The Sox continued the streak of letting the Orioles get 3 runs while putting a hurting on the O’s pitching, knocking off the Orioles in a 10-3 laugher that was never in doubt.

Lenny DiNardo had a rough first inning, walking the bases loaded and pushing the game’s first run across with a walk to Jeff Conine, but settled down the rest of the way and gave up just 2 runs over 5 innings. DiNardo was nearly unhittable, giving up just 2 hits, but that’s because he was either really on or really off, striking out 5 and walking 5 in his 5 innings (I bet you don’t see that line very often). I had many an off-season discussion pimping DiNardo as a good 5th/6th starter, but his inability to throw strikes is killing him (actually, it’s killing all Sox pitchers this season).

Jason Varitek did the offensive damage early, and ended the game in the 1st, hitting a Grand Slam, giving the Sox a 4-1 lead they would never relinquish. The Sox rocked Kris Benson for 8 hits, 4 walks, and 9 runs in less than 5 innings. Kevin Youkilis continued to do what he does, with 3 more hits and 2 more runs scored, bringing his season line up to .330/.434/.482. Theo and Co. have made their share of mistakes, but allowing Millar and Mueller to play full seasons and keep Youkilis in Rhode Island is a pretty big one, and is a big reason that the Sox didn’t hoist an AL East flag this off-season. Mark Loretta continues his road back to respectabilith with 3 more hits. Finally, Manny Ramirez continues to be the best hitter on the team, with 2 more hits and 2 walks (actually taking the team OPS lead, if that’s worth anything).

Oh, Manny Delcarmen actually got to pitch yesterday. I was worried that Tito had forgot he was on the team.

Night off tonight, before the Sox head to the Bronx to battle the nominally AL East leading New York Yankees.