Four real? Four at bats that changed the game. Red Sox vs Twins

Game 44: Rain soaked win 5-1

The Red Sox keep getting it done on the field, and while it may not always be pretty, all that matters is that they keep putting more runs up than their opponents. It may have been wet and cold in Minnesota, but Boston took advantage of their opportunities to get the win. Here are the four at bats that changed the game:

1) Top of the second inning, and with two out, Will Middlebrooks is facing lefty Pedro Hernandez. Hernandez throws three straight changeups, but Middbrooks sniffs out the third and takes an outside pitch to the opposite field and over the wall for a 1-0 Red Sox lead. It seems like since the collision with David Ross, Middlebrooks has found his swing again. And Boston will need him.

2) Top of the third inning, and Boston strikes again.After a Shane Victorino walk, Jonny Gomes takes a 2-2 fastball to center field for a single. Victorino shows why he is such a good baserunner by getting to third base on the hit. His good running pays off, because when Dustin Pedroia hits a ball to third base, Trevor Plouffe attempts to go to second base but throws it into right field. The error scores Victorino and the Sox go up 2-0.

3) Top of the fifth inning. Boston records three straight singles off of Hernandez (Pedroia, David Ortiz and Mike Napoli) and Pedroia scores to put the Sox up 3-0. Josh Roenicke comes on to replace Hernandez and with the bases loaded and one out, he gets Middlebrooks and Jarrod Saltalamacchia to avoid any more damage.While Middlebrooks goes through a six pitch at bat, Salty swings at the first pitch he sees and grounds out to the pitcher. 3-0 Sox.

4) After a long rain delay, the game resumes with about 50 fans in attendance. In the bottom of the eighth, Koji Uehara faces Joe Mauer with the bases loaded. A single could tie the game, but Koji makes sure that doesn't happen. Mauer strikes out on an 81 mph splitter and Uehara immediately runs to Satly and gives him an affectionate hug. You have got to love the enthusiam when Uehara gets out of an inning, becuase he runs down the dugout and hi-fives everyone. I love this guy!

Pedroia gets it done in the ninth with a two run homerun to pad the lead and the Red Sox win to complete the sweep 5-1. Tomorrow, Jon Lester and Boston travels to US Cellular Field to face Dylan Alexrod. The game starts at 8:10 EST.
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