You mess with the bull…

…and you get the horns. 

I hope Robinson Cano gave ARod a big old ‘thank you’ after Mike Lowell took him out today.  Of course, the hit on Mientkiewicz wasn’t anything of the same.  Jeter’s bad throw took Doug off the bag and in the way of Mike.  Anyone who thinks he meant to hit Mientkiewicz is both blind and ignorant and not worth dealing with.  I will absolutely understand anyone who has a problem with Mike’s hit on Cano.  But if you don’t see that as payback for not only the elbow to Pedroia, the hit on Lowell’s hand and the pitch to Youk’s head, you’re being ignorant to the ways players take care of their own.  It reminded me of Trot Nixon letting go of the bat against Tampa Bay a few years ago.  Sometimes there are other ways to take care of ‘business’ that don’t include putting a man on base.  It’s been an absolute blast reading all the Yankees fans blowing gaskets about how Lowell is a dirty player.  Payback is a bitch, huh?

On the other hand, I hope Mientkiewicz is okay.  He looked totally dazed, as if he didn’t have  a clue where he was when they took him off the field.  Kudos to the Red Sox fans for the ovation they gave Doug as he left the field today.

Mientkiewicz getting injured aside, I loved this whole game.  Good for Lowell for showing that the Sox weren’t going to let the Yankees bully them.  I think wiping Fenway Park with the remains of Scott Proctor, and sending a message to the Yankees’ infield, are great indicators that this team isn’t going to sit around on their double-digit division lead.  They’re still playing hard and won’t be pushed around.

I’m bummed that Youk’s hitting streak is over, but confident he’ll begin a new one tomorrow.  Everyone in the lineup, except Youk,  got a hit.  And they made them worthwhile today.  Even with his bruised hand, Lowell hit a home run today.  And for the second game this year (against the Yankees) the Sox had back to back home runs (you all remember the four consecutive home runs in Fenway back in April!) that included Lowell and Varitek.

One thing this team doesn’t lack is heart.  

Last night, the Yankees decided that they were going to ‘get tough’.  Today, the Red Sox showed them two could play at that game.

Beckett is on the mound against Pettitte tomorrow night.  ESPN will be playing this up as a marquis pitching match-up and they’ll be anticipating more fireworks.  Seems to me, whenever ESPN or Fox builds up the series this way, they end up disappointed.  All I hope for tomorrow is a good outing from Beckett and no one getting sent to the hospital.

Oh, and a win would be nice too.

Great game, guys.  You made the Nation proud.