Celtics 2013 Draft Targets: Steven Adams

Report: Celtics and Clippers Revive Trade Talks

Aaron Hernandez Not Ruled out as Suspect in Homicide Investigation; Sued For Shooting Man in Florida

Questions at Third: What is Wrong with Will Middlebrooks?

Boston Knocks Out O’s at Fenway

The Red Sox are back. After a shaky stretch following the All-Star break, the Red Sox won a close game against the Orioles  Friday night, and then continued their dominance against Baltimore Saturday night with a solid 7-2 victory. The win comes off 7.1 innings of nine-strikeout, two-run pitching from Jon Lester. Every batter for the Red Sox, except  for Dustin Pedroia, racked up at least one hit.

Everything started in the first inning when David Ortiz hit a three run home run to center field. Baltimore would make a move in the 4th, making it a 4-2 ballgame. With the score 5-2 in the 8th, newcomer Adam LaRoche would hit a two run homer to left field, giving the Red Sox a comfortable five run cushion that would end up being the final difference.

And the best part? The Yankees, who had been unbeaten since the All Star game, were finally beaten by the Athletics (who will be in Boston for a four-game series starting Monday). With this series of events, the Red Sox have picked up a game on the Yankees, and have cut New York’s division lead to 1.5 games.

Sox Stud of the Game: David Ortiz

With a towering home run to deep center field (which bounced off the camera’s cage no less), the Dominican born player proved he Domini-can get the job done, and gave the Red Sox all the momentum and runs they would need.

Sox Dud of the Game: No One

At some point in the game, each Red Sox player did their part to contribute to this well-earned and well-deserved victory.

That’s What He Said:

“LaRoche hasn’t played here very much, but that was a Fenway swing.” – Terry Francona, on Adam LaRoche’s 8th inning home run.

Game Notes:

W: Jon Lester (9-7)
L: Jeremy Guthrie (7-9)

• Jim Rice spoke at a  press conference earlier today to discuss his hall of fame induction tomorrow.
• Adam LaRoche had his first appearance and start in a Red Sox uniform tonight.
• Jacoby Ellsbury stole 3rd base in the 2nd inning; it was his 43rd stolen base of the season. He is 2nd in the majors behind Carl Crawford of Tampa Bay, who has 47.
• In a stroke of karma, Ellsbury was picked off from 2nd base in the 4th to end the inning.
• Adam LaRoche hit a two run homer run over the green monster in the 8th for his 1st hit as a member of the Red Sox.

Tags: Adam LaRoche, David Ortiz, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jon Lester, Red Sox