What else could Terry Francona possibly want on his 50th birthday? The Red Sox completed a day-night doubleheader sweep of the Minnesota Twins slugging out 17 runs, 19 hits and 4 homers. Boston also improved their winning streak to seven games.
Wakefield has notched his second straight complete-gamer. The nightcap brings Jeff Bailey at first base and Kevin Youkilis seeing third for the first time this season. Penny takes the mound hoping to go back to what his season debut was (6 IP, 3 ER). He started out last game strong but it deteriorated into a three inning, seven run effort.
Julio Lugo began a rehab assignment Wednesday for the Pawtucket Red Sox and came away feeling better, physically, than his performance would indicate.
Lugo, who batted leadoff and played shortstop, was 0-for-3 in three official at-bats and drew a walk in an International League game won by Pawtucket, 8-7, over Rochester in 11 innings.
A doubleheader is in effect today. Wonder how many empty seats we'll see at the park -- see Sean O's comment on how the Red Sox bent over fans that were supposed to be at the game.
Dustin Pedroia: OPS+ 86: Speaking of picking it up...I guess that is what the Orioles pitching staff allows a hitter to do. Although, I do not want to dismiss the offensive explosion of the last few days completely.
After all, they did "rock" Orioles "Ace" Jeremy Guthrie, and last time I checked, he is a pretty good pitcher. But anyway, Pedroia has reached base 10 times in the past four games. His OBP is now roughly league-average, and his slugging has broken the .400 mark. And both of those categories should only improve from here on out.
It's a marathon, not a sprint. You've got to stay in for the long haul. Everything will regress to the mean. Water seeks its own level. The cream will rise to the top. You get my point...All is right with the world this week coming off a series sweep against Baltimore.
Paul and I welcome back our longest standing guest of Fireside Chats, Cranky Frankie the Yankee in advance of this weekends renewal of "the rivalry".
We close the show discussing the greatest moments in Red Sox Nation history. Our vote, cast for Dave Roberts and the steal. How about you?
All that and more on Episode #42 of Fireside Chats on MVN!
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