The Boston Red Sox offense came to life last night at Fenway Park as they scored 7 runs in a win over the hapless Baltimore Orioles. It was the 11th straight win at Fenway Park over the Orioles.
David Ortiz got things going in the bottom of the 1st with a 3-run homer and newcomer Adam LaRoche added a 2-run homer in his first game as a member of the local nine. He’s the first Red Sox player to homer in his debut since Dustin Mohr did it back in 2006.
Jon Lester once again showed why the Red Sox have faith in him as he was dealing last night. His curveball was devastating to lefties and he had some serious heat and movement with his fastball and cutter. It’s just a shame that he got off to a bad start otherwise he’d probably be in contention for the AL Cy Young award.
The question today remains where the eyes of Red Sox Nation will be. Will they be watching John Smoltz and the Red Sox trying to go for the sweep of the Orioles or will they be focused on the MLB Network or MLB.com to watch former local nine great Jim Rice to be inducted into the Hall of Fame this afternoon?
While I don’t have the MLB Network, I will be watching the stream of Rice’s induction and speech as well as the game. I can’t say I’ll be totally focused on the game when it’s Rice’s turn to speak as I’m interested to see what he says. He’s been very diplomatic about having to wait 15 years to get in.
No matter what happens in the game though, it will truly be a great day here in Red Sox Nation as we get to see one of our greats, Rice, inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. He becomes the third Red Sox left fielder to be inducted into the Hall of Fame after playing their entire career in a Red Sox uniform.
And don’t forget on Tuesday night, Rice will join other Red Sox legends on the right field facade when they retire his No. 14.
Lester, Sox offense overpower Orioles [Boston Globe]
Francona in search of a magic formula [Boston Globe]
Warm to his form [Boston Globe]
From the beginning, the opposite attracts [Boston Globe]
The big picture is that Rice earned his plaque [Boston Globe]
For Youkilis, some painful memories fuel a desire to help [Boston Globe]
Henderson takes some questions deep [Boston Globe]
Script, Please [Hit and Run With Dan Roche]
Ortiz, Lester Lead Red Sox [Hartford Courant]
Red Sox’s Youkilis Gets Day Off [Hartford Courant]
5 Things We Learned About The Red Sox This Week [Hartford Courant]
Hall Of Famer Rice Made Impression In Bristol [Hartford Courant]
Status as baseball immortal awaits Rice [RedSox.com]
Boston’s bullpen is back on track [RedSox.com]
Lester sparkles, Sox romp [Providence Journal]
The Wall’s a hit with Adam LaRoche [Providence Journal]
Ellsbury taking it from the top [Providence Journal]
Red Sox journal: Sox thrilled about Rice’s upcoming induction [Providence Journal]
Jim Rice made it to the Hall of Fame his way [Providence Journal]
Youkilis has to take his night off sitting down [Providence Journal]
To break out of hitting slump, Boston hitters needed to see familiar foes [Projo Sox Blog]
Yup, Adam LaRoche and Josh Beckett Should Get Along Just Fine [Surviving Grady]
Red Sox clip Orioles’ wings [Boston Herald]
Red Sox checklist down to one? [Boston Herald]
Kevin Youkilis sits, but no need to worry [Boston Herald]
As sweet as it gets [Boston Herald]
Big Papi makes powerful point [Boston Herald]
It’s put-up time for John Smoltz [Boston Herald]
Youk in an uncomfortable spot [Full Count]
For more slices of Boston Red Sox goodness, head over to the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, and Providence Journal websites.
And if you want to check out the enemy papers, head over to the Baltimore Sun and Annapolis Capital websites.
