4/13 vs. New York Yankees (8-5 W)
This game was not pretty, but it was uglier for Phil Hughes than for Dice-K. Hughes was pulled after 2+ innings and 7 runs, so I would say his first start at Fenway didn't go all that well. Anyways, it was nice to take 2 of 3 against the Yankees and move on to Cleveland. Big offensive night with Pedroia, Ramirez, Youkilis, Casey and Crisp all collecting two hits. I will give Javier Lopez this (even though I think he is one of the worst relievers in baseball): he pitched very well when called into a tight spot in this game.

4/14 at Cleveland Indians (6-4 W)
Wow, Manny really is the man. His two run homerun in the top of the ninth propelled the Sox to sweet, sweet victory. Lester pitched well until the 4th and 5th innings, where he got into a bit of trouble and surrendered 2 runs in each inning. Julian Tavarez pitched well in relief to get the ball to our late inning relievers and did not allow any more damage so Manny could blast his homer and win the game. Another positive note: Ortiz got 2 hits, although neither one was smoked.

4/15 at Cleveland Indians (5-3 W)
Jed Lowrie: 1 for 4 with 3 RBI's... not a bad way to start your major league career. The young infielder dribbled one past the left side of the infield for 2 crucial RBI's and beat out a double play ball to get the other one in; overall, a very good night. Tim Wakefield was his usual solid self with 6 innings and 2 runs turned in, and the bullpen did a good job locking things down (except for Javier Lopez, who looked great for the first two batters he faced but struggled thereafter). On to New York.

4/16 at New York Yankees (15-9 L)
Man, this game was ugly. Buchholz got knocked around (7 runs) and so did Wang (8 runs); stinks to lose to our rival, but what can you do? It happens, and will likely happen at least a few more times this season. There really wasn't a pitcher in this game who could get anyone out. Good offensive night for some of the guys, especially Manny and Pedroia. Hopefully tomorrow night fares better for our pitching staff.

4/17 at New York Yankees (7-5 W)
If you have not been paying attention to Manny Ramirez this season, you better start. He is really crushing the ball and aside from the bush league move of throwing behind him by Kyle Farnsworth, nothing can stop him right now. The pitching was solid - Beckett looked very good to the tune of 8 innings, 6 hits and 3 runs; not bad considering they're still stretching him out in regards to his pitch count. On a side note, Jacoby Ellsbury refuses to get caught stealing a base.

4/18 vs. Texas Rangers (11-3 W)
Luis Mendoza retired the first 8 Red Sox hitters he faced then he pitched very, very badly. Jed Lowrie started it all off with a double and David Ortiz smashed a grand slam to start the rout. Count me among the members of the unofficial Jed Lowrie fan club; the kid looks like he belongs and he really knows how to work a count. Dice-K wasn't great tonight, but oh well, he didn't need to be... although I would like a legitimately dominant start out of him to calm my nerves a little.

4/19 vs. Texas Rangers (5-3 W)
Another come from behind win; these last-minute wins this week have me feeling good, but a little cautious. I would like to see us get out in front and just beat up on some of these lesser teams like the Rangers, but as they say, "a win is a win." Manny continues to mash the ball this year, killing a home run in the bottom of the 8th to put the Sox on top 5-3. He is locked in right now and is showing us why we should pick up his $20 million option for next season.

You A Bad Mang is a senior writer for Boston Sports Buzz.