Red Sox weekly recap (Week 14)

Believe it or not, there's one more game until the All-Star Break, and the Boston Red Sox are looking to take three out of four over the Kansas City Royals.

The Sox are also hoping that the Los Angeles Angels can sweep the visiting New York Yankees, so that Boston can have a nice three game lead heading into the break.

It was a better week despite being shutout against the Oakland Athletics (6-0) and blowing a 4-0 lead to the Royals in the first game of the series. 

Nomar Garciparra returned to Fenway Park for the first time in five years as an A's member on Monday, and was welcomed warmly with a minute long standing ovation during his first at-bat.

David Ortiz's bat is hot right now, as he blasted four home runs this week alone to bring his season total to 12 and 300 in his career. He is now ranked 19th on the active home run list.

The Red Sox bullpen has been uneasy ever since June 30 in Baltimore. Justin Masterson has not been masterful at all, giving up 12 runs in his last six innings pitched. 

On a good note, John Smoltz (1-2) finally gained his first win in a Red Sox uniform and in the American League, as the Sox won the Saturday night slug fest over the Royals 15-9.

Sunday July 5 - Saturday July 11

Week record: 5-2

Overall record: 53-34

AL East standing: 1st, 2.0 games ahead of New York

Runs scored: 40

Opponents' runs scored: 33

Home runs: 12; David Ortiz (4), Dustin Pedroia (2), Kevin Youkilis (2), Jacoby Ellsbury (1), Jason Bay (1), Jason Varitek (1)

Games left: 75

Weeks left: 14

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