September 2 game

Adrian Beltre led off the second with an absolute bomb over everything and into the left field stands, and the Red Sox never looked back. David Ortiz slapped a two-run single in the five-run frame. In the sixth, Daisuke Matsuzaka ran into trouble when he gave up four runs before being pulled for Scott Atchison. Atchison was able to shut down Baltimore for two innings with three strikeouts.

In the ninth, Jonathan Papelbon came in and was in trouble, with two men in scoring position with just one out. However, he got the next two batters to swing and miss at pitches right on the outside corner to finish off the O's 6-4. I think it is great that Pap has started to bear down and save games without giving up runs. Unfortunately, the Sox only gained ground by 1/2 game on the Rays, since C.C. Sabathia earned his 19th win in a 5-0 shutout of the A's.

Today's game has been rained out due to wind from Hurricane Earl, so the Sox play a doubleheader tomorrow. In game one, John Lackey will take on Gavin Floyd of the White Sox in a game that will feature Manny Ramirez's return to Fenway Park. In game two, AL ERA leader Clay Buchholz will oppose John Danks.

Trivia
Buchholz was named AL pitcher of the month due to his 4 wins in 6 starts and a 1.04 ERA in August.