A great game for the Sox, as Doug Mirabelli, Mike Timlin, Tim Wakefield, John Olerud, Trot Nixon and Mark Bellhorn reminded the Red Sox faithful how nice it is to have some roster depth. Even Matt Mantei, after 6 consecutive balls and a visit from Dave Wallace to start his outing in the 8th inning, settled down and pitched wonderfully. Sitting behind homeplate, I can report that Mantei’s stuff is positively filthy, and that if he could ever find his control he truly could be a dominant force out of the Sox bullpen. Nick Cafardo’s game story is here.

The Red Sox were aided by Tribe manager, Eric Wedge, who was asleep at the wheel yesterday. The Indians had a number of important at bats in the late innings and yet not once did the Sox see either Ronnie Belliard or Grady Sizemore, two of Cleveland’s more potent offensive threats. Aaron Boone and Alex Cora, two of baseball’s worst hitters thus far in 2005, each came to the plate and failed miserably in critical situations in both the 6th and 9th innings.

The Red Sox are in a nice spot now, with a 2-game division lead and time to address potential future pitfalls. Only complacency can do them in. Presented without further comment…

Roberto Petagine (AAA): .335/.447/.671
Kevin Millar: .274/.353/.385
John Olerud: .405/.439/.622
Olerud (’02-’04): .278/.380/.422

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Curt Schilling made his first rehab start since being shelved. Details here.