Reds 9, Cubs 2

Assuming the Cubs’ Glendon Rusch (above) has an opportunity to face Bronson Arroyo for a third time this season, he might as well knock his counterpart down. Anything to avoid being taken deep by an opposing pitcher for a third time in one year.

Jonathan Papelbon collected his 4th save in a week, pitching a perfect 9th inning and preserving the win for Josh Beckett (2-0), as the Red Sox celebrated a 5-3 home opener victory over the Blue Jays. If you’re looking for a silver lining in Keith Foulke’s new status as the highest paid set-up guy in baseball, look at it this way : soon, he’ll be the most well compensated mop-up man.

3B Mike Lowell, completely written off by this correspondent during spring training, had 4 hits, 3 of ’em doubles, and 4 RBI’s. Terry Francona said afterwards that Lowell would soon learn to love the Green Monster, but on today’s evidence, he’s already infatuated.