Bulls Win; Thayer Gets 9th Save

Game 71: Bulls 3, Red Sox 1
Season: 39-32
Wrap, Box

Jason Cromer came on in the 6th inning and pitched a decent 2 plus innings, but with one out and two Pawsox on base, Dale Thayer came on in the 9th to shut things down and break the losing streak.

This has been was a long, hard slog through the home stand, something I never hope to have to witness again. We did get to see some good baseball last night. I was especially pleased to see our outfielders demonstrate their knowledge of the DBAP when Jon Weber played a carom of the left field corner and threw out a Pawsox trying to stretch a single into a double in the 1st and Justin Ruggiano took one off the Blue Monster and did the same thing in the 5th, both times keeping a leadoff batter from getting into scoring position.

Oh yeah, rehabbing Ray Scott Kazmir had the start against the Pawsox’s Clay Buchholz. Have to say that Kazmir really looked good. He only allowed one run, struck out five, and no walks. The press box was full and the game got the best coverage since David Price left town. See the News & Observer, the Herald-Sun, the St. Pete Times, and an interview with Kazmir on WRAL.

But for the game as a whole, take a look at what Adam Sobsey has to say over at Triangle Offense.

Charlie Montoyo will be leaving the Bulls to go be with his family while his son has surgery. Most of us are familiar with his son’s condition and we hope that he knows that our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

About the crowds. Last night was the biggest Monday crowd I’ve ever seen at the DBAP. In fact, these last four days have been huge. Obviously, a large part of it was the region’s Red Sox fans. One of the crowd last night was, however, a fan who has Kazmir on a fantasy team. Hasn’t been a good year for him so far, but things are looking up.

I also have to point out that it was a nice crowd, even if the ones behind me didn’t stand up and cheer Jaso around the bases after his huge home run in the 6th. I understand.

I think living in the South must be rubbing off. All that I met were uniformly courteous, mostly sober, and fun to chat with. Did note a couple of Bulls fans wearing, respectively, Mantle and Jeter jerseys. All in good fun, I suppose. At least they were laughing when last I saw them.