August 23 game

The Red Sox and the Seattle Mariners combined for 17 hits, all of them singles. Marco Scutaro had the two biggest ones, as he slapped a pair of two-run hits to lead the Sox to a 6-3 victory in Boston. Scutaro is on an absolute hot streak, as he has been hitting the ball everywhere. John Lackey pitched eight innings giving up three runs, two earned while striking out a season-high ten. Lackey earned his eleventh win, and it is very good that he is finally bearing down and winning games.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Papelbon struck out two to earn his 31st save. I am very glad that the Red Sox pitching is going so well. They have given up just seven runs in the last three games. Over in Toronto, the Yankees lost 3-2, with Jose Bautista hitting his 39th and 40th homers, but Tampa Bay won in LA, so the Rays and Yanks are tied atop the AL East and the Sox are 5.5 back in second.

Today, the Red Sox and M's clash again, with Josh Beckett taking on David Pauley. Beckett has lost his last two starts, as he is 3-3. In baseball news, the Red Sox claimed Johnny Damon off waivers from the Tigers, but Damon has a no-trade clause and would have to approve this.

Trivia
Out of the six runs, only three were earned for Boston last night.