Lowell. Jonathan Papelbon got the save as he retired the top of the Yankees order one, two, three in the 9th. Come from behind wins in the late innings are always exciting and this one was no exception.
The Red Sox are now in first place in the AL East with a two game lead over the Yankeees.

Final Score: Red Sox 4 Yankees 3
Ellsbury Watch: DNP again with the injured shoulder