Blue Jays Drop By, Get Swept!
The Toronto Blue Jays came into Fenway with a 3.5 game lead in the division and now lead Boston by just a half-game, and the surging Yankees by 1 game. The Jays were a surprise to even baseball insiders, holding a lead in the division (except for a few days, I believe) since the 1st week of the season. A win by Boston or NY and a loss by the Jays tomorrow ends all that. But to me, the most important thing is that the Sox are back to winning baseball and keeping pace with NY.
Tuesday: Red Sox 2, Toronto 1,
The Red Sox showed resilience and grit in this close win. Wakefield (5-2, 3.59 E.R.A.) has the lead in wins and ERA for Boston and again gutted it out for a 2-1 win over the division rivals. ‘04 Sox alum and fan favorite, Kevin Millar (”Mill-AHH”) hit the game’s lone homer.
Wednesday: Red Sox 8, Toronto 3,
Already leading 2-0, going to the bottom of the 5th, the Sox made it easier for starter Brad Penny, by putting up a 6 spot that inning and coasting to their 1st consecutive wins since before their road trip. (Coming home is wonderful, but Boston must find a way to win consistently on the road!) Brad Penny (4-1, 6.07 ERA) had his best start as a Red Sox pitcher, I feel.
Thursday: Red Sox 5, Toronto 1,
Jon Lester (3-4, 5.91) bounced back very nicely from back-to-back losses to help complete the sweep of division-leading Toronto. Jason Bay hit a 2-run homer in the contest. His last 11 have come with at least one man aboard, a team record. This was a big game because a loss would have dropped the Sox into 3rd place in the East, behind the Yankees (who have won 9 in a row). But they are poised to reclaim the lead in the division, against whom the Sox have an impressive 16-6 record.
Again all is clear to me and I can cheer with you as the Sox surge forward.
Hugs, Jim
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