SOX WIN 8-4 PITCHER'S DUEL

The Rangers and Red Sox combined for 12 runs in Wednesday night's game. Tuesday night, the Rangers scored 13 in two innings.

For anyone worried about other teams pitching around David Ortiz, I have two words for you: Kevin Youkilis. He was 3 for 4 with three doubles. He's hitting .409 in August, and he's slugging .818. So they can walk Papi if they want to, it's just gonna give Youkilis an RBI opportunity.

Jon Lester was once again Acelike. He went 7.1 innings, allowing 3 runs. Although 2 of those were inherited runners that scored on Mike Timlin.

If and when Julio Lugo returns to this team, will he have a place in the starting lineup? Jed Lowrie went 2 for 3 with a pair of RBI last night, upping his average to .295. Lugo was averaging an error every 18 times he touched the ball. Lowrie's had 125 chances this season, and still hasn't made an error. In my opinion, Lowrie is the best short-stop this club has seen since Orlando Cabrera.

Daisuke Matsuzaka takes the mound Wednesday night looking for a sweep and win #14. He faces Tommy Hunter, who's 0-1 with a 10.61 ERA. If you have Red Sox hitters on your fantasy team, make sure to keep them in there.

Sources:
ESPN.com
Baseball-Reference.com

Photo Credit:
AP Photo/Michael Dwyer

LOWELL LIKELY TO GO ON DL

Almost lost in the insanity of last night's 19-17 win was the unplanned exit of Mike Lowell. He left after striking out in the 7th due to a strained right oblique. With all the hip problems Lowell's had this season, he'll more than likely be put on the 15 day DL.

The Red Sox will shift Youkilis over to third base, and put Sean Casey in at first. This isn't much of a dropoff. Casey's having a good season, hitting .353, with a .412 OBP in 150 at-bats.

Also on the injury front, Julio Lugo took groundballs the other day. I think I speak for everyone in Red Sox Nation when I say, "Take your time, Julio."

Source:
Boston Herald
ESPN.com

PATRIOTS 19, COWBOYS 17

One of the craziest baseball games you'll ever see. That's the only way to describe Tuesday night's 19-17 game between the Red Sox and Rangers. 37 combined hits, 11 combined pitchers used, and 36 total runs. Kevin Cash was the only starter for either team who didn't record a hit.

Charlie Zink made his MLB debut and didn't look good at all. His performance was Buchholzian. 8 runs in 4.1 innings. But the Sox had given him 12 runs of support before he left, so it was all good. But an 8 run 5th inning, and a 6 run 6th changed everything for Texas.

The combination of Javier Lopez, David Aardsma, and Manny Delcarmen proved nearly fatal for the Red Sox. Thankfully, Hideki Okajima contributed 1.2 innings of solid relief. A Pedroia double in the 8th tied it, and a Youkilis field goal/homerun gave the Sox a 19-16 lead.

It was a mess, but the Red Sox came out on top. Don't be shocked if Charlie Zink doesn't make Major League start #2 in a few days. And thank frigging God the Sox got Paul Byrd today!

Jon Lester faces Luis Mendoza Wednesday night in what will probably be a 2-1 pitcher's duel.

Source:
ESPN.com

Photo Credit:
AP Photo/Michael Dwyer