Sports Redux: Harry Potter and the Floundering Nine

Summer had officially come to Fenwarts, but the mood was anything but cheery. Professor Schillbedore was still missing and presumed in rehab. Harry Potter still dreaded his potions class, but now wasn't pleased with Defense Against the Dark Arts, either. The new teacher, Professor Matsuzaka, started the term with much promise, but lately had struggled in class, unable to cast even a simple Chicagous spell to stop a pair of animated white socks.

And Voldemort was only seven games back.

All right, enough of that. Matsuzaka pitched last night (after a two-hour rain delay), and couldn't stop the Sox' bleeding. He couldn't even stop his own walking, putting six White Sox on with free passes. Do that enough, and they'll score. Two singles by archvillain A.J. Pierzynski provided all the runs Chicago needed, and, as usual, the Red Sox could get 'em on but couldn't bring 'em in. Eleven hits. Two runs. Not cool.

Tonight is Jose Contreras against Josh Beckett, another matchup of one of our aces against a guy who we used to beat when he was a Yankee. Maybe this one will work out better.

Barry Bonds hit two home runs yesterday, bringing him within two of Hank Aaron's record. The Giants will spend the weekend in Milwaukee, where Hank hit many of his 755 homers, and where the fans are famously vocal and grudge-holding, so don't be surprised if Barry's injuries start to nag him again.

And this could be interesting...the FBI is investigating a possible point-shaving scandal involving an NBA referee. If this is true, we may have to throw all the results of last season out, particularly the Draft Lottery.