I was seriously debating not watching yesterday's final game against the Yankees. Not because I didn't want to see my Sox play, but because I couldn't bare another loss at the Fens. Especially against the Yankees. I had hope (what Red Sox fan doesn't) but after Friday and Saturday's games, that hope was dim. I never thought we'd lose two in a row at home, not when they're 37-13. I mean, when the Sox play at home it's a guarantee, right? Wrong. And that's what Friday and Saturday were.
But I'm not here to talk about the first two games of the series, I'm here to talk about the last. The question is, what to talk about first.
Should I talk about Papi's homer to right field that not only gave the Sox a healthy 7-0 lead but officially announced the designated hitter's return to his home base? Or should I talk about Ellsbury's three hits which gave him his first multi-hit game since July 9th? What about the fact that Pedroia can't seem to get through a game these days without getting a hit? Or the fact that in the middle of the press maelstrom that is Manny Ramirez, he still managed to get two doubles and two RBI's?
There's just too much. It was all a wonderful spectacle. But I will say watching our DH hit the long ball after being out for almost 8 weeks was the most awesome. And while the the Fenway Faithful were thrilled by his show of strength, no one was happier with the outcome than Ortiz himself. All that time on the DL and the slow recovery at Pawtucket paid off. Our Big Papi is back!
As for Ellsbury, he broke out of his slump with avengence. He may have been hitting from the number nine spot, but it didn't bother him. As a matter of fact, hitting at the bottom of the order may have helped him because it took the pressure off. Youkilis once said he'd be happy to hit anywhere in the lineup as long as he never has to hit lead off again. There's just too much pressure. Well, if there's too much pressure for someone who's been playing with the Sox for four and a half seasons, imagine what the pressure must be like for a rookie. The good news is, Ellsbury doesn't mind batting 9th and it shows. He got three hits, one of which landed him on 2nd. Hopefully that slump is in the past and those stolen bases he's known for will soon follow.
Tonight that Los Angeles team that swept the Sox in their hometown faces my beloved team in the first game of a three game series. But this time they'll be on Red Sox turf. And with the heart of the order back together (and hitting), here's hoping the Sox can give those leaders of the American League West a taste of their own medicine.
But I'm not here to talk about the first two games of the series, I'm here to talk about the last. The question is, what to talk about first.
Should I talk about Papi's homer to right field that not only gave the Sox a healthy 7-0 lead but officially announced the designated hitter's return to his home base? Or should I talk about Ellsbury's three hits which gave him his first multi-hit game since July 9th? What about the fact that Pedroia can't seem to get through a game these days without getting a hit? Or the fact that in the middle of the press maelstrom that is Manny Ramirez, he still managed to get two doubles and two RBI's?
There's just too much. It was all a wonderful spectacle. But I will say watching our DH hit the long ball after being out for almost 8 weeks was the most awesome. And while the the Fenway Faithful were thrilled by his show of strength, no one was happier with the outcome than Ortiz himself. All that time on the DL and the slow recovery at Pawtucket paid off. Our Big Papi is back!
As for Ellsbury, he broke out of his slump with avengence. He may have been hitting from the number nine spot, but it didn't bother him. As a matter of fact, hitting at the bottom of the order may have helped him because it took the pressure off. Youkilis once said he'd be happy to hit anywhere in the lineup as long as he never has to hit lead off again. There's just too much pressure. Well, if there's too much pressure for someone who's been playing with the Sox for four and a half seasons, imagine what the pressure must be like for a rookie. The good news is, Ellsbury doesn't mind batting 9th and it shows. He got three hits, one of which landed him on 2nd. Hopefully that slump is in the past and those stolen bases he's known for will soon follow.
Tonight that Los Angeles team that swept the Sox in their hometown faces my beloved team in the first game of a three game series. But this time they'll be on Red Sox turf. And with the heart of the order back together (and hitting), here's hoping the Sox can give those leaders of the American League West a taste of their own medicine.
Keywords: Boston Red Sox, Ellsbury, Manny Ramirez, Ortiz, Pedroia
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