Game 1: Red Sox 7 Angels 6
Game 2: Angels 6 Red Sox 4
Game 3: Angels 7 Red Sox 5

It’s tough for me to actually sit here and commend shortstop Julio Lugo on the .364 clip he hit against the Angels. But I have to, just continue it man, you’ve got a lot to prove.

The flu virus demolished a once poised and confident clubhouse, I’m not saying that the morale is diminished in any way, but the fact that catcher Jason Varitek, starting pitcher Josh Beckett and starting pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka were all out in the series, is a cause for concern. I did hear that the Sox took care of the problem, they supposedly sprayed down the clubhouse, we’ll see if their feeble attempt stifles the bug.

Outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury flashed the brilliance that kept him in town during the Johan Santana trade talks. He hit .333 (5-for-15) with two long balls and four runs scored in the series. I was at the game on Tuesday night, and what he did on Dustin Pedroia’s tiebreaking double was unreal. To me, he is easily one of the most exciting individuals in the game of baseball; the future is bright for the flashy centerfielder. He is a leadoff hitter with a .423 OBP, now that’s production.

Second baseman Dustin Pedroia was on fire. As I type this, all I can think about is Theo watching the games and thinking about how smart he is. Almost every big pick he has ever grabbed in the draft is now on the big club hacking at ridiculous clips. Not to mention, the young arms that he has nabbed have contributed as well. It’s truly sickening, in a good way. Anyways, for the series, Pedroia hit .429 (6-for-14) with two RBIs. The kid can rake.

It’s so crazy to see three hitters from Boston leading the American League in hitting. Check it out: Yahoo!

Designated hitter David Ortiz has begun to breakout; he hit two long balls during the series. He’s now tied with Manny for second in the AL with 20 RBIs.

The return of relief pitcher Craig Hansen was bitter sweet at best, he gave up one run on two hits, which included a blast by Sox killer Casey Kotchman. Overall, Hansen looked confident and struck out three hitters and walked none in 1 2/3 innings.

The debut of 23-year-old Justin Masterson was gratifying. Personally, with Lester’s struggles lately and Masterson’s Lowe-like success with groundball outs, I’d like to see Masterson up for good. I guess Les-ter is more. Anyways, Masterson limited the Angels to one run on two hits in six innings of work. In addition, he walked four and struck out four. He looked like a natural.

So with a disappointing series wrapped up, hopefully the flu bug is flying south to New York. Starting pitcher Josh Beckett is scheduled to throw against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday.

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