Game 115 - Red Sox 4, Twins 3

So it's true - it's NOT how you start, but how you finish.

And would you believe the game-winning run for the Red Sox scored on an INFIELD HIT by David Ortiz?

For Red Sox starter Erik Bedard, the start was a VERY ugly first inning in which he threw 37 pitches while walking 4 and giving up 2 runs. Bedard settled down after that and manged to get through 5 innings giving up just those two runs on 3 hits and the 4 1st-inning walks.

The Red Sox scored two of their own to tie the game in the top of the 5th inning on Darnell McDonald's 4th home run of the season; they added a run in the top of the 6th on an RBI single by Jason Varitek.

The Twins tied the score in the bottom of the 6th on an RBI double by Tsuyoshi Nishioka off Boston reliever Matt Albers.

The Red Sox went ahead for good in the top of the 7th. Walks to Pedroia and Youkilis were sandwiched around a double by Adrian Gonzalez, followed by a slow roller up the first baseline by David Ortiz that scored Pedey with the go-ahead and ultimately winning run. Bard and Papelbon combined for 2.1 innings of perfect relief.

NOTES -

3rd straight night Papelbon has pitched. He has 6 saves in his last 11 appearances.

Erik Bedard pitched well following that first inning; he was inline for the win until Matt Albers allowed the tying run.