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The Sox return to Oakland was a happy one, with two satisfying victories over the A's. Both starting pitchers threw exceptionally well, something that is not often said about Daisuke Matsuzaka and Jon Lester, considering they're known for being high pitch-counters. 

A few notes from the end of the longest series:

- David Ortiz got his first hit of the season, a little bloop over the infield. He then followed it up with a two-run jack.

- Jonathan Papelbon is clearly just fine after striking out the side on Tuesday night. His touchy performances in Japan and Los Angeles had been cause for concern.

- Kevin Youkilis broke Steve Garvey's record for consecutive errorless games at first base, with 194. 

- It's much nicer to watch a ballgame when it's not 5 am or midnight. 

Another thing that came out of this first series was our first glimpse at how the outfield is likely going to shake up as the season gains momentum. J.D. Drew's back spasms had allowed both Coco Crisp and Jacoby Ellsbury playing time, but when Drew returned this afternoon (going 1-5 with 2 K's and 4 men LOB), we all had our first collective cringe upon discovering that Crisp and not Ellsbury would be patrolling center field. Granted, Crisp had two hits this afternoon and scored a run, but he just looks so insecure at the plate and so clearly devoid of any sort of approach to his at-bats that he's painful to watch. I would much rather see Francona commit to Ellsbury and use Crisp as a utility man, or vice versa, than have this constant juggling. Then again, it makes the most sense to play Crisp as much as possible, in hopes of moving him to a starting role somewhere else.