Walking the Tightrope

Jonathan Papelbon had one of those games that drives any fan totally up the wall. He entered with a 4-3 lead in the eighth with two outs, and got the final out. Jason Bay hit his second home run of the game to add some, as it turned out, important insurance.

Pap gave up a leadoff homer to Torii Hunter, and then loaded the bases with two out. Up stepped Howie Kendrick, and he had the at-bat of the season so far. He fouled off seven straight pitches, before lining out to Rocco Baldelli to conclude a hard-fought, 5-4 Red Sox win. All relievers have games like this, but let's hope they are few and far between. Papelbon wound up throwing 39 pitches and will probably be given today off.

Brad Penny pitched six gutty innings in his Red Sox debut. Mike Napoli hit two home runs off him, but I'm sure Terry Francona is pleased with what he saw. Mike Lowell blasted a two-run shot, and Mr. Bay blasted his first to give the Red Sox their first lead of the afternoon.

Josh Beckett takes the hill today and the Sox attempt to get back to .500. He'll take on Dustin Moseley of the Angels.

Let me also wish all of you out there a Happy and blessed Easter.