I Love Jhonny Peralta's Dog

Matt Clement gets the ball this afternoon for the Red Sox, who have won 10 of their last 11 games and are in first place for the first time since April 22. ... Everyone swears there is no connection, but Tim Wakefield has been an ace since Doug Mirabelli came back from his disabled list stint:

           IP   H  ER  BB   K
0612 Cubs   7   4   1   0   3
0618 Pitt   7   7   0   3   5
0624 Phil   8   2   0   2   6
           22  13   1   5  14  0.41 ERA

In those three games, Mirabelli has gone 5-for-11. ... Terry Francona said last night's start was Wakefield's best outing of the year.

Curt Schilling will make his first rehab start this Wednesday for Pawtucket in Charlotte, NC. He should throw at least 85 pitches and is on pace to return to the big club for the weekend series in Baltimore before the All-Star break.

Jere has some great pictures from Jacobs Field. Remy and Orsillo trying to get into the park is hilarious. ... Does it say "Manny +2" anywhere?