Daniel Bard Leading This Week’s Top Dawg of the Week Voting

Daniel Bard has been as close to a sure thing as there ever could be for Terry Francona in the eighth inning. This week, despite giving up a run for the first time since Aug. 9, he’s leading the voting for Top Dawg of the Week.

Bard entered in relief Wednesday night and played an integral role in the Red Sox’ comeback from a 4-1 deficit after the first inning and a 5-2 deficit after the second. The offense eventually woke up, and Jon Lester made it through six. Bard pitched two huge innings before giving way to Jonathan Papelbon for the save.

Through early Thursday evening, Bard has received 39 percent of fans’ votes. Darnell McDonald, Marco Scutaro and Daniel Nava aren’t too far behind.

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Every Monday or Tuesday (depending on when the Red Sox series starts), NESN.com will release which Red Sox players are the Top Dawg contenders. The following Sunday, Jerry Remy will pick a Top Dawg of the Week.

But Jerry also wants to hear from you, Red Sox Nation, and find out who you think is the week’s Top Dawg for the Red Sox. Fans can vote for their Top Dawg of the Week. At the end of the week, we’ll see if Jerry’s Top Dawg matches up with Red Sox Nation’s Top Dawg.