Sox and Angels Both Get Wins Despite Some Anxiety

I tried writing this before yesterday's game but had some computer troubles. I'm going to do my best to combine both games. Let's start off by saying that I know I'm not the only fan who knows the Angels deserved a win Friday night.

Before the game started, there was an emotional pregame ceremony in honor of Nick Adenhart, who passed away early Thursday morning. Only 22 years of age, Adhenhart pitched in what would be his final game last Wednesday - 6 scoreless innings. Friday night, his number 34 could be seen on the pitchers mound. Needless to say it was a very emotional evening for Jered Weaver.

At the same time, could any of us Sox fans really tell that he was having an emotional evening? Not with the way he was pitching. Weaver made it through 6.2 innings, only allowing 1 run (4 H, 2 BB, 8 K).

Wakefield, on the other hand, didn't get off so easy (6 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 5 BB, 4 K). However he was extremely fortunate to be let off the hook having only given up three runs. It was the second inning when Wake gave up all three of them. He may have given up more if Guerrero hadn't hit into an inning ending double play. Then in the fifth the Angels threatened again by loading the bases - yet Wakefield still managed to record three outs without a single run crossing the plate.

Although the Sox offense wasn't anything to scream about, Youkilis has been anything but quiet thus far. He started what could have been a threat in the 8th, driving in a pair, but was then found himself stranded.

I wasn't happy with how the game played out Friday night. But I have to say I'm pleased that the Angeles got a W for the first time back on the field since losing a teamate and a friend.

Yesterday, however, was another story.

It's bad enough watching the Red Sox lose. It's even worse when you're getting updates from a slow computer. Because when it finally does refresh - the Sox are down another run. Thanks to a couple text messages, I found out that both Lowell had tied up the game, and later that Bay had given the Sox the lead.

What I didn't hear much about was Ramon Ramirez. I've said it once already and I'll say it again: I'm so happy this guy is here. He went another 1.2 innings yesterday and only allowed one hit while also recording a strikeout. But of course, he wasn't the big bullpen story of the afternoon.

I'm fairly confident Red Sox fans and Angel fans alike were suffering some form of anxiety in the 9th inning when Papelbon, after already surrendering a homer, loaded the bases - not to mention throwing ten pitches to the final batter Kendrick. That was some at bat that us Sox fans can chuckle about now. If the last out wasn't recorded, however...I wouldn't be laughing. And I don't care how many chocolate eggs you give me.

But because we did win, I can't wait to have a chocolate egg.

Happy Easter, RSN. Keep the Faith.