RESULT – LOSS 4-3
The Sox jumped out 3-1 on Yu Darvish in the first 3 innings but it wouldn’t last as he adjusted and simply put on a clinic yesterday striking out 14 Red Sox batters. Darvish went 7 innings giving up 4 hits, 3 run and walked 2 as well. He pitched 127 pitches and helped the Rangers mount a comeback and eventually walk off with a win.
Watching him pitch is electrifying, even if you’re not a Ranger fan. The young right hander has a ton of pitches and his movement on them is mesmerizing. He uncharacteristically gave up 2 homeruns but bounced back strong and kept the game within reach for the Rangers hitters.
Jon Lester had a solid start going six innings giving up only 5 hits and 3 earned runs. He struck out 7 and walked 3. On any given day that pitching line is pretty damn good but when compared to his counterpart on Sunday, it pales in comparison.
Koji Uehara came on in the 7th and pitched around a hit and a walk and was able to get out of the inning unscathed but this is his second rough outing in a row and I’m starting to feel a bit uneasy about him.
Junichi Tazawa and Andrew Miller combined to throw a scoreless eighth as Andrew Miller struck out the 2 batters he faced. He’s been the exact opposite of Uehara as I’m starting to gain more confidence in Miller. He seems to have found the strike zone and is doing what he’s supposed to do; get lefties out.
Clayton Mortensen came on in the ninth and promptly struck out the first 2 batters he faced. Everything was looking great and the game seemed destined for extra innings. But Elvis Andrus kept the inning alive with a single up the middle giving the Rangers life.
Lance Berkman came up and Mortensen uncorked one that bounced off Jarrod Saltalamacchia that allowed Andrus to get to second. John Farrell then called for an intentional walk of Berkman and up came Adrian Beltre. Four pitches later, Adrian
The Sox started out hot against Yu Darvish getting a two-run home run from David Ortiz who extended his hit streak to 25 games. Ortiz finished 1 for 3 on the day with that homerun and also walked. In the second, David Ross hit a solo home run to put the Sox out 3-0 but Darvish settled down and looked downright nasty the rest of the game.
Only 3 more hits would be allowed the rest of the game, one each from Pedroia, Drew and Ciriaco. Daniel Nava went 0 for 4 with 3 strikeouts, Mike Napoli went 0 for 3 with 2 strikeouts and Mike Carp went 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts. Stephen Drew got a hit but also struck out 3 times on the afternoon. Jacoby Ellsbury went 0 for 5 on the day.
The Sox did steal 3 bases on the day including one from David Ross which was a huge surprise.
Well, the good news is the Sox are heading back to Boston
The Sox scored 4 runs the entire series and couldn’t muster anything against the Rangers pitching. The Rangers starting pitching has been great to start the season and is a huge reason why the Rangers are 20-11 on the season.
SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP
David Ross. Ross went 1 for 2, with 2 walks and his 4th homerun of the year. He also stole a base and seems to be an offensive force when he starts for the Sox.
ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP
Daniel Nava. He went 0 for 4 with 3 strikeouts and Darvish made him look silly all day long.
PLAY OF THE GAME
Top of the 9th, after Ross walked and Drew singled to put runners on first and second with only 1 out, Salty struck out swinging and Ellsbury grounded out to end the inning and any hopes of the Sox salvaging the series.
NEXT
Today, May 6th back home at Fenway vs. the Twins..
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