Angels vs Red Sox (4/13-4/16)

Game 1: In a game that figured to be tough, the Red Sox won in grand fashion on Friday night against John Lackey and the Angels. Lackey, a potential Cy Young canidate, had been on fire in his first 2 starts of the young season. Fortunately, the Red Sox were able to cool him off as they scored 3 runs on him and continued to tack on to the lead once the Angels bullpen took over.

Tim Wakefield turned in his 2nd consecutive solid start for the Red Sox, and this time the Red Sox offense was able to give him some run support. Wakefield pitched 7+ innings and allowed 1 run. David Ortiz and Mike Lowell each had 3 RBIs on the night. The Sox won by the score of 10-1 and the win moves them to 5-4 on the season.

Game 2: Curt Schilling pitched a gem for the second straight time and this time, Terry Francona didn't even get a chance to blow it. Schililng pitched 8 scoreles frames and struck out 4 while the Red Sox offense put together 8 runs. David Ortiz had his 3rd homerun of the season (a 3-run shot to put the game way out of reach). Eric Hinske also did a good job filling in for Kevin Youkilis and has reached base 8 times in 9 plate appearances. The win moves the Red Sox into 1st place in the AL East with a 6-4 record.

Note: The Red Sox have allowed a total of 25 runs in their first 10 games (2.5 runs per game). The team has only given up more than three runs on two seperate occasions so far, yet they have lost 4 games.

Also, remember this name: Devern Hansack. Hansack has struck out 20 batters in just over 10 innings in AAA. Hansack's ERA at this point in time is 0.84. If Julian Tavarez continues to struggle, Hansack could take his spot in the rotation. It is also possible that Hansack may be called up very soon to pitch in the bullpen. No matter what role the Red Sox need him to fill, Hansack should be called up. He deserves the opportunity and he could really help the team.

Game 3: Josh Beckett was supposed to take the mound and be opposed by Ervin Santana, however the game was rained out and will have to be made up at a later date.

Game 4: It's starting to look like Josh Beckett may have overcome his woes from last year. Beckett turned in his third straight gem and the Red Sox offense gave him the run support he needed once again. Beckett moved to 3-0 in his first three starts. He went 6 innings and allowed 1 run (homerun to Orlando Cabrera in the 1st inning) while striking out 5.

The Red Sox offense broke out in the bottom of the 1st inning with 6 runs. David Ortiz would add on a 7th run in the 4th inning with a solo blast to center field. Hideki Okajima (2 strikeouts) and JC Romero pitched scoreless innings of relief. Kyle Snyder allowed a run in the final frame to make it 7-2 in favor of the Red Sox. The Red Sox move to 7-4 with the win and remain in 1st place in the AL East.

On Deck: The Red Sox now travel to Toronto for a 3-game set. Daisuke Matsuzaka and Gustavo Chacin will take the mound in the opener. Toronto has recently been bit by the injury bug losing BJ Ryan (up to 6 weeks), Reed Johnson (likely out until July), and Troy Glaus (heel).