Lackey Shines (!) In Boston Victory..Red Sox 4 O's 0

John Lackey came up like aces Saturday afternoon at Fenway Park. It was a beautiful day and Lackey, wobbles and all, kept the visiting team off the scoreboard for 6 2/3 innings. He left with two outs in the seventh inning and Red Sox manager Tito Francona summoned the best set up guy in baseball, statistically wise, Daniel Bard, who should be on the 2011 All Star team. He blanked the Birds for 1.1 innings and Jonathon Papelbon finished it off. How good was Lackey and was he deserving of the "Standing O" the Fenway Faithful gave him when he walked off the field? Let's hear from Lackey's catcher, Jarrod Saltalamacchia...

“Yeah, I think he’s had it rough, definitely a rough year. But to his credit, he keeps coming out there and pounding. He never complains and never says anything. He just goes out there and lets the chips fall. I’m glad he was able to go out there tonight and pitch like he knows he can.’

Here's the man of the day himself, John Lackey...

“I guess I was locating a little bit better, but, honestly, not a whole lot. The velocity felt about the same. I told you my arm felt pretty good the other day, so hopefully, I’ll keep it going.’’

Everyone of us in Red Sox Nation hopes you come all the way back because boy, do we need you! Even that is a severe understatement. But let's concentrate on today's tilt, which begins at 1:35pm EDT. Atkins will face Boston's Weiland. Both pitcher's 2011 records stand at 0-0. I'd love to see another win which would make this a series sweep.

Congrats go out to Kevin Youkilis, who has been selected to take the place of Alex Rodruiguez on the 2011 All Star team. Good for him! More congratulations have to be showered on Derek Jeter, who recorded his 3,000th base hit yesterday. That's a first for any Yankee. I'm not particularly fond of the guy but my goodness, HE WENT 5-5!!

Have a great Sunday, click on this post's title for game highlights and more from last night and as always, BE WELL. See you soon.