RESULT – LOSS 4-2
The streak is over, ended by a very impressive pitching performance by Royals starter and former Angels starter Ervin Santana. Ervin was brilliant pitching 7 innings giving up only 6 hits, 2 runs, striking out 7 with no walks. The Sox simply couldn’t string anything together off of him. I was surprised because the Sox historically hit him pretty well but today he was on and looked fantastic. If he keeps this up, the Royals are going to be a tough team to beat this season.
The Red Sox had another streak snapped in addition to having their eight game win streak end. The starting pitching for the Red Sox had only allowed three runs or fewer for 16 straight games. Ryan Dempster would allow four in his start. Ryan didn’t pitch all that badly though. The 35-year old went 7 innings giving up 6 hits, 4 run, and 3 walks and struck out 8 batters. His 3 walks got him in trouble as his pitch count soared to 107. Dempster let up a home run to the second batter of the game, Alcides Escobar but was able to get out of further trouble until the top of the fourth when he allowed the other 3 runs. The first 3 batters of the inning all reached base forcing in the tying run. Dempster then struck out the next two batters and I thought for a second he’d get out of the inning tied but Salvador Perez, the Royals young catcher was able to single down the left field line to score 2 more runs and ultimately win the game.
The Sox had absolutely no production from their 5-9 hitters as they combined to go 1-19 with 8 strikeouts. Stephen Drew was particularly awful going 0 for 4 with 3 strikeouts. Will Middlebrooks was able to get the only hit from the bottom of the order going 1 for 4 but also struck out 2 times. David Ortiz went 3 for 4 with his first double of the year and also drove in one of the Sox two runs.
The Sox had a huge opportunity in the 8th when they loaded the bases against Bruce Chen and Aaron Crow with Jarrod Saltalamacchia up at the plate. Salty had the count 2-0 and I thought would be taking until he got a strike. I was wrong as he weakly bounced the next pitch back to the pitcher to end the inning. It was frustrating because I would have like to see Salty take until he got a strike and not be so aggressive in that situation.
The Sox wouldn’t have long to dwell on the loss as Fenway was emptied out and prepared for Game 2 of the doubleheader at 7. More on that in the next post.
SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP
David Ortiz. Ortiz went 3 for 4 with a double and RBI. I was hoping Big Papi would have immediate results in the middle of the order and so far so good. He was lifted in the eighth for a pinch runner but I also heard he may have had some tightness in his calf. I’m hopeful that it’s not serious because with him in the middle of the lineup, the Sox are a lot scarier.
ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP
Stephen Drew. Drew went 0 for 4 with 3 strikeouts. Drew just plain looks bad out there right now. I’ve seen Drew in the past and know he’s a good hitter. He needs to find it soon or the Sox may opt to bring young Jose Iglesias back up, though I hear he’s also struggling down at Triple A.
PLAY OF THE GAME
Bottom of the eighth with 2 outs and the bases loaded. Salty had a huge opportunity to knock in at the very least one run and maybe even tie the game. With a 2-0 count I was thinking alright Salty, let’s take until a strike. Unfortunately he swung at the next pitch and bounced a weak ground ball back to the mound. Inning over, threat over and GAME OVER. You have to know the situation there and take some pitches. You have the perfect opportunity and wasted it away. You’re better than that Salty.
NEXT
Later on that night, April 21st the second game of the day night doubleheader vs. the Kansas City Royals.
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