The 2017 season hasn't gone according to script for the Boston Red Sox.
The prohibitive favorites in the American League East coming out of spring, the Sox wobbled early and entered their weekend series with the Chicago Cubs at a pedestrian 11-10.
After a three-game interlude with the defending champs at Fenway Park, Boston proved its World Series bona fides and re-established its role as a Junior Circuit contender.
Oh, sure, the calendar has barely flipped to May. Titles aren't won this time of year.
Still, make no mistake: This was a test for the Red Sox, and they passed.