Sports Redux: Bottoms Up For Seattle

The Red Sox staff had no answers for the bottom of Seattle's order as Rob Johnson and Ronny Cedeno combined to go 5-10 with five RBI in a 7-6 Sox loss in 11 innings. Johnson's two-run double in the 11th inning was the deciding hit in the game. Ramon Ramirez took the loss.

Tim Wakefield made his record-setting start last night. He certainly didn't help his chances to make the All-Star team but his 10-3 mark deserves a nod anyway. Wake did allow five runs in eight innings, which isn't good. However, the three-run fourth inning marred an otherwise solid start.

The game itself started great. Dustin Pedroia singled and David Ortiz walked. Pedroia scored on Jason Bay's double. Ortiz scored on a wild pitch by Felix Hernandez for a 2-0 lead. After Seattle led 5-3, Nick Green's double tied the game at 5-5 in the eighth. J.D. Drew and George Kottaras each added solo home runs in the loss.

Daisuke Matsuzaka is going to Florida. There's no such thing as too much pitching. Here's hoping he fixes what is wrong with him. We also know about the nutty guy with long hair who returned to the MLB tonight after his "suspension" ended. Notice his name was not typed in the body of the Redux.

The NBA's silly season is underway. While the Celtics await Rasheed Wallace's reply to their contract offer and yawn at the apparent departure of Stephon Marbury, Lakers' GM Kobe Bryant Mitch Kupchak signed Ron Artest over Trevor Ariza. He may be insane but that sounds like a short-term upgrade to Bostonist for LA, and the end of Ariza's 15 minutes. Celtics' playoff killer Hedo Turkoglu signed with Portland.

An interesting rumor circulating involves old friend Willie McGinest possibly wanting to return to Boston to play for the Patriots. Why not bring back one of the groceries Bill Parcells didn't shop for?

It's July 4th and Bostonist is feeling patriotic. Venus and Serena Williams face each other in their fourth All-American, All-sibling Wimbledon final. The New England Patriots cheerleaders are visiting military personnel this summer and want homemade cards and letters from fans to bring to them. Cards and letters can be sent to Support Our Troops, c/o Patriot Cheerleaders, Gillette Stadium, One Patriot Place, Foxboro, MA 02035.

Enjoy the 4th and stay safe.