After a rough series with the Yankees when the Sox could only pull out a victory in one of the three games, the Sox come back and sweep the Texas Rangers in dominating fashion.
The Starters:
D. Matsuzaka: W, 5.0 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 3 BB, 6 K
The first four innings were strong for Dice-K, but the fifth inning sparked problems after stomach sickness. He gave up five runs in the fifth but was still able to earn the win.T. Wakefield: W, 7.0 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 4 K
Wakefield was strong despite late run support. The Sox scored their first two runs in the fourth and then five runs in the sixth. Wakefield sits comfortably with a 3.36 ERA after the game.J. Tavarez: ND, 5.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 6 SO
Tavarez continues to put out decent performances for the Sox. Tavarez was able to keep the Sox in the game and that's all they're really asking from him at this point._
The Pen:
Jonathan Papelbon pitched two innings in the series, earning one save. He struck out two and allowed one hit in two innings of work. Hideki Okajima also earned a save in the final game of the series, but it wasn't perfect as he allowed two hits and a run. Joel Pineiro earned the win after an impressive relief outing in the final game. Pineiro went 1.2 IP, allowed no hits and struck out three.
The Lineup:
Manny Ramirez went 4-for-4 with a run, an RBI and a walk in Saturday's game. Jason Varitek had a three-run home run in Sunday's finale. Dustin Pedroia also had a solo home run in the 9th of Sunday's game in a 12-pitch at-bat against Eric Gagne. Julio Lugo stole two bases in Friday's game.
For the series: Jason Varitek.
Varitek had 5 RBIs over the course of the series.
For the series: No one deserves the award with consideration of all three games.