Sports Redux: Now THAT Was A Ballgame

Trot Nixon's homecoming game at Fenway was one to remember. Not so much for Trot (1-for-3), but for the fact that this game had a little bit of everything. An inside-the-park home run for Kevin Youkilis (shhh...20 game hitting streak...shhh). A conventional home run for Manny, tying him with former teammate Jim Thome for 25th place all time. A controversial third-strike call in the ninth that brought both managers out for some earnest discussions with the umps. And an Indians ground ball that was inches away from being a triple play.

And with all that, the story of the night was Curt Schilling. Any doubts whether he's still got it can be put aside for now, as Curt gutted his way through seven innings of six-hit, one-run, 10-K, no walk ball. He always seemed to be about to get into trouble, but just as quickly seemed to get himself out of it.

The bullpen was a little shaky; J.C. Romero couldn't find the stike zone with a map and a compass, and even Papelbon got a touch of wildness (the fact that he has to locate his pitches in the face of 20,000 flashbulbs every time he winds up can't help). With one in and two on, though, Papelbon got Grady Sizemore on a weak popup, then struck out Casey Blake on what looked like either strike three, a hit-by-pitch, or a foul tip, depending on your point of view. He then sent the unfortunate Travis Hafner (0-5, 4 Ks) into Never-Never Land and that was the ballgame.

Comebacks all around tonight; Josh Beckett takes the mound against Cleveland's Jeremy Sowers. In Pawtucket, Jon Lester is set to get closer to his Boston return, starting against Columbus. Mike Timlin is also expected to get some work with the PawSox in the next few days. In the enemy camp, Roger Clemens pitched well in his tuneup with the Yankees' AAA team; any day now, he'll be called up to the Bronx and probably demand a trade to a contender.

In other sports news, you already heard about the tragic accident that claimed the life of Patriots defensive end Marquise Hill. The Patriots have thoughts from the organization up on their site; Coach Bill said, "Marquise will be remembered as a thoughtful and caring young man who established himself as one of the year-round daily fixtures of our team." The New Orleans native had been very active in helping family and neighbors get back on their feet after Katrina; what a sad end to that story.

Moving on to postseason action, the Ducks grabbed Game One of the Stanley Cup Finals. Ottawa jumped to a 2-1 lead after two periods, but Ryan Getzlaf tied it early in the 3rd, and Travis Moen scored in the final three minutes to give Anaheim the win. In the NBA West, the Jazz couldn't make it two straight, and fell to the loathsome Spurs 91-79. San Antonio is one game away from clawing, biting and flopping their way to the Finals.

In "better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool" NBA news, Kobe Bryant backtracked from his statement that he either wants Jerry West to return as Lakers GM, or wants to be traded. Kobe says that Laker fans are getting frustrated with LA's inability to get far in the playoffs. Luckily for Kobe, every Laker fan is under four years old, and has no memory of the fact that the team was a dynasty until Kobe decided he wanted to try to win without Shaquille O'Neal at his side.