Hardball Heaven

After last night's 9-4 win over the Mets at Fenway, the Sox have now reeled off 10 straight wins, all against the National League. Long live interleague play!

The game was tight until the home half of the 4th inning, when Manny Ramirez hit a ball to left that Mets OF Lastings Milledge misplayed. That drove in two runs, giving the Sox a 5-2 lead. Sox starter Jon Lester struggled all night but got big outs when he needed them. Mets starter Alay Soler - who I called a youngster the other day, until I learned he was Cuban - also labored.

Regarding Pedro, we don't have to wait until tonight to see what type of reception he'll get. Between innings, Sox management played a tribute video to Pedro that ended with the fans chanting for him to come out of the dugout. He obliged, and the ovation was loud and sustained. It will be even louder tonight.

Finally, one last note. ESPN baseball analyst - and former Globe writer Peter Gammons - suffered a brain aneurysm yesterday and was rushed into Boston for surgery. Hope all goes well for the Commish.

7:05 game time tonight. As if you didn't know, Pedro goes against Josh Beckett.