Stopelbon!

The Sox came into the season with a number of questions, including the health and resilience of Curt Schilling and the need for a closer. Schilling moved to 2-0 with another outstanding performance, and Jonathan Papelbon mowed down the Orioles to earn his second save.

The Sox squandered some run-scoring opportunities, but let's also recognize the difficulty of hitting under adverse conditions.

Schilling allowed 3 hits and an earned run in seven innings, Mike Timlin was solid in the setup role, and Papelbon remained lights out with two balls in the air and a strikeout of fastball-hitting Kevin Millar.

Offensively, the Sox have 5 regulars batting at least .300 and this group continues to work the count.

Defensively, the Sox didn't have to make a lot of tough plays, but they've made only one error in five games, with J.T. Snow also in for defense at the end.

Joe Brinkman was atrociously consistent during the game. He has an exaggerated stance behind the catchers left shoulder, and frankly I don't think he has any idea where the outside corner is. The inside corner seemed extra wide, particularly on Lowell's initial at bat, which torpedoed a Sox scoring threat early. He also could have contributed to Varitek's near injury, inadvertent obstructing him trying to catch a foul popup.

The Sox moved to 4-1, by continuing to play unusually solid baseball, the kind that defeated them last October.

Tomorrow Tim Wakefield seeks his first win, and Josh Bard seeks redemption and continued employment.