A Needlessly Close Boston Victory...Van Every Arrives To Shore Up Red Sox Outfield

John Lackey allowed the Baltimore Orioles to pound out 10 hits in his seven inning performance but only allowed three Bird runners to cross the plate. Boston dumped Baltimore by a score of 7-6. The bullpen, in the form of Ramirez, who's had a tough 2010 so far and Jonathon Papelbon, who makes NOTHING look easy, allowed the other three Oriole runs. Paps struck out the last two guys in the ninth to seal the deal. Ramirez came into the ninth with the Red Sox leading by a score of 7-3 but Papelbon had to get ready in a hurry, a BIG hurry, and he was shaky but got the job done...just. Here's Paps himself on his unexpected appearance...

"When they're not easy, I get to pitch," Papelbon said with a sly grin, "and I like to pitch. That's part of the mental side of things where you've got to stay focused and really stay focused at hand," Papelbon said. "It's something you always teeter-totter back in forth from: 'Am I going to get into this game, or am I not?' It's all about staying in the zone and trying to be ready to pitch whenever I'm called upon."

Well, he's right, it wasn't easy. Here's the Red Sox skipper, Terry "Tito" Francona talking about his closer, who will probably have the day off in today's series finale...

"His routine is good," Francona said. "You see him at the same time, the same place. He does a good job about that. We explained to him going into the ninth what the situations were, trying not to get him ready too quick. He's good about that."

Another nailbiter win. This routine will change soon but a win's a win. Period. Now I'm going to change the subject. Yesterday, Boston acquired the services of defensive outfield expert Jonathon Van Every from the Pittburgh Pirates. He will help fill in the holes until Ellsbury and Cameron (I hope) return. Here he is...

“It’s great to be back,’’ said Van Every. “I’m glad to be surprised every now and then.’’

Welcome, Jonathon. This afternoon Timmy Wakefield will make his last start (for the time being) against the Baltimore Orioles. I hope he'll go out with a bang and many goose eggs on the visitor's half of the scoreboard. Wouldn't that be nice for someone who NEVER quit the team he loves. That's Wakes! Have a great Sunday, click on this post's title for more Sox news and as always, BE WELL.