Lester, Ortiz Power Sox Back in First (7/28/13)

I did not see this game as I was on vacation

News:

David Ortiz was NOT suspended for his actions in yesterdays game. All he had to do was pay for the phones, in which Ryan Dempster and Jonny Gomes decided to have some fun with. They put on a keystone kops routine where they attempt to repair the phones and use two cans with a string like in a tree house. Talk about a complete opposite from last year, negatives turn into positives this year.

                                                  Ahoy matey!


THE GOOD:

Tonight are co-heroes of the night. David Ortiz was 4 for 4 with 2 runs scored and 2 rbis coming off his 20th home run of the season. Took his frustrations out on the Dirty Birds pitching instead of their phones today.

                                                    Hero of the Night 1

The other hero is Jon Lester. He tossed 7 shut-out innings, improving to 10-6 on the season with a 4.27 ERA. He allowed just 4 hits and 2 walks while striking out 8. THIS is the Lester that pitched in April and May this season, good to see him back.

Hero of the Night 2

Jacoby Ellsbury found his hitting stroke again, going 2 for 5 with a run scored. Mike Napoli continued his hot streak by going 2 for 4 with an rbi and run scored. Jonny Gomes pinch hit for Mike Carp and was intentionally walked. Jarrod Saltalamacchia was 2 for 4 with 2 rbi's. Matt Thornton pitched a scoreless 8th inning and Pedro Beato pitched a 1-2-3 9th inning.


THE BAD:

Only one name on this list, Jose Iglesias continued to slump by going 0 for 4. Ironically despite not having an extra base hit in almost 3 weeks he's still hitting .330 on the season.


THE UGLY:

Shane Victorino was 0 for 3 but walked twice and scored. Dustin Pedroia was 0 for 4 with an error but walked. Mike Carp was 0 for 2 but walked. PU Drew was 0 for 3 but walked...lot of walks in this one.


Final Thoughts:

Good to see both Ortiz and Lester get their heads on straight. The Sox still need more power in their lineup and another starter since Clay Buchholz is mostly done for the year....again. He seriously is becoming the Pervis Ellison of the Red Sox. The win improved the Sox to 63-43, a half game back in first thanks to the New York Yankees doing the Sox a favor by walking off against the Rays. Tomorrow is the makeup game where once again David Price takes on Felix Doubront. The fate of first place hangs in the balance.....for one game in July anyway. Still, the Sox won their 63rd game today on July 28th, they finished with 69 wins last season.