Fortune .500

As Tony Massarotti would say, it's the Fortune 500 - the guys making a fortune are playing .500. Seriously, in a great baseball game, the Sox hung on to defeat the Rangers 3-2 to close out their opening road trip.

David Ortiz smacked his first two homers of the season, back on a 54 HR pace, and Curt Schilling provided 7 strong innings to win his 208th game, standing at 94th on the all-time list. Schilling's relief, Joel Pineiro struggled, before Javy Lopez got a needed out, and Jonathan Papelbon came in with a dominant close.

Papelbon arrived with runners at the corners with one out and the Sox leading by one. He fanned last years All-Star MVP Michael Young and induced a weak pop by Mark Teixeira. In the Ranger ninth, Papelbon got another infield fly from Sammy Sosa before blowing away Hank Blalock and Brad Wilkerson on strikes.

Papelbon's second save of the season came at an opportune time as the Sox trail the division-leading Blue Jays by half a game headed into an off day tomorrow.

After six games the Sox have scored 19 runs and allowed 21, Baseball's Pythagorean theorem consistent with their 3 and 3 record. They've gotten three quality starts (Matsuzaka, Schilling, and Wakefield) and wins in two of those three starts.

The Bombers meanwhile added Matsui to their injured list with a hammy, to go along with Johnny Damon's calf injury. The new look Orioles took 2 of 3 from the Gothams who stand at 2-3.

After six games, the Sox have a 3.53 ERA and the pitching staff may be bolstered by the addition of Mike Timlin this week. Clearly the setup spot still seems somewhat up in the air, although heavy bullpen usage lately may have upset Terry Francona's plans, presumably for Brendan Donnelly to get the primary setup duty.