The Diamond might be Braves territory for a few more months, but last night it was pretty much overrun by Red Sox Nation. They had plenty to cheer. Pawtucket took advantage of a walk-filled sixth inning and scored five runs to continue its ownership of Richmond with an 8-5 victory.

Bryan Bostic continues to preach patience and long-term thinking for the Richmond area in its quest for a new professional baseball franchise. Bostic is part of a local group formed to investigate potential franchise ownership.

For all you guys who just know you have what it takes to play professional baseball if given the chance, Richmond Braves outfielder Carl Loadenthal should be your daily inspiration. Undrafted in college. Signed out of a tryout camp. Loadenthal is an underdog to make it to the majors, but then he's always been something of an afterthought.

Jim Bowden misses the slush machine from RFK Stadium. He's the team's GM and he's entitled to his cravings, but methinks he's being a tad picky here. Yeah, Nationals Park is without frozen goop in the homies' clubhouse. So stipulated. But it also lacks RFK's stale odors, cramped conditions and, umm, rodentia. On balance, it's a tradeoff Bowden and the Nats probably can live with.