Walkoff & Wakefield...Boston 3 Chicago 2

Big Papi David Ortiz saved the best for last. He clubbed his second tater of the game in walk-off fashion to propel the Boston Red Sox to a 3-2 victory at Fenway Park. Tim Wakefield came back from his injury and pounded and pounded the strike zone. He was able to go 7 strong innings, giving up a lone first inning run and scattering 6 hits, walking 1 and whiffing 3. Sox pitching coach John Farrell and manager Terry "Tito" Francona probably expected Wakes to go five but he did better than that. Here's John...

“I think it’s appropriate to say he can gush over this one all he wants,’’ Farrell declared. “I don’t know if there are enough words to say what he did tonight.’’

And Tito...

“I don’t know how he did it,’’ added Francona. “That was more than you could possibly expect.’’

How about the man himself, Timmah...

“I had better command than I did in Pawtucket, obviously, throwing a lot of strikes with a lot of movement,’’ said Wakefield.

He was so much fun to watch last night on NESN HD because he absolutely knew where the ball was dippingly and droppingly going to go. On a side note, Victor Martinez caught Wakes and used his first baseman's mitt. All in all, it was a great evening to be at Fenway park and I wish I had been there. It looks like Wakes is back and the same thing goes for Big Papi. Boston
has now won 7 of their last 9 games and with the Yankees win over the Rangers, they now have a 2 1/2 game lead in the wild card race.

In other Red Sox news, it looks like it's bye bye Brad as Penny will be let go to make room for reliever Billy Wagner. We might only have Wags for the balance of this 2009 season before he becomes a free agent or he might change his mind and stay with the club for 2010. No matter what, he and Papelbon should make a tremendous 8th and 9th inning combination. If Boston has a lead after 7 full, they'll win most of those games. As Paul said long ago, Let It Be.

Tonight, the Red Sox will go for the four game sweet sweep as Tazawa will face Danks. Gametime will be at 7:10pm EDT. Oh, I forgot to mention this. Last night's emotional ceremony and video tribute to Teddy Kennedy made me shed a few tears. The last of the brothers, four of them, all gone. Joe, John, Bobby and Teddy...wow.

Have a great Thursday, click on the title for more on the latest Red Sox victory Boston Herald style and as always, BE WELL. Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the "blue nowhere."