Sox Bounce Back - Red Sox 9, Yankees 5

Powered by 2-run homers by David Ortiz (28), Jacoby Ellsbury (24) and Jason Varitek (10), the Red Sox came from behind to beat the Yankees 9-5 at Fenway Park tonight to even their series at a game apiece. Josh Beckett went 7 innings for the win, his 12th of the season. He allowed 5 runs (4 earned) on 6 hits and 3 walks while striking out 8.

Yankees starter Phil Hughes took the loss, allowing 6 runs on 8 hits and 2 walks; he struck out 4 in dropping to 4-5. Daniel Bard pitched a 1-2-3 8th inning with sparkling plays by Marco Scutaro at short and second baseman Dustin Pedroia. Jonathan Papelbon pitched a perfect 9th to nail down the win.

NOTES -

An evening after Francisco Cervelli seemed to ignite things by clapping after a home run (really, come on...THAT's not acceptable any more?) Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner drew the ire of Josh Beckett when it appeared he was tipping location to teammates while standing on second base.

Former Red Sox John Valentin and Mo Vaughn were at Fenway Park to help raise money for the Jimmy Fund. They threw out ceremonial first pitches.

Did someone have to be someplace at a certain time? The time of game was a mere 3:16, very unusual for a Yankees/Red Sox matchup.

For those who don't have to listen to the Yankees TV announcers as we do here in New Jersey, could Michael Kay be any more insufferable? I need to find a way to get around the NESN blackout on MLB.tv when these two teams play.