What a game! What a weekend! We witnessed some good and bad baseball. After six hours and 19 minutes, 16 pitchers, almost 600 pitches, 29 hits, and 11 runs, the wrong team won. The Red Sox had ample opportunities, leaving 17 baserunners stranded.

The Chicago Tribune says it was worth the wait The newspaper Web site gives Jermaine Dye and AJ Pierzynski a lot of credit for the victory - both at the plate and in the field.

I beg to differ.

For, it could have been quite different had Boston's nine noticed Pierzynski grab Alex Gonzalez during the double-play that wasn't. Had interference been called, game over. Boston wins!

Looking at his numbers over the years, I found Pierzynski to be perhaps the most underrated catcher in the game. After watching him play this season and especially Sunday, there is something particularly unpleasant about him. Sure teammates will tell you he's jovial guy, but perhaps Micheal Barrett knew something. Perhaps Pierzyski isn't all that nice.

Either way the fans appear to appreciate him. After a "Punch Pierzyski" campaign, he has found his way on the All Star team. He received more votes than the Twins' Francisco Liriano - the CY young favorite for Cripes sake. Fans can be wrong too.

I can't completely blame the umpires for the loss. The Red Sox had blinders on.
Jermaine Dye overran third and never retouched before returning to second. Heck, fatigue was bound to set in. Boston also blew two save opportunities (Jon Papelbon and Mike Timlin).

When will Francona learn that Mike Timlin has to enter a game with the bases empty? It's painful when he inherits runners. He was lucky enough to get out of the inning with only the one run scored.

The one pitcher who impressed me Sunday (and I afraid to admit it) was Julian Tavarez. He went 4+ innings, faced 13 batters and didn't allow a run. Amazing!

But why am I dwelling on the loss? The Red Sox took two of three from the 2005 champs - remaining in first place. And on Saturday night, I had a Yankee fan tell me that Boston was the best team in baseball - right now. Life is good.

Besides the Red Sox and I get a well-deserved break.

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