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Mark Loretta played one all-star season at second base for the Red Sox (in 2006), finishing with five HRs, 59 RBI, and a .285 AVG. The Red Sox then just let him go en lieu of an unknown rookie named Dustin Pedroia. Now with the Astros, Loretta is merely a backup infielder and pinch hitter, but in Sunday’s game he made the Red Sox remember who he was after a game-winning RBI single (his fourth RBI of the series) in the eighth inning off Hideki Okajima during a 3-2 Astros win.

The current Red Sox second baseman, Dustin Pedroia, also impressed. He went 2-5 with a HR and a stolen base. He continues to be absolutely on fire. In his last 10 games, Pedroia is 24-40 (.600) with 2 HR, 5 RBI. Simply put, he is getting on base for the 3-4-5 hitters.

Sox Stud of the Game:

Manny Ramirez connected on a game-tying HR in the seventh inning (his 16th of the season) during a 2-4 game. He also singled and walked on the afternoon, but his effort was not enough as the Sox lost 3-2.

Diamond Dud of the Game:

I don’t want to attach negative labels to any Sox players (even Julio Lugo) especially because the Sox are 50-34. But, I find myself closer and closer to naming a certain Red Sox left-hander, Hideki Choke-ajima. It applied in Sunday’s game as he allowed yet another inherited runner to score, costing David Aardsma (2-2) and the Red Sox the win.

Game Notes:

• Jason Varitek went 0-3, dropping his batting average to .225.
• Before losing this series to the Astros, the Red Sox had won its last nine interleague series since losing two of three to the Cubs in 2005.
• Red Sox pitchers went AWOL at the plate in interleague play, finishing 0-25 with 18 strikeouts.

Tags: Dustin Pedroia, Hideki Okajima, Houston Astros, Manny Ramirez, Mark Loretta, Red Sox