Three Game Sweep, Three Game Lead

It was almost a perfect weekend. The Red Sox did exactly what they were supposed to do, and even got some help from an unlikely source.

I know. It was the Mariners. When a team hasn’t won in forever, you can’t feel too good about beating them. But, the Sox didn’t make the schedule. So, the only thing they can do when a weakling show up is beat them. And, that’s exactly what they did. They toyed with the Mariners. They even let a game be close before running away with it. They took down their two aces. Took them down in flames. It was pretty remarkable. Even more exciting was the Yankees loss to the A’s this weekend. Always good to be able to pick up a game when the Yanks are playing an easier foe.

Of course, all that good feeling can run away in a hurry tonight. This game is huge on many levels. You don’t need me to tell you that. Jon Lester comes back in an impossible situation. The Sox are hosting the Kansas City Royals. It’s his first action in a couple weeks. One could imagine he’d be rusty. But, facing the Royals he’ll be expected to dominate. What happens if he’s not sharp? What if he gives up four runs in six innings on the way to a win? Will it be OK because he was rusty, or not OK because he should have dominated the Royals? It will be an interesting game to watch. Especially this close to the trading deadline. If he struggles, does Theo move towards getting a pitcher? It could be a complicated week for the Sox.

I would be remiss if I didn’t congratulate Tim Wakefield on the 2000^th strikeout of his Red Sox career. That’s quite an accomplishment. In fact, it’s been accomplished only one other time, by that other guy. He also grabbed his 199^th career victory. It would be wonderful if he could pick up number 200 this week at home. It would be a special moment to share with the Fenway fans.

But first, the Sox need to wrap up tonight’s little big game.