MVN: Most Valuable Network

Manny Ramirez said after the game that if Ortiz is not hitting, he will hit for him.

Ramirez did just that.

David Ortiz drove in Dustin Pedroia on an RBI infield single deep into the shift in right field tying it at three apiece.  Then Manny followed by "hitting for Ortiz" with a mammoth shot over the Green Monster.

That two-run homerun was the 496th of Ramirez' career and it also gave Boston a 5-3 lead in the bottom of the eighth.

Jonathan Papelbon came in to close out the ninth earning his sixth save of the season.

Star of the Game: Manny Ramirez

Manny leads the team in homeruns (6), RBI's (20), and total bases (52).  Ramirez put the game away with the two-run homerun and finished the night going 1-2 with the two-run homerun, two runs, and two walks.

Preview of Next Game: Kevin Millwood (1-2) vs. Tim Wakefield (1-0)

The Red Sox continue to win for one reason.  The pitching is keeping them in the game long enough for their offense to pounce on the opposing team's relief pitching.  If Wakefield can go at least six innings with minimal damage their is no reason why this Red Hot Offense can provide enough runs for another W.

Game Notes:  Wrath of Manny

Counting tonight's game Ramirez in his past eight games has 11 runs, 14 hits, two doubles, five homeruns, and 12 RBI's.  He is on pace to hit 51 homers and drive in 171 runs.  Not going to happe, but it is a nice thought...Ortiz was 1-4 in the game and slowly looks like he is coming back to form...Boston currently leads the A.L. East in runs scored with 98.