Sox Take 5th in a Row Against Yankees

The Red Sox swept a quick game set at the new Yankee Stadium, winning their fifth game in a row against the Bronx Bombers. The final score was 7-3.

Amalie Benjamin has Jason Bay and the Red Sox getting the better of Joba Chamberlain, despite the latter picking up 12 K’s in 5 2/3 innings of work. Michael Silverman says that the only sad part of returning home for the Red Sox is saying goodbye to the Yankees. Daniel Barbarisi has the Red Sox getting to Chamberlain early, which is a good thing for them. Dom Amore notes that the Yankees might’ve won the offseason against the Red Sox, but the regular season has been a different story. Bill Ballou has Jason Bay coming through again for the Red Sox.

Adam Kilgore has Daisuke Matsuzaka getting his velocity back in a rehab outing for Pawtucket. Michael Gelbwasser has more on Dice-K’s rehab start. Joe McDonald has Matsuzaka feeling ‘ready’ after his outing for the PawSox. Steve Buckley says that the Sox have loved facing the Yankees thus far this season. Dan Lamothe looks at Jason Bay, stone cold Yankee killer. Alex Speier says that the cleanup spot isn’t a concern for the Sox.

Buckley has Tim Wakefield reviving talk of 1995 with his performance thus far this season. Sean McAdam has Jonathan Papelbon still adjusting and evolving as a pitcher. Barbarisi has Papelbon not worried about his walking-the-tightrope outings thus far this season.  Brian MacPherson examines Jon Lester’s bipolar start to the season. Barbarisi has the Sox still looking to fortify their bullpen bridge to Papelbon.

Dan Shaughnessy says that the Yankees can’t seem to get out of their own way against the Red Sox. Sean McAdam has the Yankees acknowledging that the Red Sox are the better team right now. Nick Cafardo has Chamberlain getting pulled despite the 12 strikeouts because he was “victimized by a ridiculously preplanned pitch count.” Barbarisi says that it is uncertain whether the new Yankee Stadium is the home run paradise it seemed in the first week of the season.

Benjamin’s notebook has Kevin Youkilis sitting out last night with tightness in his side, though it could be that he didn’t feel like taking another Chamberlain fastball off his helmet. Youkilis expects to be back in the lineup tonight. Silverman’s notebook has Jacoby Ellsbury feeling OK after having to leave the game with a tight hamstring. Barbarisi’s notebook has more on Ellsbury. Amore’s notebook looks at Youkilis sitting out last night. Ballou’s notebook has Dustin Pedroia getting back on track.  

Celtics

Julian Benbow looks at the mutual admiration society between big men Dwight Howard and Kendrick Perkins, which goes back to their days prior to the NBA. Mark Murphy has the Celtics acknowledging that their Monday rally means nothing, and that they need to come out strong tonight. Scott Souza has the Celtics not seeing the comeback, just a loss, in game one. Tim Weisberg says that the Celtics need more focus in game two. Robert Lee has Doc Rivers saying that the Celtics won’t fall back on the ‘tired’ excuse.

Marc J. Spears has Stephon Marbury finally breaking through on Monday night. Steve Bulpett says that the Celtics need to attack Howard down low tonight. Jim Fenton looks at the dominant defensive force that is Howard. Bill Doyle says that the Celtics need a complete performance from Rajon Rondo.  Mike Fine has Doc Rivers saying that Rondo needs to push the ball more. Bill Burt says that this is Brian Scalabrine’s time to shine.

Bulpett says that for the Magic, the key is to keep going if they get a lead.

Frank Dell’Apa has Doc Rivers wanting his team to pick up the pace. Murphy’s notebook has Ray Allen hoping to bounce back with a strong game two. Fenton’s notebook has Marbury looking more comfortable in the offense. Lee’s journal says Rondo must be better tonight.

Stan Grossfeld checks out Bill Russell’s new book Red and Me: My Coach, My Lifelong Friend

Bruins

Bob Hohler notes that the Bruins and Celtics will be going head-to-head on TV for the next five games of their respective series.

Fluto Shinzawa has the Bruins bracing to enter hostile territory. Joe Haggerty examines the success of Mark Recchi since joining the Bruins. Stephen Harris says the Bruins must find their game tonight. Nick Cammarota has the Bruins trying to get back on the winning path. Mike Loftus looks at the Bruins heading into the eye of the storm.

Kevin Paul Dupont says the Bruins need to find a way to rattle Cam Ward. Michael Felger decides to play the alarmist and worry about the Bruins. Loftus says the Bruins goal in Carolina is taking back home ice for the series.

Shinzawa’s notebook has Marco Sturm and Matt Hunwick back on the ice for the Bruins. Harris’ notebook has the Bruins trying to figure out how to get the matchups in their favor. Loftus’ notebook has Recchi happy to be in the playoffs.

Patriots

In light of the incident with the Cowboys practice facility, Christopher L. Gasper has the Patriots checking out their own,

Christopher Price has five questions about the 2009 rookie class for the Patriots. John Tomase says the future of Rodney Harrison and Jason Taylor will likely be decided soon. Mark Farinella and Mike Reiss report on the signing of former Bears starting safety Brandon McGowan to a two-year contract.