Red Sox Power Past Orioles 9-4

In yesterday's post, I speculated that Manny Ramirez would be able to relax and start terrorizing pitchers after finally getting home run number 500 behind him. It only took one day for Manny to back that up, going 3 for 5 with a single, an RBI double, and a two run home home, his 501st. Once Manny gets comfortable and just focuses on hitting, he is dangerous. Mike Lowell rode on Manny's tailwind in the 4th inning following Manny's home run with one of his own.


The other offensive surge came from JD Drew. Drew had been out for a couple of games trying to shake off a case of vertigo. It appears he shook it off just fine going 2 for 3 with a 2 run home run of his own in the 7th inning to seal the game for Boston. JD also drove in the first run of the game in the second inning with a sacrifice fly. I hope Red Sox nation has put JD Drew's sub-par 2007 season behind them and noticed that he has been very steady this season and a key contributor, both offensively and defensively.

I also speculated yesterday that Bartolo Colon would be allowed to reach 100 pitches. In fact, he went to 103 pitches before being relieved in the 7th inning, and earned his third win in three starts this year. His stuff was not quite as electric in this outing, and he had some trouble keeping the ball down in the zone. But, the results were good, and if he bounces back with no ill effects from the 103 pitch outing (his longest of the year, including in Pawtucket), then the signs are good that he may be able to contribute at a high level all season. Let's keep our fingers crossed, because we all know how valuable a solid starting rotation is - just ask the Yankees.

Through all of this, the Red Sox are still stuck in second place behind the surging Tampa Bay Rays. Who would have predicted that the upcoming series against Tampa would be so meaningful? Good time to remind you to join in on the contest to win a free Red Sox DVD - but your entry in the contest must be received by the first pitch of the Tuesday night game against Tampa Bay. It is a fun set up, so I hope you join in! The DVD is well worth it too!

Tonight Tim Wakefield gets to prove, yet again, why he belongs in the starting rotation. The Red Sox have the Orioles against the ropes. It is always hard to sweep a four game series, but this one feels ripe for the sweeping!

(Photos Courtesy of ESPN)