The pitching duel I expected never materialized. In fact, Contracostatimes.com writes Only one ace showed up at Fenway. How true. Oakland's Tim Hudson gave up 9 hits, walked four and allowed 5 runs -- all this in only four innings. Curt Schilling was his usual self. When it comes to Schilling usual means superb.

The Red Sox embarrassed their West Coast foe led by an unlikely power source - Mark Bellhorn. Bellhorn had three hits, knocked in five runners and hit a home run. The Red Sox scored 12 runs and could have scored more; they left 13 players on-base. I still think he reminds me of last year's Todd Walker. The Red Sox are certainly getting their money's worth, except for batting average, Bellhorn is doing better in every offensive category. Bellhorn is making $490,000; Walker $1.75 million.

This Oakland team is not the same team as last year's divisional rival. The offense has struggled all year. The team is eleventh in the AL in runs scored. Losing Miguel Tejeda to free agency has left a huge hole in the lineup. The A's "Moneyball" approach isn't working out as originally hoped, especially with teams in the AL West improving. Another big reason's the A's struggle -- closer Keith Foulke is now on the Boston Red Sox.

Contracostatimes.com tells us that Foulke is happy on his new team. Foulke is 9 for 9 in save opportunities. Oakland's Arthur Rhodes has been serviceable. He has blown only two saves. However, had he saved those games the A's would be second in the AL West and first in line for the wild card spot. In baseball, every game counts.

SportsIllustrated.com's Jacob Luft writes that the closer may not be the most essential part of a the pen. He writes Chad Bradford may be the best bullpen guy on the A's staff. Regardless, this A's team will not make the playoffs unless some roster moves are made.

While every game counts; one game does not complete a series. According to SFgate.com, the Athletics will be looking for revenge tonight against Derek Lowe. Last year, Lowe pitched to save the final game of the ALDS. After doing so, he gestured toward the A's dugout. That left some players a little ticked off. This may be the A's best chance to beat the AL East's first-place team. Lowe has indeed been struggling. ESPN's Peter Gammons expects Lowe to battle back. He'll get it back sometime this year and I hope for the team's sake it's soon. No matter how he pitches from this point forward, I don't think he will be in a Red Sox uniform next year. Especially when the Oakland A's pitchers become available at the end of the year.

Mark Redman takes the mound tonight for the A's. MLB.com reports that "Redman is extra-rested for Red Sox". I sometimes worry about scoring so many runs in a single game. I hope the Sox left a little fuel in the tank.

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