Barry Zito didn't pitch the best of games last night, allowing seven runs in five innings on three homers. Josh Beckett started strong but gave up three runs over the fifth and six innings. The bullpens, however, were untouchable. Oakland's four relievers allowed just one hit while striking out four. The Boston bullpen pitched three scoreless innings, leaving the final 7-3.

Papelbon pitched a scoreless ninth, and his ERA now stands at 0.53 in 51 innings. That's the best ERA ever for a pitcher with at least 50 innings thrown. Eckersley in 1990 posted a 0.61 ERA in 73 1/3 innings. At about this point in 1990, Dennis had pitched 43 innings with an 0.84 ERA, but allowed just one run over the last two months of the season. With Eck broadcasting for NESN, I wonder if he's giving Jon pointers.