Two Games for the Price of One

19 innings is not what I was expecting yesterday, and neither was Francona - Delcarmen, Papelbon, Lopez, Timlin, and Hansen all lasted 2 or less innings, so when it came time to put Tavarez in, he had to go a while. 4 innings, but he didn't give up a run! And then I realized Seanez was the only guy they had left, and Francona had to keep Tavarez in for as long as he could. Rudy came in and went 2 scoreless innings, but he did lose the game in the 19th. I kind of feel bad for Seanez, as he's not really very good and the whole thing was left up to him. It was really painful to go so long then lose, but it sure was exciting. Especially since we could have won about 3 times but mistakes prevented that. Here are some highlights:

Mark Loretta hit a 2-RBI single in the 11th to put the Red Sox up 5-3. Why did it go to extra innings? Because Papelbon gave up the tying HR with 2 outs in the 9th! I know, I know, I didn't really believe it either. Bases were loaded in the bottom of the 11th and Crede lined out to Nixon, but Nixon threw home instead of to 2nd and didn't get a double play. Then I thought we had a double play to end the game, but they only got an out at 2nd and a run scored to tie the game again. Lopez and Timlin came in in relief of Papelbon, and each one gave up one of the 2 previously mentioned tying runs. Hansen pitched a scoreless 12th.

13th inning - The Gonz led off with a double (of course! The Gonz is ON lately. Except for when he struck out in the 14th). Eventually, the bases were loaded with 2 outs for Nixon, and he struck out. Bullpen wasn't looking too good at this point, especially since Hansen was taken out in favor of Tavarez. Then Tavarez did something stupid that I didn't understand, because the WEEI guys didn't know either and didn't explain very well.

And then the bottom of the 19th was here, and Seanez loaded the bases with one out. And then a hit happened, and the Sox lost. NINETEEN innings and what's to show for it? Nixon was 0-for-9, Ortiz was 1-for-7, Ramirez was 1-for-8, and everyone else was just as bad. Bad way to go into the break.

And if you can stomach the fact that this article says Jason Giambi should be the 1st half MVP, check it out because it also says Bronson is the front-runner for the NL Cy Young.

So I was 2-for-3 yesterday, with the Federer and Italy winning their respective matches. My Ginzo family and I had a great time celebrating Italy's win; they won in the penalty kick phase, making all of their kicks while France missed a crucial one. It shouldn't have even gone to overtime, as France was awarded a free kick on a foul that didn't even occur, and Italy had a goal taken away for a bad offsides call. But it all worked out, and Italy is the World Cup champion for the next 4 years.

WEEI Quote of the Day: "When you find out what he's doing, will you let me know?" (referring to whatever Tavarez did)

Francona QotD:
"I do think this is the most comfortable I've been with a team since I've been here. Different years are different, [different] personalities, I've had some guys that I just love here, I'm not trying to take a shot at anybody. But this team, when we lose, they show up the next day with the same demeanor. When we win, they don't get carried away.

"I'll walk in to maybe the hotel bar after the game and there's six or seven of them sitting there. They're talking about the game. It's just a good, comfortable atmosphere. It's not as loud as it used to be. But at the same token, it's not tight, they have fun. They care about each other. I think they try to play the game right. And then you bring in the young kids that have come up. I know I've enjoyed the heck out of this first half."

Ozzie Guillen QotD:
"I think this is the best ballclub we've faced in the American League. The bullpen they have is unbelievable. They run three, four, five different guys every night. They're doing a tremendous job." (He's right about the best ballclub, but the bullpen thing? Someone's drunk!)