Projo Sox Blog

By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON _ Make that seven games.

David Ortiz increased his hitting streak to seven games Tuesday night when he crushed a two-run homer to deep center field off Yankees starter A.J. Burnett to give Boston an early 2-0 lead in the second inning.

After Ortiz rounded the bases and walked into the dugout, the fans at Fenway began to chant his name. The crowd wanted a curtain call.

Big Papi gave it to them - albeit a quick one.

"I was excited," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "That's probably the best swing he's taken. On a night when the ball is not going to carry, especially to center field, he hit it through the [rain, fog and wind]. That was a good swing. Everybody was excited. I hope he gets 40 curtain calls."

He's been showing signs of life at the plate, and his third homer of the season came at an important time with the Yankees in town and the clubs battling for the top spot in the A.L. East.

"It's huge. He's been hitting the ball like that a lot lately," said Red Sox starter Josh Beckett, who improved to 7-2. "Sometimes they fall, and sometimes they don't. I think that's more frustrating than not hitting the ball."

Francona believes the big man is coming around.

"When he's driving the ball consistently with authority then I think everybody will be thrilled. Himself included," said Francona prior to the game.

There's no question Ortiz drove the ball with authority in the second inning Tuesday night. He's now 8-for-29 (.276) with two homers and six RBI during this stretch.

To say Ortiz has success against the Yankees would be an understatement. Tuesday's homer was the 26th of his career against New York, passing Jim Thome (25) for sole possession of fifth place among active players.

Ortiz also has 97 career RBI against the Yankees.

 Tags  David Ortiz Red Sox Terry Francona

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