Slugfest: Boston Red Sox

Red Sox - 14
Indians - 9
Final

What a way to bounce back from last night's heartbreaking shutout. The Sox came out tonight and scored 14 runs. The pitching wasn't that great though. Gabbard was goin strong for a while but they left him in too long. And Julian Tavarez letting up a grand slam definitely didn't help. But it was a great night for a few players, including Manny Ramirez and Wily Mo Pena. Manny finished with 2 home runs and 4 RBI's. Wily Mo had a great night, going 4 for 5 with a home run and 4 RBI. I'm wondering if this breakout was because of all the trade rumors, lighting a fire under Wily Mo or just one good night from him. I'd love to see him get going hitting and stay with the team, being that big bat we need. Mike Lowell also had a good game going 3 for 5 and knocking in 2. I was impressed with the way the team played offensively but the pitching could have been much much better. I was actually scared the Indians were going to comeback and win after being down 9-1. The Sox with a 14-9 win took the game and the series 3 out of the 4 games. And Frank Robinson, the legend pitched the first pitch just in case you were interested. The Sox will travel to Tampa Bay for 3-game set and then will briefly be back home on the 29th to take on Baltimore.

Box Score

The Yankees were shutout by the young, up and coming Royals 7-0. Igawa once again pitched terribly. Overpaid and overhyped? The AL East lead is back to 7.5 games where it belongs and the Red Sox are hoping for it to stay around there if the Yanks are gonna continue to stay hot. Alex Rodriguez remained at 499 home runs in his effort to become the 22nd member of the 500-home run club. The two powerhouses meet again in late August at Yankee Stadium.

Trade Rumors Update
Jul 26 - There continue to be rumblings in Boston that the Red Sox are still interested in Todd Helton, the Denver Post reports. But Helton, who has a no-trade clause in his contract, said during the offseason that he probably would reject any midseason trade. With the Rockies still in the hunt in the NL West, a Helton deal seems highly unlikely.

Source: ESPN Insider