Yesterday’s mistake-filled game at Fenway park was about as appealing as an overweight, middle-aged man at the beach who still insists on squeezing into an ill-fitting Speedo. The end result, however, was more akin to the shameless chap finally stepping aside to provide a perfect view of a majestic tall ship with billowing sails just off shore. In a game that featured two fly balls lost in the sun, an overturned triple play following an initial umpiring blunder, a substandard pitching performance by Josh Beckett, a couple of baserunning mistakes and some sloppy defensive play, the Sox turned what could have been an ugly affair into a pleasing, 18-5 pounding of the Minnesota Twins. The Sox, who were the benefactors of the vast majority of mistakes and misplays, registered their highest run output since scoring 25 against Florida on June 27, 2003 (a date the Marlins later considered the turning point in their championship season) and the most hits since pounding out 27 at Yankee Stadium on May 28, 2005.
Nine different Sox players drove in runs, led by Kevin Youkilis (3-for-5, two-run home run) with four RBI and Dustin Pedroia with three. Pedroia went 2-for-6 to extend his career-high hitting streak to 17 games. The offensive explosion made a winner out of Beckett (9-5), who allowed five runs on eight hits and two walks in five innings, while striking out two batters.
Nation Notes: J.D. Drew’s balking back is acting up again, but the Red Sox do not believe the problem will sideline him for long. Outfielder Jeff Bailey was optioned back to Triple-A Pawtucket after the game to clear a roster spot for right-hander Clay Buchholz, tomorrow’s starting pitcher. David Ortiz is expected to step up his batting regimen tomorrow in the indoor batting cage, which may be an indication the DH’s wish of beginning a minor league rehab assignment next week may be granted.
