Both Lowe and Contreras pitched two easy innings. But Lowe was wild again in the fourth and gave up a 3-run double to Aaron Boone—on a 0-2 pitch of all things. The Yankees took a 5-3 lead.

Then Contreras couldn’t get anyone out in the bottom of the fourth. Bill Mueller hit his 17 homer of the year–a two run shot, and then Gabe Kapler added an RBI double. The Sox regain the lead, 6-5.

Contreras was replaced by Jeff Weaver. The beat writers are mulling whether they’ll need to change their storylines or simply augment the running ones. Will Weaver make the most of the opportunity or will he get his ticket punched too? The Boston crowd is yelling, “Weaver, Weaver.” It has an ominous, distinctly college-cadence; it sounds like a frat chant or something you’d hear at a hazing ritual.

Johnny Damon flies out to left and Varitek tags up from third. Boston leads 7-5.
Weaver then strikes Todd Walker out looking on a 2-2 breaking ball. He follows that by striking Nomar out too.

End of the fourth:

Boston 7
Yankees 5