Teeing Off

Led by the spectacular two day hitting performance of Carl Crawford, the Red Sox made history on Wednesday and Thursday by putting up 14 runs in back-to-back games for the first time since 1998. 

Remember that feared offensive lineup Theo Epstein was talking about when he acquired Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford this past offseason?

It looks like it has officially arrived. 

For the first time since 1998, the Sox scored at least 14 runs in back-to-back games, destroying the Indians 14-2 on Wednesday and obliterating the Tigers 14-1 on Thursday.

Not only do the consecutive road victories improve Boston's overall record to 28-22 (a season-high six games over .500), but more importantly, it brings the Sox into a virtual tie with the Yankees for first in the AL East. 

Talk about picking yourself up by your boot-straps. 

After starting the season a dreadful 0-6, the Sox have gone an MLB-best 28-16 since, winning 11 of their last 13 games. 

"I'm glad we had two good days in a row," said manager Terry Francona. "It's nice to have games like that every once in a while." 

At the center of the recent turnaround is none other than the once eternally snakebitten, $142 million dollar man, Carl Crawford. Mired in a season-long slump that has been agonizing at times, the ultra-talented left fielder entered Wednesday's contest against Cleveland hitting just .212. 

Oh what a difference 48 hours can make. 

On Wednesday, Crawford just missed out on hitting for the cycle, but still went 4-4 with two doubles, a homer and two runs batted in. Then, on Thursday Crawford followed his stellar performance up by going 4-5 with two triples and three runs batted in.

Remarkably, Crawford now joins Sox legends Ted Williams and Carl Yazstremski as the only players in team history to ever record four hits and two triples in one game. 

He also became the first Sox player to record four hits in back-to-back games since Dustin Pedroia did it in 2008. 

And, oh yeah, Crawford's average now rests at a respectable .244. 

"Just going up there feeling a little bit more comfortable at the plate, trying to get my pitch to hit and not missing it when I do get a chance," explained Crawford. "It feels real good, just to be able to hit the ball and be yourself. I haven't felt that way in a long time. To have that feeling back felt great."

Red Sox fans can't help but hope and pray that feeling stays with Crawford for the rest of the season. 

"We all believe in him and I know he believes in himself," said Francona of Crawford. "It's nice to see him swing the bat like he did, that's for sure."

Watch out, American League opponents. 

The Red Sox have officially arrived. 

And Carl Crawford is at the center of it all.

Just like Theo Epstein had in mind all along.