Sox win 1-0 thriller in Papi's 1st game back

They only managed 3 hits, but the karma returned with Big Papi

On a night when a steady rain fell upon Fenway and the Sox' bats again fell silent, somehow, some way the local 9 found a way to pull out a win. Even though Papi was held hitless. Despite recent frequent Pawtucket flyer Kason Gabbard making just his 4th start and Chisox hurler Javier Vazquez pitching like..well, Javier Vazquez of 2001. Despite Tek sitting (planned rest) and Papelbon recovering (sore shoulder) and Lester getting ready for cancer treatment, Boston willed itself to a gritty win. Just like the previous night vs. the defending Champs- you know, the team that swept the Sawx out of last years' playoffs? There was something in the air around Fenway tonight, and not just precipitation- the smell of the playoffs could finally be felt, mixed in with the sausages and beer.

Vazquez handcuffed them tonight for a full 9 innings; his only mistake was a double to Trot (another key hit in his 2nd game back) and single to I'mNotJohnny Crisp that plated the game's only run in the 4th inning. Vazquez' line (8IP, 3H, 1ER, 3BB, 11Ks) was good enough for a "W" 99% of the time. But with the newly renovated Sox, even though they are not back to mashing yet, there are signs that the wounded beast is ready to strike back.

And it is manifesting itself on the field.

Two nights, 2 one-run wins vs. the World Champs.

Two no-name 5th starters beating 2 red-hot aces.

Timlin even pitched a 2-inning save.

6 GB in the Wild Card.

Good times.