Game 52: Sox 4 Tiggers 3

Let's play two! Sox got rained out on Saturday so Sunday was a day-night doubleheader. In game 1 we got treated to a pinch hit home run by Ortiz in the 9th to win the game. Wowee, the Sox are smoking right now! I forgot to mention yesterday that the Sox took sole possession of first place in the division with yesterday's win. Sox have won 5 in a row and 13 of the last 15 games.

Buchholz looked okay this game going 6 innings with 3 earned runs to get the Quality Start. He did give up two long balls, one to Andy Dirks and the other to Brennan Boesch. Albers looked really good pitching two innings of relief and Papelbon came in for the bottom of the ninth for the perfect inning, 2 Ks, and the save.

Pedroia took my words to heart and hit a solo home run in the 3rd. He was accompanied by Mike Cameron who doesn't hit often, but when he does, it goes a long ways. His solo shot in the 2nd was his 3rd of the year in part time duty. The Sox also took advantage of Victor Martinez catching today by stealing 4 bases in the 1st inning. Even Youkilis stole a base! And as I mentioned already, Ortiz pinch hit for Saltalamacchia in the ninth, facing Detroit closer Valverde, goes deep to right-center for the win. Apparently this was only the second time he's faced Valverde and he now has a home run in both matchups.

Beckett-Verlander in the ngiht half of the doubleheader. Should be a good game. Sox won the last time these two faced off 4-3 on a walkoff single from Crawford. We won't have home field advantage this time though so let's win early.