The Toronto Blue Jays came to Fenway Park with a 3.5 game lead over the Boston Red Sox and after a beauty of a game by Tim Wakefield, left with a 2.5 game lead.
Wakefield’s knuckleball could have with won “Dancing With the Stars” last night. It was just downright nasty as it fluttered all over the place. His outing was just what the Red Sox needed last night. Simply put, Wakefield has been the ace of the staff so far this season.
After getting the weekend off, David Ortiz returned to the lineup and in his customary #3 spot in the lineup. This may have been a mistake as the only time he reached base on a walk. It may be time to move him down in the lineup so there isn’t as much pressure on him.
Fc posed a great question last night. Should the crowd be behind him? My answer to this is yes, they should. Big Papi has said he has some personal issues going on that are definitely affecting him on the diamond right now and the best thing the fans can do is continue to support him. He will come around, it’s only a matter of time.
But for now since he’s not producing at the plate, a move down in the lineup is the best thing for him in my opinion.
The Red Sox will welcome back Kevin Youkilis from the disabled list tonight. To make room for him on the 25-man roster, Gil Velazquez was optioned back to Pawtucket.
Wakefield, Sox draw first blood [Boston Globe]
Blue Jays silenced by Tim Wakefield [Boston Herald]
Wakefield Stops Blue Jays [Hartford Courant]
Wakefield’s eight strong innings pace Boston to victory [Providence Journal]
No. 1 problem is in No. 3 spot [Boston Globe]
Injury trips up Jed Lowrie [Boston Herald]
Lowell Uses Smarts In Two-Run Second Inning [Hartford Courant]
Ortiz’s struggles continue with an 0-for-3, 2-strikeout performance [Providence Journal]
Tip is all that’s left [Boston Globe]
Kevin Youkilis, Dice-K ready to return [Boston Herald]
Youkilis, Matsuzaka cleared to return [Providence Journal]
Youkilis is ready to swing into action tonight [Boston Globe]
Buchholz is adding maturity to his repertoire [Providence Journal]
Red Sox hope Francona’s patience pays off once more [Rob Bradford – WEEI.com]
Save opportunity [Boston Globe]
Five Things We Learned: The Real Impact Player Returns on Wednesday [Alex Speier – WEEI.com]
Sox deal with another East contender [RedSox.com]
For more slices of Boston Red Sox goodness, head over to the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, and Providence Journal websites.
And if the enemy papers are more your flavor, you can head over to the Toronto Star and Toronto Sun websites.
