Any type of baseball game’s outcome in which the final tally compares to that of an NFL score is a thrilling game to watch — last night’s Red Sox/Rangers game lived up to it as the Sox edged the Texas bombers, 19-17.

The Red Sox exploded with a 10-run first inning, capped off by David Ortiz’ 2 HR’s and 6 RBI’s. I started to see remnants of the Red Sox/Marlins game back in ‘03 in Fenway. The Red Sox scored 14 runs in the first inning of the game off Carl Pavano, and Mike Lowell was on the other side of the spectrum, playing third base for the soon-to-be World Champion Florida Marlins team.

Only this time the Red Sox managed to blow their massive lead. Here’s an interesting fact from Yahoo Sports: The last time a team came back from a 10-run deficit was May 8, 2004, when the Rangers rallied from a 14-4 deficit to win 16-15 in 10 innings, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. I’m not sure what it is about Texas, but their teams have been notorious for being able to rake. We all remember this game from last year.

One might question Francona’s decision of leaving the rookie Charlie Zink in for too long. Quite honestly, Zink was pitching well up until the fourth — maybe Francona should have given the hook to Zink earlier in the 5th, but I don’t blame him for not.

What really makes Sox fans worry is the inconsistency of the middle relievers. Javier Lopez has been fairly solid throughout the year, so a shake-up from him here or there is bound to happen. I have to question whether or not David Aardsma is healthy. Last week we witnessed his resurgence back into the Boston bullpen from a DL stint, but, he hasn’t pitched too well since then.

As for Manny Delcarmen, his up-and-down struggles continued last night. It’s surprising to me because I honestly felt after last year’s performance, Delcarmen was set as a force and fixture in the 7th or 8th innings. It seems as though he’s taken a step back. Red Sox Nation has to hope he can regain his confidence and be the Delcarmen of ‘07.

All in all, the middle relief last night decided to take the day off, only they couldn’t weasel their way past Mr. Rooney & company.

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Three guys saved us last night — Okajima, Papelbon, and Youkilis. Youk’s quickly transforming into a power-hitter by our very eyes. Don’t be surprised to see Youkilis hit an average of around 25 HR for the next few years.

Oki, criticized for his inability to shut down inherited runners in 2008, pitched 1.2 innings of scoreless frames. After Youkilis launched his second HR of the night, Papelbon came in and closed the door.

It was entertaining, certainly not pretty, but the Red Sox managed to pick up the W — isn’t that all we can ask for?

*On a side note: Chris Davis of TEX is a beast. I have him on both of my fantasy squads and it has paid dividends. He’s only 22 and the kid can flat out hit. In 41 Major League games this year, he has walloped 11 HR and 32 RBI, while maintaining his average close to .300. In the minors he’s hit 74 HR in 275 games. This kid is for real*

-First, and foremost, the Sox get their feared number 3 hitter back in the line-up tonight, Big Papi. Papi is coming off the DL after a 53-day, 45 game absence, where the Sox were able to assemble a 26-19 record. The record, though, does not quantify the offense’s struggles without him in the line-up. Without Papi hitting in that number 3 slot, the Sox offense has been out of the top 10 in all three Triple Crown categories, coincidently, with him in the line-up they are in the top 10 of all three.

-However, the player who everyone seems to be bashing recently, and the number 4 hitter in the Sox powerful 1-2 punch, Manny Ramirez is questionable for tonight’s game with a sore knee. Who knows if Manny is just pulling one of his many stunts to show the Sox front office how much they need him, or if his knee has really been bothering him. Ramirez is the only one who knows the answer to that question, and I’m sure he’ll be keeping it that way.

-An interesting storyline for tonight will be Joba Chamberlain making his first start at Fenway Park, especially with the past he has with the Red Sox, and most notably, Kevin Youkilis. Joba was none too happy with Youkilis’ slide in Yankee Stadium on July 5th, and he made it known when in Kevin’s next at bat, he promptly received a 97 mph fastball between his legs. Last season, Youk also received two fastballs over his head in the Bronx. It’ll be interesting to see how Joba handles Youk in his first at bat tonight; I know I’ll be watching.

-The Sox counter Chamberlain, with dueling flamethrower, Josh Beckett, on the mound tonight in Boston. Beckett comes into the game with a 9-6 record (3-0 against the Yankees) and a 3.98 ERA through 18 starts, with 113 K to 25 BB in 120 innings pitched. He is coming off a CG last time out, against the Los Angeles Angels. Beckett took the loss in the game, chucking 8 innings of 9 hit baseball, giving up 4 runs and striking out 6 along the way. Here’s hoping to 4-0 against those Bronx Bombers.

-Dustin Pedroia has been the team’s hottest hitter this month, batting at a .436 clip, raking 44 hits in his last 101 at bats. In 9 games against the Yankees this season, Pedroia has also been hot, hitting .350 against New York pitching. Robinson Cano, widely known in the baseball world as being a 2nd half hitter, has started on his tear in the last 30 days, dancing to the tune of a .359 avg with 4 HR, striking out only 4 times in that span.

-This 3 games series ranks high on both teams priority lists, as the Yankees come into Fenway Park only 3 games behind the Sox and Tampa Bay Rays. Both teams are in a tie at the top of the AL East as of the games played through July 24th. In the case of a series sweep for the Yankees, they would tie themselves with the Red Sox and once again show the baseball world they can never be counted out of the race for the division.

Every series between these two American League elites give us something to watch for, and this series will not disappoint. Be ready for a playoff atmosphere at Fenway Park at 7:05pm.

For the past couple nights Kevin Youkilis has donned a sweet pair of goggles to help cover that nasty swollen eye after being hit with a throw from Mike Lowell. That thing looked more damaged than Brett Myers’ girlfriend in the middle of the Boston streets. Let’s hope Youk can make a full recovery and beat this swollen eye. If not, at least we can check out some really cool pair of goggles.

To help renown Youk’s new pair of eye wear I’ve come up with a list of the top 5 athletes who deserve to be recognized for their superior representation that is……The Goggled Athlete. Four of these guys just happen to play basketball, but of course, the guy who tops our list comes from the great sport of America’s past time.

Just to make things more clear, each player can make their case for claiming the top spot…but the final 2 was an absolute toss-up.

(h/t to Center Field for providing the Youk pic.) (more…)