Pitching wins championships
Sick:
In his last three starts, Tim Wakefield is 3-0 with a streak of 22 scoreless innings. His 16 wins match Beckett for most in the majors. Since June 12, Wakefield has 11 wins, most in the majors, and has a decision in all 26 of his starts.
Sicker:
In his last nine appearances, Papelbon has pitched nine scoreless innings in which he has struck out 17 and allowed just one hit [on] Aug. 17. He has now recorded at least one strikeout in 20 of his last 21 appearances. His average of 13.69 K's per nine innings (71 K's/46 2/3 IP) is the best among big-league relievers.
I'm getting giddy.