The Boston Red Sox continued their winning ways on Nomar Garciaparra night at Fenway Park as John Lackey shut down his former team in the Los Angeles Angels 3-1.
Lackey was dominant as he allowed just two hits through seven innings. It was his fifth quality start in six outings as he improved to 3-1 in a Red Sox uniform. His three wins ties him with Clay Buchholz for the team lead.
He’s pretty much been the pitcher that we expected to get sans the Patriot’s Day outing he had. Once again, he worked quickly on the mound and when he did get in trouble last night, he slowed things down a little and was able to work himself out of the jam. The only run he allowed came on a mistake pitch to Brandon Wood who took it out of the park.
David Ortiz has been up and down this season. Just when it looks he might be out of his slump, he reverts back (0-for-4 Tuesday). But last night Big Papi rewarded Terry Francona’s patience with a solo home run that turned out to be the game-winning run. But what was even nicer about it was that he hit it the opposite way into the Green Monster seats.
If he continues to try go with the pitches like J.D. Drew has, Papi should continue to see his average rise and his home run production could be the benefit of that like Drew’s.
Daisuke Matsuzaka is on the mound tonight for the Red Sox and after his last outing who knows what we’ll get. He was strong for the first four innings his last time out but then imploded to give up six runs. Hopefully he can give the Red Sox a strong outing like he did in those four innings for a little longer and not blow up.
The Red Sox could certainly use that as they get ready to host the New York Yankees over the weekend.
We’ll be back later with the lineups, batter/pitcher matchups and afternoon links but for now enjoy the overnight links.
Things We Learned: Francona observes milestone with patience [Alex Speier – WEEI.com]
Memories cascade on Nomar’s night [Boston Globe]
Angels lacking something [Boston Globe]
For Beltre, confidence returning [Boston Globe]
Big Papi big hit on Nomar Night [Boston Herald]
Don’t count David Ortiz out [Boston Herald]
Nomar Garciaparra gives thanks to Red Sox Nation [Boston Herald]
John Lackey dazzles old team [Boston Herald]
Hot-hitting Adrian Beltre finally turns on power [Boston Herald]
Nomar Garciaparra’s Top Five [Boston Herald]
Sox beat Angels, 3-1, for third straight win [CSN New England]
Law’s take: Sox could end up releasing Ortiz [ESPN Boston]
Francona explains Ortiz decision [ESPN Boston]
Ortiz, Lackey fly right for the Red Sox [ESPN Boston]
First thoughts: Sox 3, Angels 1 [ESPN Boston]
New guys made a difference for Sox [Extra Bases]
Closing Time: Red Sox 3, Angels 1 [Full Count]
Red Sox rotation starting to roll [Full Count]
Terry Francona/John Lackey press conference [Full Count]
Scutaro expects to be fine after banging knee [Full Count]
A history of Terry Francona’s patience [Full Count]
Former Sox slugger Bay hits new low with Mets [Full Count]
Ortiz HRs vs Bad Pitching [Hit and Run with Dan Roche]
Nomar Garciaparra Night at Fenway Yet Another Chapter in Storied Career With Red Sox [NESN.com]
John Lackey Disposes of Angels in First Start Against Former Team [NESN.com]
Has Red Sox Offense Been Better Than Expected? [NESN.com]
Lackey’s in command against ex-teammates [Providence Journal]
Lackey: ‘Bard’s nasty. That’s all there is to it’ [Providence Journal]
Francona stands behind third-base coach Bogar [Providence Journal]
Beltre getting his power stroke back [Providence Journal]
Which way will Ortiz go? [Providence Journal]
Red Sox Journal: Hopefully, Nomar’s return is an omen [Providence Journal]
Papi showing signs of emerging from slump [RedSox.com]
Red-hot Drew sticks to basics [RedSox.com]
Nomar relishes his night at Fenway Park [RedSox.com]
Lackey overpowers former club [RedSox.com]
For more slices of Boston Red Sox goodness, head over to the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, ESPN Boston, NESN, Providence Journal and WEEI websites.
And if you must read the enemy paper, head over to the LA Times, LA Daily News and Orange County Register websites.
