It took the Red Sox 8 innings before they led against the Kansas City Royals. That shouldn't even count as a full victory, in my opinion. The Royals simply suck. They're 32-60, 30 games out of 1st place Detroit in the Central, and they're a pathetic 13-37 (.260) on the road.
The Sox saved embarrassment thanks to Loretta, Ortiz, pinch runner Willie Harris, and a Sac Fly off the bat of Manny Ramirez. The bullpen was also very good and kept us in the game. Delcarmen, Hansen, Timlin, and Papelbon combined for 5 innings, allowing just 1 run off 3 hits and 0 walks.
David Ortiz nabbed 2nd base in the 8th inning for his first steal of the season and 6th of his career. He is now tied for 3,786th all-time in stolen bases, only 1400 behind leader Rickey Henderson.
WELLS TO THROW SIMULATED GAME
After a 49 pitch side session yesterday, David Wells is set to throw a simulated game on his 2nd trip back to recovery. The problem is, the Red Sox have day games Wednesday and Thursday so pitching a simulated game to hitters might prove difficult to do. We could really use Wells as a 5th starter. He isn't going to dominate or anything, but he'll at least throw strikes and eat innings.
Lester looks for win number 5 tonight against Brandon Duckworth.
