Sunday, April 15, 2012

Papification Program Stops Rays Again

Jim Rogash/Getty Images
At one point, David Ortiz had rifled seven straight hits over the last two days. He is now 16 for 36 in the young season—an astounding .444. When we say "rifled" we mean it. One of his doubles today was a line shot to right center that flew over the fielder's head in a nano-second. In addition to the Papi-works, the Red Sox also used the home run again today (Aviles, Ross) to beat the Rays for the third straight day, 6-4.

Felix Doubront was not as dominant as in his first start, but was good enough to keep the Sox in the game through five. He struck out seven and walked just one—but did give up four earned runs. But Atchison, Padilla, Morales and Aceves shut the door on Tampa from then on out. So, Boston is now one game under .500 through nine—and just one game out of the top spot in the AL East.