Sox fight back to .500

When I last posted, the Red Sox had just finished a five-game losing streak, which included a 15-9 come-from-behind loss against hated New York. On the Monday after their big loss, they proceeded on to Minnesota and the Twins. In the first game, they edged the Twins 6-5 thanks to Cody Ross nailing two home runs for the Sox. Daniel Bard actually earned his first win of the season, but it was in relief, as he sacrificed a start to pitch some relief innings. Their next game was an easy laugher, as the Sox never trailed and Josh Beckett was strong, with Boston blowing out Minnesota 11-2. I was relieved that they were able to finally blow out a team, and not just give up runs. For the finale of the three-game series, Clay Buchholz started, and while he was shaky, the Sox still pulled out of Minnesota with a 7-6 win and Alfredo Aceves pulled out with his 4th save of the season. Next up: Chicago and the White Sox.

The Sox-Sox matchup began with the BoSox at 7-10 and the ChiSox at 10-8, and both Sox were ready for game 1. This featured Felix Doubront facing Philip Humber, who was carrying a 29-straight-men retired streak, including his perfect game. Unfortunately, this streak ended fast, as he walked the first batter of the game and proceeded to give up nine runs, while Doubront was strong in a 10-3 blowout. The Sox proved that they could hold their own against above .500 teams and their bats gave the bullpen another much-needed rest. Then came the second game of the series, with Daniel Bard against John Danks. Bard threw 7, giving up two unearned runs, and Boston clobbered Danks, finishing with their second consecutive 10-3 win. However, yesterday's game proved to be more pitcher-friendly.

The third game of a four-game set in Chicago featured 0-2 Jon Lester for Boston against Jake Peavy, who had a perfect 3-0 record on the season. Both pitchers were strong starting out, but Peavy made just a couple slips in the fourth. After Ryan Sweeney doubled, Adrian Gonzalez drove him in with a base hit for a 1-0 lead. The game would stay that way, with no real scoring chances for either side. Lester pitched seven innings, scattering five hits and striking out seven, while Peavy went the distance, finishing with 4 hits allowed and 7 K's. I was quite surprised by this win, as this was the first really excellent pitching performance by Boston. Alfredo Aceves earned his 5th save of the season in the ninth inning. Today, the finale of the series is at 2:05 EST, with Josh Beckett taking on Gavin Floyd.

Worth noting
David Ortiz and Ryan Sweeney are 1-2 in the AL batting race, with .403 and .391, respectively.
Jonathan Papelbon is tied for the NL lead with 7 saves for Philadelphia.
The BoSox are now at 10-10, their first time at .500 this season.