Like four of the balled that sailed to the backstop, let's get passed this game and move on.

The Red Sox official site says passed balls haunt the Sox.

Now, I'm sure many fans are questioning the use of Josh Bard behind the plate. However, would Jason Varitek do much better? The knuckleball is tough on everyone, so I fault him not, though I do miss Doug Mirabelli right about now.

The missed balls weren't the problem. The Red Sox, for whatever reason, simply aren't hitting when Tim Wakefield is on the mound. I believe it is a matchup thing. No. 2 pitchers will out pitch No. 3 or 4 pitchers, which I believe Tim Wakefield is.

The Boston Globe says the Sox "can't catch a break.

Wakefield has pitched well to this point, really. Giving up three earned runs is pretty acceptable, especially in the American League. And if you take away his disasterous start in Texas, his ERA would be 2.20; WHIP 1.08. Outstanding!

But five hits will not win ball games.

I was impressed by Cleveland's Cliff Lee. He did not buckle under, even when facing Big Papi with the bases full. Instead he went right after the slugger - high and inside to earn the strikeout.

The Indians' young bats continue to impress too. It is and will be a formidable club with Travis Hafner, Victor Martinez, Grady Sizemore and Jhonny Peralta (I still can't get over that spelling) leading the way.

Speaking of Peralta what was Wakefield thinking, trying to sneak a fastball past him? Granted the 23-year-old shortstop is hitting a paltry .227 this season, but he also has 27 home runs, 92 RBIs in 162 games in his short career. He can obviously turn on the fastball, especially Wake's.

That one mistake killed the Sox.

I'd like to forget about last night's game and look forward to today's matchup. Josh Beckett looks to redeem himself vs. Paul Byrd.

Although Byrd has created a one-finger change up, it doesn't appear to be helping. He has a 9.12 ERA going into tonight's game and simply has lost his command. See a preview of tonight's matchup at USAToday.com.

The keys to a successful victory: The early Byrd gets hit. Since he is struggling, I'd like to see the Sox sit on some pitches make him throw strikes. Youkilis has been tremendous in the this regard and even Wily Mo Pena, who looks to get the start tonight, did a fantastic job last night against Cliff Lee, though he eventually popped the 11th pitch to the shallow outfield.

If the Sox accomplish that goal the rest will be easy. The bullpen is still questionable, so the sooner you can get to those middle relief guys the better.

Josh Beckett needs to simply be Josh Beckett.

And the 7-8-9 hitters have got to get on base and be more productive.

If you have to play small ball to get guys scoring than so be it; Francona knows this he's a National League guy.

Go Sox!

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