Ramirez: Early and Often

Manny continued to dominated the line up and once again changed the whole complexion of the game in early innings. Saturday night he hit a three run homer in the first inning, the Sox never lost that lead. Although that is slightly misleading the final score of the night was 10-7. The Red Sox scored in every inning except the 4th 8th and 9th. When it was all said and done Manny put five of the ten runs on the board.

"Manny had a quiet spell and it looks like he's heating up," Boston manager Terry Francona said.

This game marked the first time this season that the Red Sox have won three straight road series. Who needs Nomar? Kidding, but the team is definitely playing with a spark that did not exist prior to the trade. Chalk it up to one of those times when the same crappy team goes on a 10-0 run after their crappy manager is replaced with an even crappier one. Ramirez offered his theory on the matter:

"We just go out and have fun," he said. "Everybody's swinging and pitching well right now."

Bronson Arroyo (6-9) got the win for a change. However it was not the normal Arroyo start, tonight the Red Sox actually scored some runs but Arroyo gave up 5 runs himself.

"I felt bad from the get-go," Arroyo said. "It was just one of those days. Luckily the guys scored a ton of runs."

Mike Timlin and Terry Adams each allowed a run before Keith Foulke struck out two in a scoreless ninth for his 21st save in 26 chances.

It was Esteban Loaiza bobblehead day, a promotion the White Sox scheduled before trading their two-time All-Star pitcher to the Yankees on July 31 for Jose Contreras.


Box Score