BLECH!!!!!

Sox: 3 Yanks: 10

There's no nice way to put it: The Sox got shellacked by their archrivals, they of the Evil Empire. The Sox struck first, putting up a two-spot in the first inning, but that would be all until J.D. soloed a dinger (and a long one at that) in the 7th. Pettitte kept the Sox bats at bay for the most part, and the Yanks pen held them scoreless. Wake had a rough outing, giving up six earned runs while the Sox 'pen coughed up the other four. Masterson had some trouble with inherited runners, but it only his second relief appearance. Hansen, who needs a ticket back to Pawtucket ASAP, gave up three of the four bullpen runs.

This latest Sox skid highlights the need for the Sox brass to shake things up a little. I know Tito's not the type to go all Ozzie Guillen on his players and most of the time, that's a good thing. However, the team looks a bit listless out there, even with Manny back in the lineup this afternoon. Lethargy must be contagious because even the fans at Fenway lacked their usual energy. I'll admit I'm not exactly sure what needs to be done to re-energize the Sox, but going into autopilot and doing nothing is just going to prolong the malaise.

Can Lester be the stopper again? He takes the mound tomorrow night against Ponson. He needs help, however, from the offense.

LET'S GO RED SOX!!!! AVOID THE SWEEP!!!!