3 Runs......TOTAL. Twins Over Red Sox 2-1

Yes, that's right. There were 3 runs total scored last night in Minnesota, as the Twins defeated the Boston Red Sox by a score of 2-1. Both Minnesota runs scored in the 2nd inning on a fielder's choice and a single. The Red Sox lone run, in the form of Wily Mo Pena, crossed the plate on a Pedroia ground rule double in the 4th. And that was it! The Minnesota starter Santana was gone after only 5 innings. That's not like him, but the Sox wore him down. He allowed the lone Boston run, giving up 7 hits and 2 bases on balls. He was outpitched in almost every way by Julian Tavarez (yes!!), who went 6 innings, giving up only 4 hits and 2 runs. Well done Julian! If he pitches like that in his next few starts, he'll probably win 'em all! As our manager Tito Francona said......

“Julien Tavarez was outstanding,” manager Terry Francona said. “He’s gotten matched up against a lot of good pitchers in this league and he’s more than held his own. He’s given us a chance to win."

And win we should have, but we can't have 'em all. The Boston offense? Could have been better. Manny collected another pair of base hits, as did Pedroia. But the Minnesota bullpen, namely Guerrier, Crain, Neshek and Nathan held the Sox scoreless. That was the key.
But today is another day. With a victory the Sox could head to Toronto and a Monday day off with a record of 20-10. How sweet would that be? And it's good against evil today as Curt Schilling goes against that punk (and I mean that!) Sydney Ponson. We usually batter this creep. Pulperize him. Let's hope today is no different. The 'pen is rested, Schill is ready and the bats will wake up. I just KNOW they will. 20-10 sounds too sweet!
I linked the Gordon Edes' Boston Globe article about the game and about the struggles of our lead-off man, Julio Lugo. He started out hot, but has since fizzled. And his role as one of our tablesetters, along with Youk, makes his situation troubling. How about Coco back in the lead off spot? He has been using his speed on the basepaths AND in centerfield and his growing confidence at the plate to get on base and make something happen. Such a move this soon? No, but it's something to think about. I would put Youk on that short "possible leadoff guy" list too, but clearly the speed of either Lugo or Coco is needed at the top. Youk is the perfect number 2. And the Boston Red Sox are a perfect number one....as in first place! That article is yours for the reading just by clicking on the title of this post. Enjoy your Sunday everyone, and as always, thank you for being here. I couldn't do it without you.