...I know. Too easy.
The Starter:
Well? What can I say? Curt was okay through the first 5, and then the wheels just fell off the wagon. Of course, he said as much himself.
The 'Pen:
Did what it needed to and more. Javier Lopez came in in a tough situation, and did well to come out of it only allowing one inherited runner to score. Brendan Donnelly got into trouble, hitting a batter and also allowing a walk. However, Okajima was able to pick him up, get out of the jam, and also pitch a scoreless 8th. (Rumor has it that he also personally saved three puppies before he headed out to the 'pen, as well as making balloon animals for the kids at Fenway.) Papelbon came in to get some work, and looked pretty good as well. His velocity stayed around 94, and most people seemed to feel that he wasn't dialing it up on purpose.
The Lineup:
DP and Coco were the only regulars without hits, and they were both still able to contribute to the scoring. Julio Lugo had 4 H, 1 2B, a SB and an RBI. He was also picked off at first base. Youks was 2 for 5 with a walk and 2 RBIs. Big Papi reached base three times and scored all three times. Even J.D. Drew got in on the action, knocking in a run, scoring 2, and walking once. Alex Cora pinch-hit for DP and it paid off, with a two-run single with two outs in the 7th inning.
The Field:
AC and Lugo combined on a 4-6-3 DP to help bail out Okajima in the 8th, a tough play by definition with Corey Patterson running down the 1B line.
I'm going to give it to Javier Lopez. Came in with the bases loaded and one out, and escaped without letting the Orioles take the lead.
After Youks singled in a run to put the Sox back on top, Donnelly tried to give it back, hitting a batter and allowing a hit while recording no outs, earning him the Mendoza for last night.