Orioles 2
Red Sox 14

Like a neighborhood cat terrorizing a family of helpless field mice, The defending champion Red Sox are taking full advantage of this series against the last place Baltimore Orioles. They don’t exactly have bragging rights here, since the two starting pitchers Baltimore has thrown into the fire have a combined ERA of 7.00 in 174.2 innings, but they’ve been doing what they are supposed to be doing: humiliating weak pitchers at Fenway Park.

Now, you know about Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz, two guys who had a huge night once again. But, there’s another guy who has been hitting extremely well and flying under the radar while doing it: Jason Varitek. Since August 16th, Varitek is hitting .326/.408/.651 in 49 plate appearances, and is a major reason why the Sox have remained in control of the wildcard despite injuries to J.D. Drew and Mike Lowell.

(Jeff’s piece on Varitek is worth a read. Check it out here).

NOTES:

• Kevin Youkilis did not play last night (back spasms) and is “50/50″ for tonight.
• Josh Beckett’s side session went well, and all systems are go for Friday.
• Today’s game is at 1:35 pm – plan accordingly.
• If the Red Sox do sweep, I will try not to make any references to “The Wire”.  Being a 30-year-old white liberal, this promise will be difficult to keep.

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