The Ship is Righted. Thanks, Captain!

The Red Sox captain may not be at the helm of the ship as often this year, but he made the most of his opportunity last night against the Royals. Tek smashed two dingers and provided The Commander with a steady, familiar presence behind the plate. Perhaps this part-time gig will help The Cap'n retain his edge throughout the season, avoiding the wear and tear that catching 4 of 5 games can do to him.

Tek wasn't alone in making an impact last night from a bench role. Jeremy Hermida preceded Tek's first round-tripper with one of his own and Mikey Lowell reminded us of his pre-hip trouble days in the field and chipped in a single at the plate. No rust gathered on these guys!

On the mound, Josh Beckett came with an improved arsenal over what he had on Opening Night at Fenway. He wasn't quite at Vintage Commander Kick-Ass mode, but seven innings of three-run ball was a significant improvement over 4 2/3 innings and five runs. He escaped catastrophe in the seventh, when David DeJesus lined a single up the middle that just grazed The Commander's head. Unfazed by the near-miss, The Commander kept on going as if nothing had happened, his only regret being that a run scored on that single.

After seven innings of Beckett, it was time for the 'pen to take over. Given what happened the three games previous, Red Sox nation held its breath as Oki redeemed himself with a 1-2-3 eighth inning. Then in the top of the ninth, a Red Sox home run derby ensued, with Youk going yard, followed by Tek's second blast and a 2-run shot by Pedey, who is now tied with Tek for the team home run lead. Whodathunkit?

With an 8-3 margin in the bottom of the ninth, Pap was passed over in favor of RamRam, who, in tandem with defensive replacement Mike Cameron, retired the side in order, giving the Sox the win and Beckett his first W of the season (and the first for any starter on the team). The 'pen did their job tonight and that had as much of a part in the victory as the five dingers and the seven solid innings by Beckett.

Later today, Buchholz makes his season debut. He's had success against Kansas City in the past, so let's hope he builds on that today.

LET'S GO RED SOX!!!!!!