Anyway, since I didn't see the game, I only have the boxscore to go by and whatever the reporters on the net have to say about it. But we'll see what I can spit out anyway.

Looks like Pedro showed, as he does once in a while, that he is human as he let up a quick two runs in the first inning of yesterday's game. But after that he recovered nicely and struck out 13 the rest of the way. I was a little worried going into this game as I’m sure many of you heard the rumors of a 'dead-arm'. Can't say we don't have anything to worry about anymore, Pedro did pitch well after the first, but he was only able to go 6+ innings and he gave up nine hits. Again, probably just showing that he is human and I think Jimy was smart to have a short leash on him last night.

Pedro did say after the game that he had a blister on his hand and that he could have kept going if Jimy had let him, but he had no problem with the decision that was made. Guess we'll just have to wait and see.

As for the offense, it had no problems putting up some more runs on the board. FINALLY FOR PEDRO!!!!! Including yet another home run off the bat of Brian Daubach (7), which make three in three days vs the D-rays. And of course what would a game be if Manny Ramirez didn't drive in a couple more. The scary part is folks, he still not warmed up.

But probably the most encouraging part of the night were the three shut-out innings posted by Derek Lowe, allowing only one hit and no walks. I'm not sure, but from what I read it looks like he did allow one run to score on the hit he gave up. As Pedro allowed the first two to reach in the seventh before he came out. But after that Lowe settled down and put a nice exclamation point on the game.

Another big test for the Sox starts tonight with a three game set in NY. Nomo vs Pettitte tonight I believe, and if we can get this first one, things will really be looking good.

paul@redsox2000.com