Bottom of the 7th

The Red Sox notes read that reliever Manny Delcarmen, who left a game Friday when he slipped on a wet field, is expected to throw a bullpen today.

That's a lot to ask of anyone, much less a guy who just hurt his knee. It takes a special brand of man to pick up a whole bullpen and throw it. I've never tried it, but it looks as if it'd be tough.

This has become common talk in sports - leaving words out. This happens primarily with injuries.

"Smith can't play today."
"Why?"
"He has a knee."

Actually, he has two of them, as do most humans. What about his knee is preventing him from playing? Is it sore? Sprained? Dislocated?

"It's a knee. Next question."

Back at McKechnie, the Pirates have something brewing. Rivas doubled off new Sox hurler Craig Breslow, and pinch-hitter Nyjer Morgan legs out an infield hit. Jack Wilson's single loads the bases - and Sanchez clears them with a three-run double.

The Red Sox fans are booing Doug Mientkiewicz, who caused a stir when he made the final put out of the '04 World Series, and chose to keep the ball. The ball wound up going to the Hall of Fame.

Sanhcez, who went to third on a ground out, scampers home when the throw back to the pithcher gows awry.

The Pirates lead 6-2.