Game 129 - Red Sox 13, Texas 2

Remember all that talk about how the Red Sox couldn't beat Texas? How maybe Boston would rather face Detroit and Justin Verlander in the first round of the playoffs instead of the Rangers? Remember that big guy in the picture on the left?

It's been about a week and a half since we've last seen him. David Ortiz returned to the lineup Wednesday night and helped spark a 13-2 Red Sox win with a pair of hits including his 31st double of the year. Coming off the heels of Tuesday's 11-5 win over Texas, the Red Sox appear to be able to handle their possible 1st-round playoff opponent just fine, thank you.

The Red Sox jumped out to an early 4-0 lead in the top of the 1st inning on RBI singles by Dustin Pedroia and Ortiz, and a 2-RBI double by Carl Crawford, his 19th 2-bagger of the year.

Jacoby Ellsbury added to his MVP consideration with his 23rd home run of the season in the top of the 6th inning, as well as another outstanding defensive play in right centerfield in the bottom of the inning.

Adrian Gonzalez hit his 3rd home run in the past two nights with a monster 2-run shot in the top of the 8th inning. For Gonzalez it was his 21st of the season.

Josh Beckett struggled a bit in the first inning walking 2, but he didn't give up a hit until the bottom of the 4th inning when Mike Napoli hit a solo home run (22). Beckett went 6 innings allowing 1 run on 4 hits and 2 walks; he struck out 4.

NOTES -

THIS is the Carl Crawford Red Sox fans were expecting to see! He drove in 5 runs with a double, home run (crushed to straightaway center) and sacrifice fly.

Tim Wakefield makes another attempt for career #200 Friday evening at Fenway against the Athletics who have taken the 1st two games of their series with the Yankees this week.

Do you have tickets for this Friday or Saturday against Oakland? With Hurricane Irene due to hit sometime on Saturday evening, there is some concern that Sunday's game will be a washout. Discussions have included preliminary plans to play a doubleheader on Saturday.

Speaking of Saturday, reliever Bobby Jenks (15-day DL with a back injury) is expected to make a Minor League rehab appearance then. The team hopes to have Jenks available shortly after September 1 when the rosters expand.