Brett Saberhagen (6IP 3H 1R 1ER 0BB 3K 1HR W): I take responsibility for the home run he gave up. Things were going smoothly for the first five innings, but then I couldn't hold it anymore and I got up from my seat to take care of it. The second that happens, boom, no more shutout. My fault.

But besides my shortcoming Sabes was masterful and hopefully just provided the boost this team needs to get us on a roll. Take each start with caution though, like Cone, Sabes is one tweak away from being forced to retire, let's just enjoy the ride while it lasts.

More two-out craziness: We were all psyched when the Sox scored the first run in the first inning, and then the floodgates opened. After two outs, six more crossed the plate and possibly could have been more had Offerman learned from the night before that he got lucky and is not that fast (thrown out at third from left).

I think its obvious that we can get the clutch hit, at least recently anyway, no reason to stop now.

Manny Ramirez (0-3 R BB 3K): You may be asking why the heck would I be pointing out something bad like this when so much good went on in this game. Actually that's exactly why I'm brining this up. I probably don't need to say this but I'm going to anyway. Obviously we don't want Manny to perform poorly in any game, but I'll refer to the fact that it's all about timing. Manny can feel free to whiff all he wants in games like those and then when we need him (like on Thursday, 2-run homer in 8th) we can all jump on his back.

Not sure if that made allot of sense, but I think you get my point.

Short update today, I have to get ready for a big old bash here at the house. If I'm not mistaken Wakes is going today, and it as good a time as any to get himself back on track.

paul@redsox2000.com