David Ortiz hit the seventh walkoff homer of his career, a two-run blast to the center-field bleachers after Jonathan Papelbon pitched 2 + innings of clutch relief that gave the Red Sox a 5-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies in 10 innings Saturday.

Papelbon (2-1) helped the Red Sox extend their winning streak to a season-high eight games. He lowered his ERA to 0.24. In 38 innings, he's allowed one run and five walks with 39 strikeouts, four on Saturday

Curt Schilling struck out 10 in six innings but failed for the fourth time to win his 10th game.

All this puts Boston 3 games ahead of the Yankmes in the AL East: 23-10 at home and 21-18 on the road on a winning streak second only to the Chicago W Sox.

Their three game series against the Mets in Boston this week should be interesting play but they should take all three games if they keep their heads straight.

It is still far too early to predict - but if they stay this hot, can another pennant be in their future?

Unfortunately here comes July and August, the graveyard of dozens of good Sox teams.

Any early takers?

R

Edited for Ortiz stat

[ June 24, 2006, 11:36 PM: Message edited by: ITJock ]