Lackey Finally Gets Some Support

The Red Sox are still the only MLB team not to lose four straight games, as they handled the Yankees, 6-1, at Fenway on Saturday.

Friday's loss to New York was a big concern, as Felix Doubront was roughed up early, and the Sox were never really in it. But John Lackey has proved to be a money pitcher this year, and went 6 2/3 strong innings on Saturday, allowing just one run for his 8th win of the year. He clearly should have more, but this time the Sox gave him some runs to work with.

New York blew a sure DP in the 4th, and it led to three Red Sox runs, on RBI singles by Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Will Middlebrooks (who has now hit in every game since his return from Pawtucket). David Ortiz blasted a solo shot into the center field bleachers in the 7th to put the win on ice.

Koji Uehara continues to be superb in the ninth, and has not allowed a run over his last 18 innings.

Dustin Pedroia fouled a ball off his shin in the 8th inning, and left the game (and on his 30th birthday, too). X-rays proved negative, and he should play in the series finale on Sunday night.

The win moved the Sox back to two games ahead, as Tampa Bay lost. Baltimore won, and remain 5 1/2 back.