Anyone else notice that the Red Sox haven't lost, and the Rays haven't won, since the little dustup the two teams last Sunday?
The Sox made it three straight against the Braves last night, as John Lackey continued his fine pitching, going 6 1/3 innings, allowing no runs and striking out nine. The bullpen was its usual stellar self, as Chris Capuano, Junichi Tazawa and Craig Breslow kept the shut out in tact, and the final was 4-0.
Last night reminded me so much of the many wins the Sox copped in 2013. Clutch hitting, fine pitching, good defense. It marked the first time the Sox had won three straight. I'm not prepared to say the Sox have turned a corner, but they go for the sweep against the Braves tonight in the four-game series with Jake Peavy taking the mound.
Before last night's game, the Red Sox honored the 2004 World Series championship team, and most of the players on that team were there. It was a memorable night, as both Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon made their returns to Fenway, to the overwhelming approval of the faithful. Kevin Youkilis, currently playing in Japan but is currently out injured, was on hand, as well as every star and every marginal player who was on the 2004 squad.
Of my favorite moments was Gabe Kapler coming out to the "Welcome Back Kotter" theme.
And the most poignant moment was Curt Schilling appearing with his son, Gehrig. Curt has been battling cancer and looked pretty good.
And how can you top the first pitch? Manny throwing it out with the entire team around him. As he fires to Jason Varitek, Damon comes racing over and cuts the throw off. Priceless.
Congrats to Dr. Charles Steinberg and his staff for putting on another classy and memorable evening at Fenway.
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