Relieved

The Red Sox won Friday night, 2-0 in Minnesota. Their 1st place lead was increased to 6.5 games. Tim Wakefield, despite feeling almost as sickly as Dustin Pedroia's slugging pct. (.230), pitched seven scoreless innings. David Ortiz hit a HR that would have probably landed in Milwaukee, had the stadium been less dome-y. Coco Crisp made a nice running catch in the kitchen goods aisle.

But the highlight of this game, as well as every other game, and in all likelihood, life itself, was Jonathan Papelbon. He has recovered quite nicely from the unfortunate events of the other night. You could tell before the game that he was in form. As Tina Cervasio did her pre-game interview with Amalie Benjamin (Amalie was rocking the hipster glasses again. Well-played, Amalie!), Jonathan was shenaniganzing in the background. He was jaunting in from the outfield with several
teammates, jawing excitedly, and waving his arms in a most animated and Papelbonian manner. If only we could have known what he was yammering about. (Reason #585858 that we need a Papelbon Channel, hosted by Amalie Benjamin.) I can only speculate that he was speaking about the early morning duck hunt, IN the Metrodome, he had to cheer up Mike Timlin. Closer Boy made quick work of the Twins in the 9th, picking up his 9th save. The Sox improved their MLB-best record to 19-9.

The Sox next face the Twins on Saturday night, with Batshit Crazy Julian Tavarez on the mound, opposed by Twins ace Johan Santana. A tough matchup, but Julian Tavarez has a decent chance for success tonight. Provided he is allowed to use his crossbow.