The Red Sox laid the hammer down on the Orioles once again at Fenway, laying down a touchdown and a two-point conversion in the first inning, and coasted to a 10-3 victory.
But a lot happened before the last out was made.
Josh Beckett went the first five innings, so he got the win, but left for precautionary reasons, as he has a mildly hyperextended left knee. Lord, just what the Red Sox need: another injured starter. But it doesn't sound too serious, and it appears he won't miss too much time (but probably won't pitch in the All-Star Game).
The bullpen backed up Beckett nicely, and it was 9-3 heading into the bottom of the eighth. Josh Reddick tripled in Dustin Pedroia to make it 10-3, and Dvid Ortiz stepped in. Orioles closer Kevin Gregg threw three straight inside pitches, with the third just missing Papi. He moved toward the mound, both benches emptied, but nothing happened. Ortiz hit the next pitch to center field for an out, but Gregg shot off his big mouth to Ortiz to run to first, and Papi charged at him again, this time fists were flying. Nothing really landed, but both players, along with Jarrod Saltalamacchia and O's pitcher Jim Johnson were tossed.
I don't know if the Orioles took exception to Ortiz admiring his 1st inning homer, or were just tired of being beaten like red-headed stepchildren by the Sox. Whatever the reasons, fines and suspensions are sure to follow.
Also tonight, Alex Rodriguez bowed out of the All-Star Game due to a knee problem, and was replaced by Kevin Youkilis. Always nice when Yankees are replaced by Red Sox. Speaking of the team we all despise, they were rained out tonight and the Sox are now one game up in the East. (I found it interesting that the Yankees wanted to play a day-night doubleheader on Saturday, but the Rays said no. You don't think the Yankees wanted to do it this weekend so Captain Ground Out wouldn't miss another home game this weekend in his pursuit of Three Grand?)
For those of you who hasn't seen the film yet, here is a clip of the fisticuffs at Fenway tonight: