Youk To The Rescue

For eight innings, it was a bad night for Kevin Youkilis on Friday in Detroit. He struck out twice, and he made a rather foolish error at first base in the eighth that fortunately didn't end up costing the Red Sox. But in the ninth, Youk saved his night and the Red Sox' bacon by hitting a two-run homer off Todd Jones that ultimately gave the Sox a 3-2 win. Youk continues to do a solid job both at the plate and in the field (despite the flub). He's proving he's a dependable major league hitter, no matter where in the lineup he bats.

Curt Schilling gave up 2 runs in six innings and struck out seven. Kenny Rogers was even better for the Tigers over seven innings, allowing just a Manny Ramirez RBI single. The bullpen, did another solid job, as David Riske and Rudy Seanez shut Detroit down before Jonathan Papelbon pitched a 1-2-3 ninth, striking out two, for his MLB-leading 20th save.

The Yankees won in Baltimore so the Red Sox remain 1/2 game up.

Terry Francona announced that David Pauley would get a second start next week, against the Yankees in New York on Tuesday night. I maybe attending that game that night. I hope the bullpen will be well-rested going into that game.