Chowdaheads - Sitting on Frog One: Ding-Dong Daddy: Sox step-father all over Pedro in return

The former Red Sox pitcher came into the game and pitched well, giving up only one earned run and striking out three. His name is Darren Oliver. The other former Red Sox pitcher was even better, not allowing a hit and only walking one. His name is Chad Bradford. Then there is the other other Red Sox pitcher...he didn't do so hot. Pedro Martinez's heavily (that's an understatement) anticipated return to Fenway Park fell flat like many larger than life events often do, in an 10-2 Red Sox win over the New York Mets. In 3 innings Petey gave up 6 earned runs and 7 hits and only struck out 1 as the Red Sox put 4 on the board (2 thanks to error) in the 1st and 4 more in the 3rd.

Facing a much different line up than he left in 2004, Pedro started the game allowing a single to Kevin Youkilis then another to Mark Loretta. When Big Papi grounded a ball back to Pedro, the three time Cy Young award winner looked completely lost in the moment. Pedro looked at 3rd then looked at 2nd and finally decided to go to 1st to get out Papi. From there the wheels fell off the wagon. Manny walked, Nixon hit a sac fly for a RBI and 1-0 lead, then Varitek singled home a run. The Next batter Mike Lowell popped to left, apparently getting Petey out of trouble with only two runs scored, instead Lastings Milledge made an error in left for the 2nd strait game. Two more runs scored.

Pedro got through the 2nd, but was rocked for a 4 run 3rd that was capped off by a 2 run homer by Alex Gonzalez. After 75 pitches Pedro was done after only 3 innings.

It was amazing...All of those fears that the Red Sox and their fans had about signing up Pedro for 4 more years became so visible, even if only for one night. Although it was clear that Pedro was effected by the circus atmosphere and his return to Fenway, it was his lack of a fastball (topping off at 91) and his in ability to make quality pitches and make adjustments that were his undoing.

Pedro did hit one batter, coming inside to Mark Loretta in the 3rd.

After the game Pedro called the whole situation a win, talking more about his triumphant return to a crowd that loved him than his failed start for his new employer.

On the other side of the coin, Josh Beckett had his 2nd strait masterful performance. With probably the least amount of media attention in any start this year, Beckett went 7 2/3 innings allowing only 2 runs on solo home runs and struck out 7.

Nearly missed in all the craziness was that it was the Sox 11th strait win, their most since 1995.

The Sox, who are averaging 7.9 runs a game during this streak, have won 13 of 14 games against National League teams, including consecutive routs of the NL's purported best, while climbing a season-best 19 games over .500.