F'n Middlebrooks (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
The Red Sox put some honest-to-goodness runs on the board and beat the Braves 8-4.
Maybe Jair Jurrjens isn't so great after all. Perhaps the Sox bats took last night off intentionally, storing up their energy and power to unleash it tonight. Whatever the cause, it's just good to see some actual offense from Boston.
Middlebrooks and Pedroia lead the way, with 3 hits and 2 RBIs apeice. Middlebrooks also had a solo home run, sending a clear message to the Red Sox front office that they need not hold up that Youk trade any longer. Daniel Nava had 2 RBIs of his own, coming on a 2-run single in the bottom of the 7th. Overall, the Sox had 14 hits with everybody but Papi and Kalish contributing. Also, each Red Sox scored one run except Ortiz.
On the mound, Franklin Morales but together another excellent start. He lasted 6 innings, allowing 3 runs (2 earned) and struck out 8 Braves. We're all overly impressed with the way Morales has stepped up for Boston. I would trade 45 John Lackeys for this guy if I could. Atchison, unfortunately, didn't fare so well tonight. He allowed 2 hits and 1 run over 1/3 of an inning pitch, as his ERA rose to an ungodly 1.40. Bum. Miller, Padilla and Aceves tag-teamed the final 2-plus innings.
In the bad news department, Buchholz will miss tomorrow's start due to illness. The good news? Aaron Cook gets to attempt to redeem himself. Should be interesting...
