Sox too much for Nationals

The Red Sox opened up their road trip beating the Washington Nationals 11 - 3 on Tuesday and add yet another win against a National League team to their resume. Coupled with a Yankees loss, the Sox now stand 43 - 27 and 5 full games ahead of our underachieving, over spending rivals.

Brady Penny went 5 2/3 innings allowing 6 hits, 3 earned runs, walking three and striking out six. Delcarmen picked up the win pitching a third of an inning in relief. Overall the outing wasn't bad for Penny. However, this was the Nationals and he didn't make it through the 6th inning. My prediction is if Smoltz proves to be the pitcher he's been for the past 20 years and Penny doesn't start to dominate, the Sox will eventually make a trade and call Buchholz up.

Offensively the Sox had 17 hits, 6 walks and 11 runs. The game was tight until the 8th when they opened it up with 6 runs. Bay and Ells were the offensive stars with each racking up 4 hits and 3 rbi. Bay hit his 19th home run of the season and Ells just missed one hitting the top of the left center field wall. Ells has been on fire and I think it's time for him to get back to the top of the order. Personally, I can't tell you how tired I am of watching Drew take the third strike looking. I love his approach at the plate, but with two strikes a little league player knows you change your approach and swing if it's close. If he doesn't want to hit, put him at the bottom of the order.

Overall the Sox are playing excellent baseball and they're as good as any team in the majors. They play fundamentally sound ball, play hard, have the offense and, most importantly, the pitching to go all the way again. Look for the Sox to continue the momentum tonight with Lester on the mound going up against Stammen.

Note: Our old friend Julian "The Pig" Tavarez took the loss for the Nationals. Julian didn't receive any help from his defense as the run was unearned. As much as he drove me nuts watching him pitch, I have to say it was fun to see him out there continuing to compete. And it's worth noting he got Jeter out the other night during a crucial situation in the game. Way to go Pig!