Latest sellout is one for the books

All 37,373 fans in Fenway Park were on their feet in the ninth inning, cheering a game-winning bunt by Jacoby Ellsbury. But there was more to cheer, too, and they had a part in it. With the team's 455th consecutive sold-out game at Fenway, the Red Sox tied the Cleveland Indians for the longest streak in major league history.

"I have not seen anything but sellouts since I've been here," said manager Terry Francona, who has been at the helm since 2004. "Think about that. That's unbelievable. I hope we don't ever get to the point where you kind of take it for granted. I know our organization doesn't.

"We have a great situation going right now. Our team is very popular. Fans, they just want to keep coming to the games . . . Every game is sold out, it's enthusiastic. I know if you look out the window of the weight room, it's almost like a carnival atmosphere outside of the ballpark. We have maybe the best ballpark as far as atmosphere that there is."

The streak began May 15, 2003. The Indians, who also had 455 straight sellouts, set the record between June 12, 1995, and April 2, 2001. The Red Sox are set to break the record Monday, when the team returns from its trip to Texas.

"For the players, this is the ultimate environment for playing baseball," Daisuke Matsuzaka said through an interpreter. "Everyone in the club has worked very hard to keep it going, and the fans have shown up, and we all appreciate it. I hope it goes on for a long, long time."

AMALIE BENJAMIN