Hardball Heaven

The Sox beat the Orioles tonight behind another clutch hit from Big Papi - this one a three-run, bases-clearing double down the right field line that made it 6-3 good guys, which is how it ended. Schilling was solid, scattering (as they say) 8 hits over seven innings and striking out 5. Papelbon got the save. Lowell continues to play well on both sides of the ball - he made a sweet diving catch of a bunt in the first inning tonight, almost sliding headfirst into 'Tek, which would have most definitely hurt. The play of the game, besides Papi's big hit, was Alex Gonzalez coming through with a double to tie the game at 3 - nice to see, and hopefully a good confidence-booster for Gonzo, or else he may be gone-zo.

Other side story was the return of yet another former Idiot - man, there's a lot of 'em ain't there? - this time Kevin Millar. As expected, the crowd gave Millar a nice ovation. His reaction was kind of muted - just a quick wave with his hand. He was either surprised by it, or else he was saying to himself, 'these fickle bastards skewered me from April to October last year... now they're cheering for me?' Absolutely, Kev - we're happy that you suck for someone else.

Sox are tied for first in the AL East with the Yanks, who almost blew an 8-1 lead tonight against the Rangers. Mussina pitched well, but the bullpen was verrry shaky - Small, Farnsworth and Rivera all struggled but hung on to win 8-7.

Wake vs. Erik Bedard tomorrow night in what should be a tight one, and then DiNardo vs. Mr. Anna Benson on Sunday.