Theo Reads Riot Act; Sox Respond (W7-0) 35-29

Following Theo Epstein's put up or shut up warning, the Sox responded with their third consecutive quality start, as David Wells (5-4, 4.54) threw seven one-hit innings to stop the Reds, 7-0. Wells didn't allow a hit until the sixth inning and had the Reds off balance all night. Mike Timlin and Keith Foulke completed the whitewash.

Offensively, Manny Ramirez (14) homered for the third straight game, and the Sox cranked out ten hits and garnered five walks. Trot Nixon, Bill Mueller, and Kevin Millar each had two hits.

Coming and going. Terry Francona returned to skipper the club after a day off at his daughter's graduation.

Minor achievement. The Portland Sea Dogs have regained first place in the Eastern League, although uber-prospect Hanley Ramirez is on the DL. Brandon Moss continues red hot for the Sea Dogs, raising his average to .295 at last count, with nine homers. Moss was hitting about .230 less than a month ago, but has been on a tear. Jared Sandberg now has 15 homers for the Sea Dogs, and Chris Durbin and Dustin Pedroia continue to hit over .300. David Murphy, overmatched for much of the season has also been swinging the bat better, raising his average to .232 and he has two homers in the past week.

Standing in Place. The Orioles lead the Astros 6-1 in the eighth as they seek to maintain their three game lead on the Sox.

Star Wars. David Ortiz is the top vote-getter in All-Star ballot returns, joined by Varitek and Ramirez as leading candidates at their positions.

Miraculously, for the most part, the balloting reflects achievement so far.

C - Varitek

1B - Tino Martinez

2B - Brian Roberts

SS - Miguel Tejada (leading MVP candidate)

3B - Alex Rodriguez

OF - Manny Ramirez

OF - Vladimir Guerrero

OF - Ichiro

Leading pitching candidates:

Kenny Rogers
Roy Halliday
Chris Young
Johan Santana
Mark Buehrle
John Garland
Mariano Rivera
Joe Nathan

The All-Star game will be played July 12, 2005 at the Tigers Comerica Park.