Sports Redux: Technically, This Counts As A Comeback Win Too

...which makes it three gifts in a row for the Red Sox, from the Minnesota bullpen. Twin relievers' ERA for the three-game series: 25.50. Come back any time, guys!

Josh Beckett quickly fell behind 3-0, but the Sox scored four in the third off Livan Hernandez (portly pitcher, 453 degrees, alternate dark blue uniforms, must have been a pleasant day for Livan) and chased him in the fifth with two more. Terry Francona whisked the shaky Beckett out of the game, and in a battle between bullpens, the Sox version suddenly looked good compared to the competition. The Sox pounded Bonser, Breslow, Bass and Reyes for 12 runs.

It would take forever to describe how all the runs scored in the eventual 18-5 massacre, but we can report homers by Youkilis and Kevin Cash; three hits apiece by Manny, Casey and Youk; four hits by Ellsbury; and (sit down for this) two hits apiece for Lugo and Varitek. The Twins should bottle their bullpen and sell it as a revitalizing tonic.

One key play was Varitek's single in the eighth - it looked like Denard Span made a sensational catch and converted it into a triple play, but it turned out (and the umps got it right) the ball caught some grass before it hit Span's glove. Francona went out to confirm this, then Twins manager Ron Gardenhire ran out to provide the counterpoint, looking a little like Papa Smurf with his tail on fire. Gardenhire was given the rest of the afternoon off by the umps, which was probably good for his sanity.

The good news is, the Yankees beat the Rays, so the Sox are back within two of the AL East lead. The bad news is, the Yankees beat the Rays, so abandon all hopes of burying them before the All-Star Break. Also, you should totally vote today to make sure Tampa Bay's Evan Longoria gets the last All-Star spot instead of Jason Giambi and his bad moustache.