Splitsville

The Red Sox split the two games they played on Sunday. And I'll take it.

David Ortiz hit his first pinch-hit home run since 2003 in the ninth inning of Game 1 to give the Sox a 4-3 win in the opener. Six innings from Clay Buchholz, and he left the game tied at 3 after giving up a two-run shot to Brennan Boesch. He had back tightness and a blister on his toe, but is expected to make his next start on Friday against the A's.

They ran into a buzzsaw in Game 2 in Justin Verlander, and got just four hits in getting shutout, 3-0. Josh Beckett struggled through six innings, but allowed just two runs.

Can't say I was too distraught over it, as they completed taking three of four in Detroit, and a 5-2 road trip.

The Red Sox are one game up on New York and 1 1/2 games ahead of Tampa Bay, and they return home to face the White Sox tonight. Jon Lester goes for his 8th win.

And a Happy and Blessed Memorial Day to you all, especially to those who serve and their families.