The Sensational 70s - Sawx End June on Winning Note

Boston finished off their most impressive month's work so far this season by dumping the visiting Chicago Cubs 3-1. Chicago's Gene Clines gave out a souvenir before the Boston faithful could get comfortable by drilling a leadoff homer in the top of the first. The Red Sox stormed right back with a leadoff extra base hit of their own. Denny Doyle lined a double into the left field corner and was plated by an RBi single off the bat of Cecil Cooper. Dwight Evans would end the scoring in the fourth with a two run shot to straight away center.

Boston ace Luis Tiant (11-4) had another steady, understated outing going 7 innings allowing 2 walks while striking out three. Dick Drago came on for two scoreless innings of relief to notch another save.

Boston's numbers for June (listed above) have been quite impressive. They have been consistently playing above .500 in each month with a 15 - 13 mark in April and a 16-11 record for May. 

Due to a strong June, Boston has reduced the lead of the AL East leading Orioles, and they have also played a part in slowing the Yankees taking two of three from the Pinstripers in New York. In the final game, the Red Sox were simply overmatched by Yankee ace Ron Guidry (pictured left). A first inning two run homer by Reggie Jackson would be all that New York would need, and Guidry (13-2) smothered the Boston offense firing no- hit ball through six inning of play. Boston shortstop Rick Burleson would break up the no hit bid in the seventh with a single to right but the Sawx would only manage two more hits on in 5-0  loss.

Boston has a tenuous grasp on a wildcard spot as they roll towards the all-star break. After the series against the Cubs, Boston will face the Orioles, the AL Central leading White Sox and the Astros before the break. Then, they will take on the Royals to begin the unofficial second half of the campaign. This has the makings to be a crucial part of the season as the Red Sox have an opportunity to get some breathing room in the AL wild card race.