Game 101: Royales 9 Sox 13

Messy, messy game. We got the win only because our pitching wasn't quite as bad as the Royals' pitching. Miller gave up 7 runs, 5 earned, in 3 2/3 inning on 9 Hs, 2 BBs, and 1 K. Aceves came in during the 4th and cleaned it up going 3 1/3 shutout innings to get the win. He's been a real find for the Sox this year, eating up innings and keeping the Sox in games. Albers has also been a good find and he pitched a clean frame in the 8th. Morales gave up 2 runs on 3 Hs and a walk in the 9th.

Pedroia extended his hit streak to 23 games and went 4 for 5, just a home run shy of the cycle. Ortiz also went 4 for 5 with 5 RBI. Varitek hit his 6th home run in the 7th. McDonald was the only starter without a hit as the Sox had an odd lineup giving Ellsbury and Youkilis the day off.

This was a very long 9-inning game at 3 hours and 52 minutes. The Royals even ran out of pitchers and sent outfielder Mitch Meir out to pitch the 9th (Pedroia nearly hit a home run off of him). These long games and the long stretch of games are conspiring with the beautiful weather this summer to help me start to lose interest in finishing this season. We'll see how long I can keep it up.