Angels6Red Sox3 

Even shock and grief couldn't keep the Los Angeles Angels from taking care of business against the Boston Red Sox. 

Jered Weaver reached down to the mound with his finger and etched Nick Adenhart's initials in the dirt. 

Jered Weaver struck out eight in a strong season debut and the grief-stricken Los Angeles Angels, still mourning the shocking death of rookie pitcher Nick Adenhart, beat the Boston Red Sox 6-3 on Friday night. 

When theTampaBayRays made a heart-pumping run through the playoffs last year, many longtime fans wondered if the often silly but lovable Trop entertainers would still be a part of the big show. 

It's like the off-season never happened for Matt Garza and the Tampa Bay Rays. 

Once upon a time, boys played Baseball in whatever space they could find with whatever gear they could scrounge up. 

Tim Bogar didn't know Nick Adenhart well, but in July 2006 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Adenhart was on the roster of the US Futures team for which Bogar coached. 

Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek never likes to talk about his offense when he has a pitching staff to run and scouting reports to pore over. 

--2B Dustin Pedroia was presented with his 2008 Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Awards prior to Thursday afternoon's game. 

The Red Sox suffered few injuries this spring and appear to be in good shape to approach -- or surpass -- the 95 victories they achieved last season. 

PHILADELPHIA - Four Phillies walked with the bases loaded during an eight-run seventh inning and Philadelphia rallied for a 12-11 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday. 

Jonathon Niese spent most of last year pitching Double-A ball in Binghamton. 

He likes hamburgers and pizza. 

Daisuke Matsuzaka might have had his best season and won the ALCS opener against the Tampa Bay Rays, but it was Matt Garza who earned two playoff wins against the Boston Red Sox, including the pennant-clinching victory at home.