RED SOX BEAT UP COLLEGE KIDS

39-0. That was the combined score of yesterday's games against Boston College and Northeastern. 39-0. I know it's the World Series Champions against two mediocre college teams, but 39-0 in two games is still something to talk about, at least for a little bit.

Let's start with the 24-0 pounding BC took. This was one of the most dominating wins over BC that I can remember. The Eagles had 1 hit, and 0 walks. That hit was a single. They were also erased by strikeout 10 times.

Josh Beckett got the start against BC. He had 2 perfect innings of work, striking out 4. Kyle Snyder took over and pitched 2 more no-hit innings. Not surprisingly, Javier Lopez was the one who blew the no-hitter, allowing a single to Eric Campbell.



Jacoby Ellsbury went 0 for 2 with a walk, and a run. Dustin Pedroia went 1 for 2 with a two run double. David Ortiz was also 1 for 2 with an RBI double. Mike Lowell went 0 for 1 with a walk. Bobby Kielty went 1 for 2 with a walk and an RBI. Brandon Moss went 3 for 3 with 3 RBI.

The most impressive performance may have been by BC starting pitcher Ted Ratliff. He retired Ellsbury, Pedroia, and Ortiz in a row in his sole inning of work. But apart from that, there really wasn't much magic from the Boston College side.

Although Northeastern fared slightly better than BC, only losing 15-0, they did allow a run in every single inning.



Up and coming prospect Justin Masterson started for the Sox, going 2 shutout innings, allowing 1 hit, and striking 1 man out. Of the 17 pitches he threw, 12 were strikes. Craig Hansen took over in the 3rd, also allowing a hit, but striking out a pair in his inning of work.



Coco Crisp went 1 for 1 with a double and a walk at the leadoff spot. Alex Cora had a 2 run double. JD Drew went 1 for 2 with a double. Manny walked in both of his plate appearances. Jed Lowrie went 1 for 2 with a walk and a pair of runs scored.

Doug Mirabelli was 0 for 2 with a strikeout. How can a Major Leaguer strikeout against a kid from Northeastern?

The Sox go across town to face the Twins to open Grapefruit League play, as well as the first round of the Fort Myers' Mayors' Cup. The game will be on NESN tonight.

Sources:
BostonRedSox.com
Boston College Athletic Department Site

Photo Credit:
AP Photo/Steven Senne

BRUINS DESTROY PITTSBURGH

The Penguins came into Boston last night riding a hot streak, and sporting newly acquired talent like Marian Hossa and Pascal Dupuis. But the Bruins, who made no deadline moves, are also on a hot streak.

Marco Sturm opened the game up with a pair of first period goals. Chara scored early in the 2nd to make it 3-0. Ty Conklin was pulled out of net and the game was all but over only half-way through. Axelsson scored with about 4:00 left in the 2nd to make it 4-0.

The Penguins slipped one past Thomas, but it was far too little, far too late. David Krejci tipped in a late goal for his 2nd career score, and to make it a 5-1 game.

The Bruins are tearing through teams. They've won 5 in a row. They pummeled two of the best teams in the Conference (Pittsburgh and Ottawa) by a combined score of 9-1. Despite the hot streak, the B's are still in the middle of a log jam in the standings. They're only 6 points behind New Jersey for the top playoff seed, but there are 5 teams ahead of them. Ottawa is only up 4 points on the Bruins, but they still find themselves in 3rd place in the division. The 9th place Sabres are only 3 points behind the Bruins.

The Thrashers come to town on Saturday. If the Bruins get a win, they will match their point total from last season (76) in 18 fewer games.

Sources:
BostonBruins.com
ESPN.com

Photo Credit:
AP Photo/Charles Krupa

ONE MORE YEAR FOR BRUSCHI

Tedy Bruschi will be back for his 13th season. He and the Patriots agreed to terms on a multi-year contract that will keep #54 in Foxborough and the NFL for another season.

This is good news, but not great news. Bruschi turns 35 in June, and although he led the team in tackles with 99 last year, he is no longer the playmaker he used to be. Back in the day (4 or 5 years ago), he was the guy who'd come out of nowhere to make the big interception, or the game changing sack, or the 4th and 1 stop. He's still a steady and solid linebacker, but in a 3-4, the linebackers are the ones who have to make the big plays.

But this does answer one of the many questions facing the Patriots this off-season. And if Bruschi is paired with a young inside linebacker, he can set a great example and help mold young talent into a true Patriot.

Source:
Boston.com