Monday's Hero, Tuesday's Goat

Just when I thought was out of Tuesday's game by the rain, another crappy Josh Beckett performance and the silent Red Sox bats, they dragged me back in.

Boy did they ever.

It was 5-0 New York after five, and it looked the Red Sox were going off into that good night without a whimper. But the bats came alive, starting with Kevin Youkilis' home run in the sixth. But then one of MLB's most overrated players, Joba Chamberlain, got his butt lit up by the Sox, as they tagged him for four runs and a tie game in the 8th. It brings me no end of joy watching that schmuck get whacked all over his own home park by the Red Sox.

And in the ninth, Monday's hero became Tuesday's goat as Marcus Thames dropped a pop fly that led to Jeremy Hermida's heroics, as he hit a fly to left that sailed over Randy Winn's head for a two-run double, and a 7-5 Red Sox lead against losing pitcher Mariano Rivera. (Why exactly was he playing so shallow?) I'm just guessing, but I bet Thames didn't get a faceful of shaving cream after the game on Tuesday.

But there was still more drama to come with Jonathan Papelbon, as Marco Scutaro botched Slappy's grounder, and Robinson Cano doubled him in. He moved to third on a sac bunt. After a walk, Pap made a fabulous play on Juan Miranda's shot back to the mound, holding the runner at third. And then Randy Winn struck out swinging to end a fabulous comeback once again by the Red Sox. Papelbon bent last night, but he didn't break.

And he's taking about five years off my life with games like this.

BTW, did anyone else notice that New York's 8th and 9th inning relief pitchers have gotten lit up their last two times out, blowing multi-run leads? They sure haven't looked invulnerable lately.

The Red Sox offense has really showed me something in this two-game series. They have wiped out five run New York leads on back-to-back nights in the enemy building. They are showing me they don't quit, and have a lot of heart and pride. They made me proud last night.

Now if the pitching staff can just get on the same page...

Josh Beckett was once again subpar, allowing five runs in 4+ innings. He left with a tight back, and J.D. Drew also left after the 8th inning rally with an undisclosed ailment. (Uh-oh.)

This was without a doubt the biggest win of the year for the Red Sox. They had lost 8 straight at Yankee Stadium, and now head home to face two games with Minnesota.