The Red Sox avoided what would have been an embarassing sweep at the hands of the Baltimore Orioles tonight with a solid all-around effort.  The  Sox finally decided to cluster some hits, got some solid pitching from Tim Wakefield and David McCarty made the defensive play of the year that we all just may look back upon as something of a turning point.

After Brian Roberts and impressive rookie David Newhan led the contest off with successive singles, the O’s had men on first and third with Game 1 hero Melvin Mora at the dish.  Mora hit a lazy fly ball to left field, McCarty camped under it and proceeded to hose Roberts out at the plate with a perfect throw.  The Fenway faithful roared approvingly and at the risk of overstating the importance of the play, there was a feeling that things may have finally turned back in the Sox favor. 

Such feelings were vindicated in the bottom half of the opening frame as the Sox put three runs on the board, capped off by a two-run single by McCarty himself.  Kevin Youkilis would add a solo home run and the Sox would not look back.  Wakefield, Mike Timlin and Alan Embree posted a 10-hit shutout.

The Yanks come to town this weekend.  Whatever hopes the Sox have of winning the American League East ride on the three game set.