Fans Credit Offense for Red Sox’ Sudden Resurgence

Given the way the Red Sox have played over the course of the last four days, it’s hard to pick one factor that has led to their sudden resurgence.

Thursday’s kgb Poll Question asked fans what has been the most encouraging sign from the Red Sox lately, and 53 percent of voters gave credit to the offense. Thirty-five percent believe the pitching is responsible for the sudden surge, and 12 percent credit the offense.

During Thursday’s edition of Red Sox Gameday Live, GM Theo Epstein said good starting pitching jump-starts success, and although the majority of the Nation seems to disagree, there’s truth to the sentiment.

The starting pitching — excluding Daisuke Matsuzaka‘s somewhat disastrous first inning on Thursday night — has been stellar over the past four days. Despite his shaky start, even Dice-K managed to outpitch L.A.’s Scott Kazmir despite the fact that he allowed four runs in the first. He settled down to throw 5 1/3 innings of five-hit, five-run ball with three strikeouts. Also earning wins during the series were John Lackey, Clay Buchholz and Jon Lester.

Something sparked the offense during this four-game set, too, as it exploded for 36 runs — 17 of which came in the series opener on Monday.

And fans finally got a glimpse of what was supposed to be a solid defensive club, too. Adrian Beltre and Marco Scutaro began to prove their worth in the infield.

So what do you think? If you think the most encouraging sign is the offense, text “SOX1” to 542542. If you think it’s the pitching, text “SOX2” to 542542, or if you think it’s the defense, text “SOX3” to 542542.

Throughout the 2010 Red Sox season, NESN and kgb are teaming up to offer Red Sox fans poll questions during NESN’s pregame shows. Viewers of Olympia Sports presents The Boston Globe Red Sox Gameday Live are encouraged to text in their answer during the “NESN.com Question of the Day Powered by kgb” segment. Fans can text their answers to 542542. Votes are $0.99 each and standard message and data rates may apply.