Offensive Outburst Leads to Sweep of Twins

When the first four guys in the lineup combine for 12 hits, 11 RBIs and 10 runs scored it's usually a good day.

This one was especially nice as Manny Ramirez looks to officially be out of his slump and mashing the ball again, and Jacoby Ellsbury had the first 4-hit game of his career. Ells is such a huge key for the offense. As he goes, the offense go and if he can have a big second half the Sox will be in good shape.

Dustin Pedroia continues to be the hottest hitter in the Majors, and Kevin Youkilis continues to produce no matter where he hits in the lineup. Anyone who says Youk is overrated and Dustin doesn't deserve to start the All-Star game doesn't know anything about baseball.

BOX SCORE: Red Sox 18, Twins 5

About the only concern Wednesday was another lackluster effort from Josh Beckett. Although he was able to pick up his 9th win, he didn't have his good stuff again and has just been average this season. Hopefully the extra rest at the break will recharge him for a big second half.

The flood gates opened after the overturned triple play in the 7th that really wasn't even close. It was an easy call to make and should have been called correctly right away. Luckily the umps got together and got it right. You knew one of the managers was getting thrown out after that play.

Everyone in the starting lineup had at least one hit. Julio Lugo and Jason Varitek even had two hits and an RBI apiece so everything was going right. Tek seems to be swinging the bat a little better the last couple of games. If he can hit .240 for the season I think I would take it.

It looks the Rays aren't so invincible either, although I would have liked to have seen them win at least one game against the Yankees. Tampa has trouble on the road and may just fade down the stretch leaving the Sox and Yankees to battle it out for the division again.