Going into Sunday’s game, the Red Sox hadn’t shown much power in their first five games of the year, but that all changed Sunday afternoon. The Red Sox belted six home runs, including three from Will Middlebrooks, in their 13-0 rout of Toronto to take two-of-three from the Blue Jays. It was the first time since 2006 where the Red Sox have won their first two series of the year.
Middlebrooks finished the day 4-for-5 with three home runs, a double and four RBI’s. He almost hit his fourth homer in the eighth inning, but it was caught on the warning track. Daniel Nava (two RBI’s), Jacoby Ellsbury (two RBI’s) and Mike Napoli (four RBI’s) also homered in the win. Ellsbury, Napoli, Dustin Pedroia and Jose Iglesias finished with two hits apiece, part of the Sox’ 15-hit attack.
Jon Lester was superb on the mound going seven strong innings, allowing zero runs on five hits while striking out six in his second win of the year. The Red Sox performance was even more impressive going against reigning National League Cy Young Award Winner R.A. Dickey. Dickey was ousted after allowed eight runs in 4 and 2/3 innings of work.
The Red Sox return home for Monday afternoon’s home opener against the Baltimore Orioles (2:05 p.m., NESN). Clay Buchholz will get the nod for Boston and be opposed by Wei-Yin Chen.
What they will be saying:The power surge from the Red Sox bats were a welcomed sign, as before Sunday they had only hit two home runs this season. Middlebrooks’ performance was very impressive, and something he will look to continue, as besides Napoli he is the only real power threat in the Red Sox lineup at least until David Ortiz returns. … Lester is showing he is determined to avenge last year’s disappointing season as all spring and into his first two games of the regular season he is pitching like an ace of a staff.
