Welcome Back Pedro

Bostonist was on hand for last night's return of Pedro Martinez to the mound. To say that the environment was electric is a colossal understatement. There was one thing the people who showed up were there to see - and that's Pedro. People wanted to cheer him on the way to the bullpen to warm up, on his way back to the dugout, on his way to the mound for the bottom half of the fifth, and off the mound after getting tattooed for 8 runs (6 of which were earned - the other two we had Lastings Milledge to thank). It should not be left as a footnote to mention that Josh Beckett went out there to maintain his status as (one of) the current ace(s) and pitched his brains out. Even if Pedro brought his A game it would have been a tough night for the Mets to pull out a win.

Never before has Bostonist been witness to such an amorous reception for an opposing pitcher - especially one as adept and dangerous as "Petey". In a way, the overwhelming reception by both the fans and by the Red Sox front office might be what we have to attribute the victory to. He was obviously overwhelmed and touched by the sentiment and, because of this, could not perform at the level he normally does. Last night's victory keeps the victory tour rolling along and the Red Sox look for their 4th straight series sweep against the National League East. Atlanta, Washington, Philadelphia, and now (maybe) the very best in the New York Mets. Could it happen? Twelve games in a row? Tom Glavine will be on the bump for the "Amazins" going against Schill.