Hot and Cold

Hot. That describes Dustin Pedroia, who hit his third home run of the young season, and in the exact same fashion: an inside fastball that he hit down the left field line. He went 4-for-5 in the Red Sox' 8-6 win over Kansas City yesterday.

Another big day for Victor Martinez, who had two hits, drove in a run and scored one. Jeremy Hermida has his second straight start (in place of J. D. Drew) and had a two-run single in the first, when the Sox put up four runs.

It was a mediocre start for Clay Buchholz, who labored through five innings, allowing three runs. The bullpen was good with the exception of Ramon Ramirez, who faced three batters in the eighth and they all scored, on a three-run shot by Jose Guillen. Jonathan Papelbon pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his second save. The Red Sox are now 3-3 in 2010.

Cold. That describes David Ortiz, who struck out four times (and walked) in five at-bats yesterday. He is now 2-for-18 and 9 Ks in this first week. He was called out looking twice yesterday, but both were dubious calls.

Jacoby Ellsbury collided with Adrian Beltre going after a foul ball in the ninth and left the game with bruised ribs. He will probably sit out today's game in Minnesota and will get another day off on Tuesday, as the Sox and Twins have a day off, with both teams opening Target Field today at 4 PM. Jon Lester and former Yankeeography star Carl Pavano take the mound.