RS v.s Angels 4/13/07

AP Photo by Winslow Townson
Last night's game was so satisfying on so many levels. I'm so glad that Wake finally got some run support - the Red Sox exploded for 6 runs in the 8th, sealing the victory. I always feel so frustrated for Tim - he's such a good reliable pitcher, always willing to do whatever has to be done for his team. Who can forget his long walk off the mound after Aaron F*(&(*&ing Boone hit that home run in 2003 - or even better, him standing on the mound in 2004, enjoying the World Series victory?

Also of note last night was the re-awakening of Doug Mirabelli's bat. We all know the story of the BFFs - Doug and Wake. After Doug got traded to the Padres last year, his heart clearly still was in Boston. And Wake couldn't find another catcher who could corral that knuckleball. I'm still convinced Doug's return was orchestrated by Wake. Just put it to the Front Office that he wanted Doug back... And he's made some comments recently that leads you to believe that if Doug goes, Wake will retire.

So it was really great to see Doug have an outstanding game at the plate. A home run, three RBIs. It was like he said, hey, if no one is going to give my BFF any run support, I will. And they were both so cute in their post-game interviews - praising their bud's performance.

And speaking of BFFs, somehow the sight of Julian Tavarez and his new best friend, Daisuke Matsuzaka, fills me with both glee and fear. There were lots of shots of them in the dugout last night - Julian animatedly telling him some story and laughing crazily. As Don Orsillo said, do you think Matsuzaka actually understands anything Tavarez is saying? Remy: Not a word! In a game last week, there was a great shot of Tavarez standing with Matsu, with a Japanese phrase book clutched in his hand. Who could have predicted that crazy Julian would be taking Millar's place as class clown?

Also satisfying last night was Papelbon's appearance in the 8th. Once again bailing out the team, pitching out of a jam in the RS 8th. 6 pitches, two outs. He is awesome!

And it was great to see the offense come to life in the 8th. Just yesterday I had been telling someone that I didn't see our offense doing what they did in 2004 so often - come on strong at the end of the game. How many times in the past years have we seen the bats come to life in the 8th or 9th, saving or winning a game? I hadn't seen signs of this yet this year - until last night.

How to celebrate the victory? How about with a glass of....
I simply MUST have a few bottles of this!

And - warning - gratuitous shot of Mike Lowell in action....

AP Photo by Winslow Townson