There’s just no explaining it, is there? I’m giving up. Maybe the writers will delve into it, but I’m just willing to write off Safeco as an official house of horrors at this point. Let’s get a referendum started, shall we? In the meantime, here’s today’s best pieces:

Big Papi had a big night, but it wasn’t enough.

PROVIDENCE JOURNAL

Lester’s grit a show of pride - It’s really a shame that Sean McAdam doesn’t write more often, isn’t it? When he does, he tends to churn out gems like this piece about the effect Jon Lester has had on his family, and even fans and onlookers.

Drew on bench after son’s surgery - See, McAdam can be great! This is another terrific heart-string piece, even though it’s mainly a notebook. Tremendous stuff.

BOSTON HERALD

Time to make their move - Herald columnist Tony Massaroti may have hit the nail on the head with this piece: the Sox need to make hay in August and put the division significantly out of reach. If they don’t, well, they’ll only have themselves to blame for a collapse.

Sox try to help Lester - Ever wonder how rolling deadlines affect newspapers in print editions? Just check out this Rob Bradford story … which was the last one the Herald could use for complete syndication. The West coast is just a killer sometimes.

BOSTON GLOBE

‘Wally’ roughs up shocked Lucchino - We don’t know where the inimitable Gordon Edes found this one, but it’s a truly fantastic oddball story, and truly can’t be missed. We’d say more, but it would clearly spoil the thunder from the punchline. We’ll stop now before mixing any more metaphors.

Pedroia is now hitting his stride - Edes side feature is all about mighty-mite Dustin Pedroia, and how he may have a big impact down the stretch.

– Cameron Smith