V-Mart the Savior!

Wow! I don't know where to start. I will do my best to recap that crazy top of the 9th

The Red Sox entered the 9th inning losing 4-2. David Ortiz, who had a nice night batting 7th (he went 2/3 with the then game-tying 2-R HR in the 6th to go along with two walks), led of the inning with a double. Jason Varitek then legged out an infield single. After Jacoby (who pinch hit for Nick Green earlier in the game and stayed in at CF) hit an RBI single to bring the Sox within one run, Chris Woodward (who replaced Green at SS after Jacoby came in) was up with runners on first and second. Woodward looked like a fool at the plate. Everyone in the stadium knew he had to bunt, yet Woodward pulled back twice on two strikes. He went on to strike out in what will be his final at-bat as a Red Sox player (if it wasn't official before, it is now; Alex Gonzalez will take his roster spot). We won't miss you Chris.

Wait. It gets crazier. Terry Francona then sent pitcher Clay Buchholz to pinch run for Jason Varitek at second base, who was the tying run (note: Kotchman was the only man left of the bench). Pedroia then towered a deep drive to left-field that was almost caught, but it bounced off the wall. Hesitant and stuck in-between second and third Buchholz was forced to sprint home with Ellsbury right behind him. Buchholz was nailed at the plate. At that point we looked screwed. Francona, Woodward, and Buchholz all about to be scrutinized for the loss that was going to take us out of the wild card lead.

Enter, Victor Martinez. After fouling off numerous pitches, V-Mart nailed a double down the right-field line that knocked in two, gave the Sox the lead, and saved those who almost lost us the game.. Bay then knocked him in with a single. Then JD sealed the deal with a 2-run HR. Game.

Not to get lost in the crazy 9th was Jon Lester's gutsy performance in a big game when he didn't have his best stuff. Yes, he struck out 11 in six innings, but he threw a lot of pitches (117). Yet, the kid stepped up with a quality start and kept the club in the game.

By the way for those of you that did not tune in. Frank Viola announed the game with Don tonight and will Saturday day, as well as the series in Toronto. I really liked him. Tune in and see for yourself.