Eliminating Baltimore

Another weekend, another example of just how dominant the Red Sox are this year. Last Monday we could talk about the Red Sox sweeping away the Yankees. Laying waste to the team that was closest to them in the division. Today, we have the opposite example. This weekend the Red Sox swept the Orioles, officially eliminating them for the competition for the division title. Second place. Last place. They all seem to fall to the Red Sox buzz saw.

I’m guessing it’s not a record or anything. But, being eliminated in mid-August is pretty crazy. It speaks to not only how amazing the Red Sox season has been thus far, but also how poorly the Orioles have played. (Although, they seem to play well against the Yankees.)

Once again, the Red Sox needed all their talents to win the four games. They got good pitching when they needed it. They got key hits when they needed it. They just bludgeoned the other team when they needed it. It’s just so much fun to watch.

Next up for the Sox is a struggling Phillies team that just fell into a tie for first place in the division. It’s the start of a stretch where for three series they face winning ball clubs, including two teams currently in first place. This has, of course, been the newest “test’ placed before the Red Sox. Sure, they’ve passed every other test with flying colors. But two games in Philly and then four games hosting Cleveland is the new measuring stick. After all, Cleveland is the only team with a larger division lead than the Sox…even though the Red Sox are what, 17.5 games ahead of them at the moment? (It’s just silly) I can only assume that once the Sox show they can beat those two team, the games against Houston will become the measuring stick for the Sox. Which brings up a question.

At what point is a team what it is? After 120 games, can't we just decide that the team is good? Really good? Even if they lose the series against Cleveland? Or get swept by the Phillies? Aren't they still a really good team? The Red Sox are in first place, but other teams don't pack it in when the Red Sox beat them, right? 

So how about we enjoy the best regular season in memory without worrying about what might happen sometime later?

Just have some fun!

Katie Carlson Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Katie Carlson is a twirler, a Red Sox fan, and the current Miss Exeter. Just after winning her crown, she

agreed to discuss those topics with us, and a few more. I’m sure you’ll be glad she did!

So, let’s see what happens when Katie Carlson visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Exeter crown?

It's funny, I really enjoy being busy, so I agreed to perform in my baton team's summer show the next day. So I went to a little get together after I was crowned and then went home to sleep so that I could perform to the best of my ability the next morning at the Red Star Show! I had a lot of fun being able to perform my talent routine again! 

You recently competed for the Miss Pennsylvania crown. How do you think your multi-state experience will help you at Miss New Hampshire?

I actually started competing in the Miss America Organization in New Hampshire. I competed for Miss New Hampshire's Outstanding Teen and placed top 5, I then competed in Miss New Hampshire twice as Miss Seacoast and Miss Greater Plaistow before taking a year off and then competing in Pennsylvania. I have enjoyed being a part of both organizations tremendously! I think that seeing how other state organizations work is always beneficial because there is always room to grow. I am so excited to be back in New Hampshire, competing to represent the state that I call home! 

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Exeter?

I have many goals I’d like to accomplish as Miss Exeter. My

biggest goal is to know that I have helped change someone else's life. Whether that is through community service or working with my platform, I am here to be a role model and to help others live positive lives so they can be role models as well. (one of my biggest life goals is to see the statute of limitations in child sexual abuse cases eliminated. I plan to work toward that goal as Miss Exeter!).

What is your personal fitness routine?

I have always loved working out! I never really took to eating healthy until college, but since then I have learned a tremendous

amount about my health and the goals I strive to reach. I work at Orangetheory Fitness, so being healthy and working out is a part of my life every day. I take Orangetheory Fitness classes almost daily, but outside of that just getting in around 30 minutes of exercise a day is very important to me. What I have found to be extremely important for me is how I fuel my body. I have a meal plan that I follow pretty much every day (everyone needs a cheat day every once in a while!). The journey I have been on with my health and fitness has not been easy, but I'm so happy to be at a place where I feel healthy and confident in my own skin! I just recently started a lifestyle blog to document my best pieces of advice, favorite workouts, and daily motivations! I hope you will all joking my journey by following @katieelizabethcarlson on Instagram and visiting www.katiefueledbycoffee.wordpress.com! 

How did you select your platform, “Child Sexual Abuse – Protecting the Innocent”?

At the age of 11, I walked down the stairs of my family's vacation

cottage and told my family that my brother had been sexually abusing me for years. It was those three long and painful years that shaped me into the woman I am today. I have dealt with setbacks and struggles for a majority of my life because of the sexual abuse, but I never let that stop me. I used it as my motivation to prove that I could and would be better, I would not let what happened to me define my future. The Miss America Organization helped me to find my voice, it helped me to use my pain and suffering to stand up and help others. I now stand confidently and share my personal experiences with the world. Knowing that I shouldn't statistically be where I am today makes me want to help people even more. I want victims to know that no matter the circumstances, we can live positive and happy lives. I want children to know it's okay to come forward if this has happened to them. I want parents, teachers, and anyone that is around children to know the signs of a sexually abused child and to be able to talk to kids about child sexual abuse so that we can prevent it from ever happening. I want to end child sexual abuse. Through my platform, I fight for the most innocent...our children.

As a former Penn State University majorette, does the experience of performing in front of such large crowds help you during the talent portion of the competition?

Absolutely! I LOVED performing in front of 110,000 screaming fans in Beaver Stadium, so I pretend that when I'm on stage I'm twirling in Beaver Stadium again! 

You recently attended a Luke Bryan concert at Fenway. How did you like Fenway Park as a concert venue?

I thought it was one of the best concerts I had been to! They were able to have fireworks during the show and it was a perfect summer night, not to mention Luke Bryan in a Red Sox shirt, singing "Sweet Caroline"...was AMAZING!

Who is your favorite current Red Sox player? Why?

I so wish Big Papi was still playing because it would always be him! However, since he is retired, I would have to say Mookie Betts. I went to a Red Sox vs. Yankees game a couple of years ago and he was still a relatively new name to baseball. I fell in love with him as a player, his attitude and his dedication won me over!

How will the Red Sox finish the 2018 season?

As the World Series Champions of course! The Red Sox have a

great record and are playing really well this season...I know they will go all the way!

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I can't disagree with that!

As always, I want to give lots of thanks to Katie for doing this interview, especially so soon after winning her crown. I also want to thank her for providing so many pictures to accompany the interview. They made it a lot more fun!

As Katie continues her time as Miss Exeter I encourage you to follow her on her official Facebook page! In addition to Katie's lifestyle blog she mentioned above, you should also follow her regular blog to make sure you don't miss a thing!

I also want to wish Katie luck as she competes for Miss New Hampshire competition next spring. It would be so exciting for a second consecutive Section 36 visitor to take home that crown!

Thanks again Katie, and good luck!

36 Pack Wax Match: Pack 28

The Stage has been set. The Match is underway. Who will come out on top? There’s only one way to find out.

Keep going, and open that twenty-eighth pack!

As we dive into this pack, each set is hoping to build some momentum coming off our second consecutive tie in pack 27. Who will do it with this pack? Let's see!

Red Sox +2

Jumping right into things, this posed shot of Oil Can nets 1988 two points. Not the best looking picture in the world, but it'll do.

Yankees -2

Well, easy come easy go. This damn Yankee drops the pack total back to zero.

And that's where the scoring ends! Will it be enough?

Yankees -2

Yikes! Bam Bam is not helping the 1990 pack at all, with a quick dip into negative points.

Hall of Fame +1

Young Tom Glavine gives a knowing smirk as he gets one point right back.

But, that is also where the scoring for the pack ends! With negative points! That means 1988 holds on just by staying at zero! What a round. That gives 1988 three wins in a row, and we once again have a tie match! 

Incredible!

Box Bottom: 1988 +1 (1-0)

Pack 1:  1990 +6 (1-1)
Pack 2:  1990 +4 (2-1)
Pack 3:  1988 +3 (2-2)
Pack 4:  1990 +1 (3-2)
Pack 5:  1990 +1 (4-2)
Pack 6:  1988 +2 (3-4)
Pack 7:  1988 +3 (4-4)
Pack 8:  TIE   +0 (4-4)
Pack 9:  1990 +2 (5-4)
Pack 10: 1990 +4 (6-4)
Pack 11: 1990 +4 (7-4)
Pack 12: 1990 +1 (8-4)
Pack 13: 1990 +5 (9-4)
Pack 14: 1988 +3 (5-9)
Pack 15: 1988 +2 (6-9)
Pack 16: 1988 +3 (7-9)
Pack 17: 1990 +3 (10-7)
Pack 18: 1988 +2 (8-10)
Pack 19: 1988 +3 (9-10)
Pack 20: 1990 +2 (11-9)
Pack 21: TIE   +0 (11-9)
Pack 22: 1990 +2 (12-9)
Pack 23: 1988 +2 (10-12)
Pack 24: TIE   +0 (10-12)
Pack 25: 1988 +3 (11-12)
Pack 26: TIE   +0 (11-12)
Pack 27: TIE   +0 (11-12)
Pack 28: 1988 +1 (12-12)

What will happen next time?

Doing Some Damage

That weekend pretty much couldn’t have gone any better for Red Sox fans. Could it?

I do want to address the “Damage” comment from Brian Cashman that has gone so viral that even the official MLB twitter account was mocking him for it. I honestly have no idea what he was trying to say. I haven’t seen his whole quote, or even the context of it. But to wonder how the Sox would be doing this season if they didn’t face the Yankees? Because they’re the only team that has done damage against them? First, it’s pretty easy to know how the Sox would be doing without facing the Yankees. Simply subtract a few wins, and a few losses from their season totals. Is that what he meant? If he did that, he’d notice that Yankees games account for a very small percentage of Red Sox losses this season. So, they are far from the only team that has done damage against the Sox. So, I really don’t know where he was trying to go.

Wherever it was…it was a pretty damn stupid thing to say.

Because, you look like a fool when said team then goes out and sweeps you…and makes you look pretty silly doing it.

Because the Red Sox beat the Yankees in just about every way possible. They fell behind early on Thursday, but stormed back with a vengeance, and ended up crushing the Yankees. It was an offensive bludgeoning. Then, they followed that up with two pitching victories. Rick Porcello shut down the Yankees as the Sox cruised on Friday. Then on Saturday the new acquisition made the Yankees hitters look foolish. Sunday, even David price got in on the action before the bullpen blew the lead. Of course, the Sox bats came back to take that victory in crushing fashion.

So, they won a game with their bats. They won two games with their arms. They overcame their Achilles heel when the bullpen faltered. They made the vaunted Yankees bullpen choke away a lead. If you’re the Yankees, what positive can you take away from that series?

That your catcher who is barely hitting wasn’t playing? Because your right fielder who really only hits in garbage time wasn’t there? Sure, you can play that game. Of course, you’d then have to admit that the Sox just beat you in a four game series when their ace missed his start due to injury, their starting second baseman was on the DL, and the back-up went on the DL during the series. Their starting shortstop didn’t start the first two games. Their starting third baseman missed the whole series due to injury. So, even if you want to compare injuries…the Red Sox take the cake.

Yikes.

After all that, the Sox have a commanding 9.5 game lead in the division. (That two-game swing last night was HUGE!) The Yankees are actually twice as close to being out of the playoffs as they are to the division lead. The Red Sox magic number for the division dropped all the way to 42, and the numbers really start to fall in their favor.

With 49 games left, even going just 500 the Sox can take care of half of the magic number on their own. That would require the Yankees to go 35-17 over the last two months. That would be a pretty substantial undertaking.

Yes. I know. 1978. And, even 2011. But, I’m guessing Alex Cora won’t be playing a third baseman with bone chips in his elbow that needed to be rearranged after every throw. I’m guessing he won’t be benching his ace out of spite. Dave Dombrowski has already shown that he’s not so protective of his farm system that he won’t make a “just in case” move. So, while anything can certainly happen, I’d much rather be 9.5 games up than 9.5 games down.

Because this is a lot of fun.

Olivia Bollhorst Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Olivia Bollhorst is a twirler, a Red Sox fan, and the current Miss Seacoast. It was not long after

winning her crown when she agreed to discuss those topics with us, and a few more. I’m sure you’ll enjoy reading everything she had to say.

So, let’s see what happens when Olivia Bollhorst visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Seacoast crown?

I celebrated by eating my favorite dessert, ice cream! My sister titleholders and I also had a little party so we could get to know each other better!

You’ve held several titles at the Teen level, but his will be your first time on the Miss New Hampshire stage. What aspect of the competition are you most nervous about?

I’m most nervous about the onstage interview. After watching Miss NH for so many years I know that their questions are harder than the MNHOT ones are. So I’ll definetly have to spend some more time preparing for that phase of competition!

What did you learn about yourself at Miss Seacoast that will help you at Miss New Hampshire?

I learned that the girls in the Miss division are just as amazing and supportive as the girls in the Teen division! I was definitely nervous about meeting the girls especially because there is a large age range between us. But the girls at Miss Seacoast were so accepting and welcoming. Now I have no fear about meeting the girls at Miss NH!

How did you select your platform, “Feed our Future: Fighting Hunger”?

My father and I volunteered at soup kitchens a lot when I was younger. We have delivered Thanksgiving day meals to families and that whole experience really opened my eyes to how many children go hungry in NH. So when it came time to choose a platform I knew that it had to be this.

What is your favorite part about performing your twirling talent on stage?

I love baton twirling and performing in front of crowds! It is

probably my favorite part of competition and I always have fun while doing it!

You got to dress up as Snow White at last year’s princess party supporting the Miss Kingston Organization. Which Disney character would you say is most like you?

I would have to say Moana. She’s very adventurous and curious about the world and she wants to travel and explore. I also love exploring new places and I’m never afraid of a new adventure!

Who is your favorite current Red Sox player? Why?

I would have to say Dustin Pedroia because I love how he supports military families by inviting them to meet him and sit at his personal seats right behind home plate!

Which feature/aspect of a Red Sox game at Fenway would you most like to experience?

I’d love to be at Fenway after a Red Sox player hits a home run. The camera always pans over the crowd and shows everyone going crazy and jumping up and down. I would love to be there to celebrate with everyone!

How will the Red Sox finish the 2018 season?

Hopefully with their 9th World Series Championship title!

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I'm not going to argue with that!

As always, I want to give tons of thanks to Olivia for doing this interview, especially so soon after winning her crown. I also want to thank her for providing the pictures to accompany the interview. They went along perfectly, and made it a lot more fun!

As Olivia continues her time as Miss Seacoast, I encourage you to follow her on her official Facebook page!

I also want to wish Olivia luck as she competes in her first Miss New Hampshire competition next spring.

Thanks again Olivia, and good luck!