BOSTON -- Manny Ramirez wasted little time on Friday night to extend
his hitting streak to a career-high 26 games.

Ramirez was credited with an RBI single after hitting a line drive off
southpaw Adam Loewen to Miguel Tejada in the first inning. Tejada made
a leaping effort to record the out, but the ball could not stay in the
All-Star shortstop's glove.

"It doesn't surprise me. I hope it lasts 'til the end of season," Red
Sox manager Terry Francona said. "The quality of at-bats has been
tremendous. You guys kept asking us in April, 'Are you worried? Are
you worried?' No. I said, 'When it gets going, he'll be where he's
supposed to be.' And he's been doing a heck of a job."

This is the second-longest hitting streak in the Major Leagues this
season, behind Chase Utley's 35-game hit streak and it is tied for the
seventh-longest hitting streak in Red Sox history.

"[I'm] very impressed. I don't know what the number is of the streak;
I don't even want to know," second baseman Mark Loretta said. "The guy
is consistent. He finds a way to zone in every at-bat and very rarely
does he give away an at-bat or swing at bad pitches. He's in a good
groove right now."

Ramirez's next opportunity in his gradual step towards history will be
against Orioles starter Kris Benson on Saturday. Ramirez has a
lifetime average of .818 (9-for-11) against the right-hander.

Source: redsox.com

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Isn't he doing great these days? Along with his hitting streak here is
his place in the standings:

#4 in the AL hitting leaders
#5 in Home Runs
Tied at #4 in RBIs (with Raul Ibanez)

Let's hope that that team will climb back into first place and keep
the lead. I don't think I can deal with the wild card this year.

Have a peaceful weekend.

Lynne