Sox strike first

For 12 innings, our teams played like two evenly matched champions. In the 13th, Kyle Kendrick - just called up to replace the injured Scott Eyre - reminded us why he hasn't been in the majors yet this year. He imploded, giving up three and spoiling what was a great pitching performance from both sides.

Jon Lester and Joe Blanton were terrific. Each went seven innings. Lester struck out 11, Blanton seven. They left a 2-1 game to the bullpens. Ramon Ramirez got the ball in the 9th - Jonathan Papelbon looked quite pissy about his night off, especially after Ryan Howard tattooed one off his surrogate.

Christine is upset that a ball Greg Dobbs hit in the 11th was called foul instead of a home run. Initially, she agreed it was foul, but then started to change her mind. Once the Sox scored three runs, she was convinced it was fair and is protesting the final tally.

Finally got to see Daniel Bard. He has some control issues - he walked a batter and hit Raul Ibanez - but struck out three in his first major league save. His stuff is filthy - my arm is sore from Christine elbowing me every time I reacted to one of his pitches. I hope Papelbon noticed his future replacement before he spouts off to Terry Francona too much tonight.