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.
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.
The Twins come to town in advance of the accursed Yankees. Without Joe Mauer, this is a shell of the team they could be, but they've been resilient so far.
The Red Sox have won six straight Patriots' Day games. What year span was the last time they posted five or more consecutive Patriots' Day wins?
Manager Terry Francona reported today that shortstop Jed Lowrie would likely undergo surgery. Unlike the previous surgery that would have ended his season, this one may allow him to return at the All-Star break.
In other news, as Mike Scandura first reported, Jeff Bailey has officially been recalled to the majors. This follows Rocco Baldelli being put on the DL with a slight left hamstring strain. Par for the course.
Things are starting to come together, aren't they? The offense. The pitching. The defense. Now we just need Big Papi to hit. Is it physical? Is it mental? Is it both?
It's been nice facing the Orioles, hasn't it? We've taken the first two, can Jon Lester turn it around and help us take the first three?
Beckett looks to continue his Cy Young campaign against the hapless Adam Eaton and pitching-starved Baltimore Orioles. I demand a sweep of this four-game set.
After what amounts to an exhausting West Coast swing, the Red Sox are finally home with Brad Penny on the mound.