A Bottom Of The Ninth Win For Boston 2-1

Hello on this warmish Thursday morning, once again dark. The Boston Red Sox defeated the Baltimore Orioles by a score of 2-1 on Wednesday and the tone was set from the starting pitcher, Clay Buchholz and the automatic "no runs" fifth inning from reliever Bobby Jenks. Buchholz went the first four, allowing zero runs on four hits while whiffing three. Bobby Jenks had what should be considered a perfect fifth, with no hits wrapped around two strikeouts. You have no idea how good Jenks will be for our 'pen. Reliever-to-be Scott Atchison took care of the six and the seventh frames unscathed, almost untouched. See more on Scott a little later. Here's Boston manager Terry "Tito" Francona on Clay Buchholz...

"It was nice to see him pitch well but also pitch out of the stretch and pitch with some runners on base and continue to make his quality pitches. I thought he looked terrific.

Francona also had high praise for Scott Atchison, who threw two perfect innings. Here's Tito one more time with some of his highest praise yet. I would tend to think Scott Atchison has already made the bullpen. I certainly hope so. The Red Sox 'pen might be one of the most improved units in all of major league baseball. From front grille to back bumper, WOW. Here's Tito on Atchison...

"He had two beautiful innings. He just throws strikes. He uses all his pitches. He takes the sting out of the bat. He goes out there and pounds the strike zone, works quick, lets his defense catch the ball and gets off the field. Young pitchers should watch him. He doesn't blow you away with his stuff. But he hits his spots, he throws strikes, he works quick. He does everything you're supposed to."

JUST THROW STRIKES and don't let them hit 'em. I like Scott's style and look forward to seeing much more from him in 2011. I'm also brimming with confidence. All of Red Sox Nation should be, too. We have a team we're going to be proud of for a long, long time.

That's it for today. I'll have an update or two posted later after I get home from the dentist. Click on this post's title for more on the Wednesday action and as always, BE WELL. Thanks.