GAME 25– 4/28/2013 – Home vs. the Houston Astros

RESULT – WIN 6-1

After showing a glimpse of being a competent pitcher again with his first start, John Lackey had some high expectations to meet.  After six innings by Lackey in an impressive 6-1 victory over the Astros on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, Lackey took a first step toward being a productive part of the Red Sox rotation.

The Sox finished off a four game sweep of the Houston Astros and improved to a Major league best 18-7.  This is their best start since 2002 and if they can win Tuesday they would set a team record for wins in April.

Everyone’s quick to poo-poo Lackey’s outing because it was against the Astros, including me who thought the Astros offense was abysmal this year.  But according to the stats, Houston averages just over four runs a game which is actually better than 16 other teams in the Majors this season.  Lackey consistently was between 90-93 and was able to get out of jams locating all of his pitches in the strike zone. 

His biggest test came in the top of the sixth inning when the Astros strung three singles together to load the bases with one out.  Lackey then struck out Fernando Martinez and got Matt Dominguez to ground out to end the inning and the threat.  His pitching line for the game was 6 innings, five hits, 1 run, 2 walks and 4 strikeouts.  He threw 81 pitches and though his arm strength isn’t at 100% there were no arm issues and he’ll look to ramp it up in his next outing.

The bullpen came in and shut down the Astros for the rest of the game allowing only 2 hits in the last 3 innings.  Clayton Mortensen, Koji Uehara and Andrew Bailey all got through their outings unscathed.

Offensively, the Sox banged out 11 hits with Daniel Nava going 2 for 4 with 3 runs scored, Big Papi going 2 for 4 with 2 RBI and Mike Carp going 2 for 3 with an RBI and a walk.  Dustin Pedroia also doubled in a run and Stephen Drew hit a 2 run triple.  Jacoby Ellsbury was the only Red Sox player without a hit and was caught stealing for the first time this year.  Mike Napoli struck out 3 times in the game but did have one hit.

The Astros mustered only 7 hits on the afternoon and their 4 and 5 hitters both had 2 each.  Carlos Pena was on base 3 times with 2 hits and a walk and Ronny Cedeno went 2 for 4 knocking in the only run for Houston.  Rick Ankiel hit a double and Jason Castro was on base 2 times with a hit and a walk.  The Stros only got one extra base hit but only struck out 4 times on the afternoon.

The Sox outscored Houston 28-10 over the four game series.  The Astros have never won at Fenway Park, their 0-7.

Boston’s off tonight and start a three game series with the Blue Jays in Toronto tomorrow.  Then their off to Texas to face the Rangers next weekend.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

John Lackey.  John got his first win in over a year and looked great for 6 innings.  It must have been a great relief to get through this outing with no pain in his arm and hopefully will give him some confidence for the rest of the year.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Jacoby Ellsbury.  The speedster went 0 for 4 with a strikeout and was caught stealing for the first time this year.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Bottom of the fourth and the struggling Stephen Drew up at the plate.  Drew lined a triple down the right field line to knock in two.  It put the Sox up 3-1 and ended up being the winning run of the ballgame.

NEXT

Tuesday, April 30th in Toronto vs. the Blue Jays.  Sox can set a team record for wins in April with a victory.