Sox Pull the E-Brake -- Stop Skid vs Phillies

Terry Francona earned his 700th victory with the Boston Red Sox this afternoon in Citizen's Bank Park, as the Sox beat down the Phillies, 5-2.

Boston finished the month of June with a 16-9 record, after starting out 12-2 but now stumbling into July. Mike Cameron was designated for assignment before the game, with Yamaico Navarro getting the call to the Show. The infielder was called up to give the Sox some breathing room while Kevin Youkilis heals up from a foul ball off the foot the other night.

Jon Lester was lights out, going 7 innings with 2 hits, 2 walks, no runs allowed and 5 K's. His battery mate Jason Varitek led the offense with 2 solo home runs, batting 5th today in an always-confusing interleague lineup.

Sox are traveling to Houston to take on the Astros, last place in the NL Central with a 28-53 record. Given the way they've played against the Pirates and Padres, the Sox could be in for another struggle, but hopefully they can start out July like they did June and stay hot this summer.

Rollin' The Dice

Daisuke Matsuzaka finally showed Sox Nation that he can still play with the big kids. In his third start this season, Matsuzaka caged the Toronto Blue Jays for 7 innings, allowing just 3 hits and 1 run while striking out 9 batters, one below his career high.

On the offensive side, Varitek, Drew and Pedroia each had a pair of hits, with Varitek having the lone home run of the game, his sixth of the season.

Sox go for the sweep and look to remain perfect against the Jays this afternoon, as Tim Wakefield comes out of the bullpen and into the starter role to face Shaun Marcum.

Go Sox.