Hardball Heaven

This one reminded me of that crazy 13-inning game at Fenway versus the Cardinals three years ago. There was a little bit of everything - great defense, timely hitting, stolen bases, bunts, and great pitching from two guys who've been around for a while in Curt Schilling and Billerica's own Tommy Glavine.

The Sox won their 12th straight last night at Fenway, coming from behind to beat the Mets 4-2. The pivotal swing came in the Sox' home half of the seventh. Game was tied at 2, and Coco Crisp led off with a surprise bunt down the third base line. He promptly stole second off Mets reliever Aaron Heilmann, and was then sacrificed over to third by Alex Gonzalez. Kevin Youkilis followed with a sac fly to left to give the Sox the lead in textbook style. In the top of the 8th, Carlos Beltran got on with a single, and with two outs David Wright hit a smash in the left-center field gap. Coco came flying out of nowhere to make an unbelievable back-handed, fully streched out catch to preserve the lead and the win. Big Papi - who else - provided some insurance in the bottom of the 8th with his 23rd bomb. Schilling got his 10th win - and probably an All-Star appearance - and his fellow All-Star, Jonathan Papelbon, recorded his 24th save. Just a great ballgame all around, and a pleasure to watch. Seemed like a true playoff atmosphere at Fenway.

Damn, this is fun. The lead is now 4 games over the Spanks, who were idle yesterday. The Sox flew down to Miami last night to get ready for a three-game weekend series against the Marlins. Should be interesting to see Hanley Ramirez, and the reception former Marlins Beckett, Lowell, and Gonzo get (assuming there are people in the stands). Jason Johnson gets the ball for the first time for the Sox tonight; Dontrelle Willis goes for Florida.