Rally-riffic Sox Win Late Again

Sometimes a late rally can be more rewarding than a dominant game. Take Saturday night's Red Sox win, for example.


The Sox fell behind early due to the latest in a string of medioce or, arguably, rough, starts by Jon Lester. While the cancer survivor ultimately proved efficient on a night of foreshadowed symmetry - Lance Armstrong threw out the first pitch - he also gave up a single run in each of the first three innings, enough of a cushion to make Jason Jennings - whose first start against the Red Sox since 2004 was almost as dominant as the previous two - a bona fide winner for the first time this year.

Luckily, getting David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez out late in games is starting to look like as difficult a proposition as it was in 2007. The dynamic slugging duo knocked in the tying (Big Papi) and then go-ahead runs in the bottom of the eighth, giving way for a dominant ninth from closer Jonathan Papelbon, who barely had enough time to warm up following ManRam's two-run bomb that, if not for a gigantic light post, might well still be ascending into orbit.

Of course, all of the drama would have been non-existent if not for shrewd maneuvering from Sox skipper Terry Francona earlier. After first summoning Julian Tavarez for pseudo mop up duty, Tito instead thought better of the move after Lester wriggled his way out of one jam, instead handing the ball over the Manny Delcarmen, who was overpowering when he needed to be despite continued control problems, and staff loogy Javier Lopez, who was again able to work his way through the Texas lefties. The decision easily could have turned the other way, and that likely would have cost the Sox the game, a move which - depending on future standings - could prove even more significant far down the road.

But perhaps most important is the general flair with which Boston seems to be playing. There's a comfort level that's evident with this team, a development most likely paved by the incorporation of key young players in last year's title run. Think about it: No one will question whether Kevin Youkilis or Dustin Pedroia will get it done anymore. Now they, along with guys like Jacoby Ellsbury and J.D. Drew (who seems to be flexing the most increased comfort of all ... check the batting average) can actually be as loose as they're personalities dictate, bringing along a flow that has helped the team breach the gaps that emerged from injury and travel during a brutal season-opening stretch.

Now, if they can tack some wins on to form a legitimate streak here, then we'll have something to talk about.

STARTING PITCHING: √
It didn't look pretty, but Jon Lester got it done. Traveling 6 1/3 while only walking 2 batters is always a quality start for Lester, though it would have been nice to see him hand over fewer than three runs in the process. Somehow we have a feeling the 10 hits he allowed had something to do with that, just as it did in pushing his pitch limit up to 106.

MIDDLE RELIEF: √+
Deft moves from Terry Francona again, as Manny Delcarmen proved an adroit fire extinguisher in the seventh, Mike Timlin a strong inning starter in the eighth and Javier Lopez a rightful winner for the work he's put in against Texas' stable of lefties in the opening two games.

SET-UP RELIEF: N/A

CLOSER: √+
If Papelbon is truly his dominant self, this outing might have only earned him a √. However, after laboring in New York on Thursday, not to mention his struggles with the season's first save in Japan, clean innings are the most important thing for Paps right now. A couple more trips to the bump like he put out tonight, and any exaggerated rumors of his early scuffles or demise can officially be put to rest.

LINEUP: √
Another strong night for the Boston batters, even if Julio Lugo left something to be desired ... again ... and the team hit it's way out of runners in scoring position far too often. In the end, that big eighth inning means a lot, and it can only help build confidence for Big Papi, who was struggling through another tough night before that.

Leave A Comment

---

---

Post a comment

Name:

Email Address:

URL:

Remember personal info?

Comments: (you may use HTML tags for style)

Please only click "Post" once. It may take a few moments to process.