After playing a Doubleheader the day before, the Sox have Gavin Floyd going to the mound for the rubber match against the M’s.  AJ got the Sox on the board first with a solo shot to Right in the second inning, but the lead didn’t last long when Floyd gave up a two run RBI double to Griffey.  At the end of the frame, the M’s managed to plate three runs. 

Floyd battled through six innings surrendering three runs on ten hits with two walks and three strikeouts.  It was a true blue collar effort, but he managed to keep the Sox in the game until the bats came alive.

Alexei made a sensational catch in short left field to double off Yuniesky Betancourt at 2nd base.  It was a huge play that kept the game within reach until the bottom of the frame.  The Sox started the sixth with a pair of singles which chased Bedard out of the game.  Betemit laced a RBI double which cut the M’s lead to one.  Alexei tied the game with a sac fly to right scoring AJ.

Thornton pitched a solid seventh inning, and the bats errupted in the bottom half of the frame with back-to-back home runs from Quentin and Dye; both sluggers were struggling at the plate.  Betemit hit his second double of the game.  BA left due to injury at his at-bat, and Owens took over with a 1-2 strike, grounding out for the centerfielder.

Linebrink pitched the eighth while surrendering a single to Gutierrez, and the Sox offense was back to work.  Alexei coaxed a walk, and he stole second.  The M’s stymied the Sox running game so far, but Alexei swiped second with ease.  A wild pitch placed Alexei on third with one out when Quentin strolled to the plate.  A line drive single to left field gave the Sox an insurance run.

Jenks had a 1-2-3 ninth inning for his 5th save.  He is 5-for-5 in saves this year.

Defense needed work, but JD made a spectacular catch in right when he fully extended himself in a dive early in the game.  The Sox managed two errors in the game.  After struggling the day before, the Sox had six runs on twelve hits.