David Ortiz is finally smiling again. And so is Red Sox Nation.
In the fifth inning after Jason Varitek belted his second homer of the game, Big Papi ended his 149 at-bat homerless drought with a two-run home run to center field.
Then the Red Sox launched two more big fly’s. Jason Bay drilled a ball off of Brett Cecil over the Monster and out of Fenway Park and Mike Lowell followed with a solo-shot.
Boston went up 8-0 and never looked back.
Stars of the Game – Varitek, Papi, Kevin Youkilis
1) Varitek hit two homers in the game and now has nine total home runs on May 20th in his career.
2) Ortiz finally broke out of his slump. He also added a double in his next at-bat off the Monster. Papi’s stroke finally looks restored.
3) Youkilis went 3-for-5 in his first game back after being sidelined.
Next Game – 5/21 vs. Toronto Blue Jays – Robert Ray/Jon Lester
Boston has to complete the sweep against the Jays. Lester is the man to do it.
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I would add Penny and Ellsbury to heroes of the game.
Penny because he keeps getting better, following his late start in ST. 6 scoreless, low hit innings, another quality start, allowed this lopsided win. He didn’t have his stuff, but as a mature pitcher was able to keep pounding the zone. Like Wake, he’s on track to win 15+.
Ellsbury because he did set the all time Red Sox record for put outs in a game, beating out the likes of Ted Williams; and tied the all time major league record with 12. That doesn’t happen every day.
Also, because he extended his hitting streak to 15, which also doesn’t happen every day. By the way, in two games that make two tag outs and one out at first that could have gone either way. He is doing great, but not getting the calls.
“Papi’s stroke finally looks restored.” I certainly hope so, but can we wait for him to do this over a string of games before declaring the slump is over? I’d like to see him turn on a few good fastballs before I’m convinced he’s back.
I may have to change the hockey style rating system now. I know what Ellsbury did last night but I thought it was more positive to see what Youkilis did.
This game, all the team looked great. Don’t forgett Bay. Another great night for him. And Lowell too.
I agree with Brett. One warm day don’t make a summer. We all know Ortiz was going to hit a HR eventually. He needs to prove he can still do it regularly.