Kinsler & Lavarnway Share The Spotlight

Batting leadoff, Ian Kinsler was 3-5 with 1 HR (his 32nd), 1 double (his 34th), 1 RBI, 2 runs scored, and 1 SB (his 30th) against the Angels. Kinsler is the 12th player in MLB history to ever have 2 or more 30/30 seasons. He's quietly had a terrific season, setting career-highs in games played, runs scored, HRs, extra base hits, total bases, BBs, and BB/K ratio.

Batting 6th, Ryan Lavarnway was 2-4 with 2 HRs (his 1st and 2nd), 4 RBIs, and 2 runs scored against the Orioles. This was a game of firsts for the young catcher. Lavarnway got his 1st career start at catcher, threw out his 1st baserunner, hit his 1st home run, had his 1st multi-HR game, had his 1st multi-RBI game, had his 1st multi-run-scoring game, and had his 1st game-winning hit. His solo shot in the 8th inning ended up being the game-winner for the Sox. Also, had he not gotten robbed of a bases-clearing double or triple by Nick Markakis in the 5th inning, he would have had 7 RBIs. Huge win for the Sox. Huge night for the rookie.

Batting 3rd, Ryan Braun was 1-2 with 2 BBs, 2 runs scored, and 1 SB (his 32nd) against the Pirates. Jose Reyes is hitting .336. Braun is hitting .335. Looks like the NL batting title will come down to the wire.

Batting 3rd, Danny Valencia was 2-4 with 1 run scored against the Royals.

Pinch hitting, Josh Satin was 0-1 with 1 BB against the Reds.

Craig Breslow pitched 1 scoreless inning against the Mariners.