A whole lot to like about what happened on Wednesday afternoon in Baltimore.
The Red Sox completed their 10th shutout of the 2011 season with a 4-0 whitewash of the Orioles. Andrew Miller wasn't stellar, as his walk parade on hand for all to see. He walked seven, but allowed just two hits in 5 2/3 innings, and got his 4th win. The Red Sox concluded the road trip at 4-2, and have now won five straight series.
Jacoby Ellsbury blasted two solo shots, and now has 15 home runs on the season. Dustin Pedroia extended his hitting streak to 18 games, and so much for the worries about Adrian Gonzalez and the "aftereffects" of Home Run Derby. He had four hits and scored a run.
Daniel Bard extended his MLB-leading scoreless streak to 22 2/3 innings. And the bullpen allowed just a walk in 3 1/3 innings after Miller departed.
Jon Lester had a bullpen session today with no problems. He appears ready to make his return against Kansas City on Monday.
New York's win over Tampa Bay puts the Red Sox still 1 1/2 games up, as they return to Fenway Park to face Felix Hernandez and the Mariners on Friday night. (They will be either one or two up by then as New York plays Tampa Bay again on Thursday.)