Sox-Royals 8-5W – 8.3.05

The suddenly surging Sox extended their winning streak to seven games last night with an 8-5 victory over the hapless Royals in front of the 195th straight sell out crowd at Fenway Park in Boston.

The first two innings were a roller coaster ride of emotion as three straight hits to lead off the Sox half of the first inning by the top of the Sox order (Johnny Rockstar was thrown out at home on the third of the singles, by Papi Ortiz) led to the new and improved Happy Manny blasting a 3-run homer to give the Sox the early advantage. But things took a turn for the auspicious when, on a short fly to shallow leftfield, a backpedaling Edgar Offeria collided with the prodigal power hitter.

Though Happy Manny would leave the game with facial and chest bruises, the resilient Sox maintained their season-high run of success thanks to another serviceable start by Wade Miller, a little small ball in the bottom of the fourth and some shoddy defense by Royals: shortstop Angel Berroa, booted a grounder leading to a run for the second straight night after Tekkie singled and stole second (!) and, with the bases loaded, Royals reliever Andrew Sisco unleashed a wild pitch to make the score 7-4.

The bullpen, proving themselves to be quite rejuvenated after adding ace Curt Schilling to the closer role, commanded the Royals over the last three innings, as Myers, Bradford and Timmy were lights out leading up to Schilling’s 7th save.

The series against the Royals wraps up on Thursday with a 1:05pm matinee at the Fens.

Record: 61-45
Streak: W7
Standing: 1st in the AL East, 4.5 games ahead of MFY
Next Game: Thurs 8.4 @ 1:05pm ET vs. KC
BOS - Clement (10-3, 4.43) vs. KC – Carrasco (5-5, 4.37)