Now
that wasn't so hard, was it? Another big win. Another dominating
outing by Matt Clement, a much-needed rebound from his last debacle. Another bullpen nail-down with minimal nail biting (Mantei's continuing control problems notwithstanding). Another murderous
hit parade.
Let's build on this.
The Red Sox have played just 27 of their 63 games so far at home. But they're 18 and 9 in those match-ups. This is a team that's built for Fenway, and last night they
felt right at home. (Thankfully, they'll be spending a lot more time here in the
coming months.)
Abetted by some
shoddy Reds defense, the good guys romped. Every starter except Mark Bellhorn got a hit. Six Sox got more than one, including Johnny Damon's 3 for 4 evening. (Don't forget to
vote!) There were six doubles, and Manny homered again, watching it fall into the right field stands -- thanks, Willy Mo! -- in sort of an ersatz
mirror of
Pudge's flailing arms.
It was a great win. And tonight,
Boomer goes against a dude with a 7.50 ERA. Do it again.
(Oh, and O's? If you could, like,
lose a few games that would be swell. Sox Blog is rather sick of being three games out.)
More good news, via
Dirt Dogs, via WEEI: Curt plans to pitch batting practice to
Arizona State players, and has eyes on a pre-All Star Break return. (And if you thought Curt Schilling wouldn't have something to say about the
Jacko verdict, you clearly do not know Curt Schilling. "I think there was a collective puking in this nation yesterday.")
Finally, congrats to our brave captain on his new
arrival.