Boston 8 Baltimore 6...BOSTON HITS ALL STAR BREAK IN FIRST

The Boston Red Sox staked themselves to a 2-0 early lead only to see the Baltimore Orioles score six big ones in the top of the second off rookie Kyle Weiland. It was all Red Sox from there as they scored four in the third to tie it. Weiland went four labored innings (except for a 1-2-3 first) and thankfully gave way to the Boston bullpen, which was effective yet again. Tito Francona has a great 'pen that he controls and controls well. Aceves, Bard and Papelbon combined for five scoreless innings with Aceves earning the victory and Paps his 20th save. Boston is now 20 games over .500. They've won 11 of their last 12 games and are in first place by a full game in the AL East. Here's Boston manager Terry "Tito" Francona on his team's rough start...

“It was a very difficult start, there’s no getting around that. I think we needed to regroup and all the things we talked about, paying attention to detail, be patient enough to believe in ourselves, because it’s not easy. We were taking some pretty good shots, and we probably deserved them. But there were some things that were being written or said that I don’t think I believed.
I think we went out and proved that we can be a good team. We’re not done yet. Not even close. But we’re playing better baseball.’’

You sure are, Tito. I'm sure there are some Boston players who'd rather continue with the 2011 season right now rather than take a four day break. Because of a scheduled off day Thursday, they don't play again until Friday. That will give more time for the injured players to play without missing anything. Beckett has been cleared to play and probably will Tuesday. Lester is getting closer and so is Buchholz. Until we get that threesome back, the Sox can't play up to their potential but they've been doing darn well so far without 'em. I hope you enjoy tomorrow night's tilt.

We'll next see the Boston Red Sox together on the field Friday night when they play the Tampa Bay Rays. The pitchers have not been announced and won't be until after the All Star game. If you'd like, click on this post's title for all the video highlights from yesterday and as always, BE WELL.