A Good, Not Great, Game

The Red Sox won last night 11-5 against the Kansas City Royals. This ended their nightmare 5-game skid, gave some confidence to a team that seems to be lacking, and rejuvenated a worn down fan-base.

Will Middlebrooks was again the star. He hit a 3-run home run in the 1st inning out past right field, a double to center in the 7th inning, and a two-run home run off the left field foul pole in the 8th inning, combining for 5 RBIs. It’s hard to think that Sunday morning, Middlebrooks had 0 home runs in the Majors. He now has 3. Just for reference, Adrian Gonzalez and Kevin Youkilis have 2.

In his four games in the Majors, Middlebrooks is 8 for 21 (.381) with 3 doubles, 3 home runs, and 9 RBIs. Youkilis, who Middlebrooks is replacing at 3rd base, was 14 for 64 (.219) with 2 double, 2 home runs, and 9 RBIs. Granted, Middlebrooks has only played in four games, but he’s made a big difference in those four games. In fact, his 9 RBIs in his first four games ties an MLB-record.

The rest of the offense also did pretty well; all of the starters had at least one hit. Pedroia went 2 for 3 with a home run, double, 2 RBIs, and 3 walks. (Ryan Sweeney’s cousin caught Pedroia’s home run ball.) Ortiz had another big night, going 3 for 4 with a home run, 1 RBI, and 3 walks- 2 of his walks were intentional. Kelly Shoppach hit a triple. Yes, that is not a mis-type; he hit a triple. So far this year, Kelly Shoppach has his first Major-league steal and triple. Unbelievable!

Doubront didn’t do terrible either. He went into the 7th inning, which was much needed after Sunday’s marathon game. He game up 5 runs, 4 earned, 7 hits, 3 walks, while striking out 2 and giving up 0 home runs. Vincente Padilla came in with one out in the 7th and pitched the rest of the game, not giving up a run.

It’s only one win, but it was a much needed win. It was around this point last year that the Red Sox started to get hot, and I’m hoping it’ll happen this year as well. They are currently 12-16, 6.5 games out of first, and in last place in the AL East.