The Boston Red Sox have won six of their last eight games and have finally made it over the .500 mark. They try to continue their improved play with a stop in Minnesota tonight.Several factors have contributed to the Sox recent string of success which includes the return of Shane Victorino and Will Middlebrooks to the line-up. They have helped to improve the club defensively and make the offensive line-up more challenging for opposing pitchers.

Over the last eight games the team has batted .250 with Victorino shaking off the rust from his long DL stint to start the season. Will Middlebrooks also had a game winning hit the eighth inning to help beat the Reds during this stretch. Run production has also improved as the Sox have outscored their opponents 36-26.

Going into the series against the Twins, Boston is just a game and a half out of first place in the AL East.

East

W

L

PCT

GB

L10

STRK

Baltimore

20

16

.556

-

6-4

L2

Boston

19

18

.514

1.5

6-4

W2

NY Yankees

19

18

.514

1.5

4-6

L3

Toronto

19

20

.487

2.5

6-4

W1

Tampa Bay

16

23

.410

5.5

3-7

L2

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