Sunday, June 02, 2013

Napoli & Nava Blast Off In The Bronx

Last night's Red Sox 11-1 wipeout of the Yankees in New York guarantees one thing: the Red Sox leave New York in first place on Sunday night, no matter what happens in the finale tonight.

Mike Napoli's third inning grand slam ultimately gave the Sox the win, and Daniel Nava, who had four hits, put it on ice in 8th with a three-run shot. The Sox poured it on in the 9th with three more, including a bomb hit by Stephen Drew. Jackie Bradley had three hits as well.

The unlikely outfield combo of Nava, Bradley and Mike Carp were just what the Sox needed: they had nine hits and five RBI. (And Carp made his first ever start in RF.)

Nice outing by Felix Doubront, as he went six innings and struck out six.

I wasn't buying the hype that this weekend was the latest "war to end all wars" when it comes to the Red Sox-Yankees games, as the AL East is clearly a four-cornered fight to the finish, as the Sox will battle it out with New York, Baltimore and Tampa Bay all summer. Everybody behind the Red Sox won on Friday, and they all lost on Saturday. So that means the Red Sox lead New York by 2, Baltimore by 2 1/2 and Tampa Bay by 3.

It's going to be a long, close summer, and I'm betting the team in fourth place in the AL East on Labor Day will be no more than 6 or 7 games back. The teams all have over 100 games to go. I don't think any of the teams will pull away and hide. Don't believe the hype.

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