Smoltz Sharp & Bard Stops The Bleeding...Boston 15 KC 9

It wasn't easy, not the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Kansas City Royals. Once ahead by a lopsided score of 9-1, three relievers combined to give up seven runs to those light-hitting Royals. But Daniel Bard, who has a remarkable run of retiring twenty two consecutive batters and not allowing a single base runner in 6 1/3 innings, literally saved the day. They now lead the AL East by two full games after the pinstripers blew another one. Good for them (ha-ha). Boston extended their slim lead by scoring three runs in both the eighth and ninth innings, perserving the first win in a Red Sox uniform for John Smoltz. Smoltzie was able to go five innings and allowed only four hits and one run. He whiffed seven and walked one. If THIS is the Smoltz we'll see in the second half, we're in good shape. HOWEVER, the bullpen has been in a "slump," but I know the All Star break will bring them back to life. I really do. Jason Bay summed up Boston's recent outings...

“We haven’t played our best, and here we are with a decent record,’’ Bay said. “It hasn’t been easy in a lot of games, but we’re still winning them.’’

You know, he's exactly right. John Smoltz talked a little about Daniel Bard...

“I think the last five outings have been as good as anybody can be,’’ Smoltz said. “What he did today to a couple batters was really unfair. All they could do was walk back to the dugout and say I got beat on three great pitches.’

Thank you Daniel Bard. We'll be seeing you soon and for many seasons to come. This afternoon at Fenway Park, in what will be a sunny and delightful day, the Royals and the Sox tangle once again, with Boston trying to end the first half of the season with yet another series victory. It'll be Bruce Chen ready to face our ace, Josh Beckett.

Enjoy your Sunday on what promises to be a beautiful day here in Southern New England as everybody awaits the much anticipated arrival of native Connecticut corn and luscious tomatoes. YUM! The corn should be pickable this coming week and tomatoes arrive by mid-August.

Don't forget, you can click on this post's title for more Sox stuff and as always, BE WELL. See you soon. I'd love to read and respond to some of your comments. Thanks.