Sox

NEW YORK - Rather than continue to be manipulated by a supposed curse, the kind that can torment a franchise for 85 years and be used to explain away every failure, the Boston Red Sox appear determined to pound it into submission. They took a few more swings last night, raising some welts and the expectations of their loyal following. Unwilling to yield to an unfavorable pitching matchup, a weakened lineup and constant reminders of their postseason glitches, the Red Sox hit three home runs off Mike Mussina and seized early control of the American League Championship Series with a 5-2 victory over the New York Yankees in Game 1 at Yankee Stadium.

Good morning --Theo Epstein -- With no deals yesterday, does Red Sox Nation still consider you a genius?

Baseball AMERICAN LEAGUE Tigers@Orioles, ppd. Blue Jays 8, Athletics 3 Red Sox 5, Yankees 3 Angels @White Sox, ppd. NATIONAL LEAGUE Reds 5, Nats 4, 11 inn. Giants 9, Cubs 3 Astros 4, Dodgers 2 Padres 8, Brewers 5 Braves 9, Marlins 1 Phillies 2, Mets 0, 5 inn. Diamondbacks @Pirates, ppd. Pgs 6-9F