Streak snaps

So much for the perfecta. Or such was the name I was prepared to give to the quadruple-sweep, had the Red Sox actually accomplished it -- but I probably jinxed it before it had a chance to begin with my last post. More scientifically, the Red Sox ended their winning streak at the loathsome Trop tonight for two reasons: James Shields pitched a hell of a complete-game shutout, and, on a related note, the Red Sox bats grounded into double play after double play after double play within the first six innings, all of them inning-ending, and two of them authored by Kevin Youkilis. Some questioned the decision to leave Wakefield in, but he pitched wonderfully, delivering more than a quality start -- 7 innings and 1 earned run. Sadly, Tim Wakefield Disease, the devastating condition in which a pitcher receives absolutely no run support from his offense, struck hard with its Patient Zero and namesake tonight. Plus, though the point is ultimately moot with the shutout going on the other side,...