Sox Get Much-Needed Win 6-5 in 11 Innings

A million years ago when I was playing baseball in a New England tournament I remember our league president telling the players that it is easier to win once you have done it before & most of us players had tournament experience. The converse is that it is really, really hard to get out of a losing streak as everything seems to go against you. Case in point is last night's game. Dustin Pedroia hits a go-ahead homer in the bottom of the 8th. Since Andrew Bailey is on the DL (again), recently activated Joel Hanrahan comes in to close & he gives up a tying homer to the Minnesota leadoff batter. Adding insult to injury, Hanrahan leaves during the 9th with an arm injury. Clayton Mortensen came in & shutdown the Twins for 2+ innings before Stephen Drew wins it for the Sox in the 11th with his 4th hit of the night. Good, hard fought, persistent win for the Sox players. It will be interesting to see who now gets to assume the closing duties for the Sox & who Farrell brings up to take Hanrahan's spot. Obviously they need a fresh bullpen arm. Maybe this is an opportunity for Daniel Bard.