3 Stars of the Games: Game 86-87

Ryan MacLeod
Contributing Writer

The Red Sox made the most of the San Diego Padres trip to Boston, sweeping them and increasing their lead in the AL East. The team is now 53-34 and 31-16 at home. Here are the 3 stars of the game.
Game 86:
Star 3: Edinson Volquez
Volquez pitched fantastically for the Padres giving his team 6 strong innings of work. He allowed only 7 hits in that span but more importantly held the Red Sox offense to only 1 run. He walked 1 and struck out 6 in his outing.
Star 2: Jon Lester
Lester dominated in the pitchers duel, continuing to improve on the year. He pitched 7 innings giving up 6 hits and allowing only 1 run. He struck out 5 and walked 1. His performance brought his ERA down to 4.41 but again got a no decision.
Star 1: Jonny Gomes
Gomes only saw 5 pitches in his one at bat, but it was the last pitch that was the only one he needed to see. He came in to pinch hit for Snyder in the bottom of the 9th inning in a tied ball game and ended the game with a walk off home run, the Red Sox 8th walk off this season. Gomes' home run was his 6th of the season and his 21st RBI.

Game 87: 4th of July
Star 3: Dustin Pedroia
The offense had an explosive day on the fourth, it was like fireworks going off inside Fenway. Pedroia added to this going 2-4 with 2 RBI's. He hit his 24th double of the season and his 2 RBI day brought his total up to 49 on the year.
Star 2: David Ortiz
Ortiz also added to the barrage of hitting, going 2-5 with 2 RBI's as well. He hit his 19th double of the season and increased his RBI total to 59 on the year.
Star 1: Jacoby Ellsbury
The biggest contributor to the Red Sox offense was Ellsbury who went 3-4 with 1 RBI and 3 runs scored. He hit a solo home run in the 8th inning to increase the Red Sox lead, his 2nd of the year.

A quick trip to the West Coast to play in Anaheim will challenge the Sox especially without a day to recover in between games. What is the key to the series this weekend in your mind? Let me know in the comments section below or on twitter @Ryanthahawaiian.